Las Vegas is moving forward with plans to convert the Badlands golf course into a housing development, pending a vote by the Planning Commission.
Las Vegas: The Planning Commission is gearing up to vote on a new housing project at the old Badlands golf course. This meeting is happening Tuesday night, and it’s a big deal.
The golf course is expected to change ownership in March. The city and EHB Cos., led by Yohan Lowie, are finalizing a settlement to wrap up a long legal battle.
According to a deal tentatively approved last month, the city will buy the 250-acre land for $636 million and then sell it to Lennar Homes for $350 million. They plan to build 1,480 housing units.
The remaining $286 million will settle three lawsuits EHB filed after buying the golf course in 2015. Once that’s done, Lowie will drop the lawsuits against the city.
City staff mentioned that EHB and Lennar have signed nonbinding agreements about the deal. The sale is set to close on March 19.
Planning commissioners will look at Lennar’s land use proposals, including a tentative map. This seven-member board guides the City Council on zoning and the city’s master plan.
On the agenda are 25 conditions from various city departments, including planning and public works. One condition states that all public works improvements shown on the tentative map are just in concept for now.
City staff is recommending that the planning board approve Lennar’s proposal.
It looks like the long legal saga between Las Vegas and EHB is finally coming to an end. Lowie had plans for a big housing project, but nearby residents opposed it.
The city had granted EHB land entitlements, but plans hit a snag over zoning issues. EHB sued the city, claiming it was unfairly blocked from building.
Judges agreed and awarded EHB $285 million in three lawsuits. Two cases are still under appeal, but a tentative agreement was reached last month.
Last year, Las Vegas paid EHB $64 million to settle a lawsuit over a 35-acre section of Badlands.
Lennar hasn’t commented on its proposal yet. A law firm representing them told the city that the development plan would be a great addition to the area, offering various housing options.
They believe the project will create a modern, state-of-the-art development that fits well with the existing homes nearby.
For more info, you can reach out to Ricardo Torres-Cortez at rtorres@reviewjournal.com.
