The other Las Vegas

New Mexico Business Journal, Sept, 1995

The prospect of bringing gambling into what would be called "The Other Las Vegas" is also on the table. Mayor Martinez favors a study of the matter, and he has named a committee that began meeting in July, 1995. "It wouldn't be a good idea if gambling weren't happening in New Mexico, but it's here. We're looking into it. The railroad district, with the old Casteneda Hotel, would make an ideal gaming district," he says.

Natural Beauty, Cultural Survival, Water

Situated on the edge of the plains that roll out to meet the deep forests of the Sangre de Cristos, Las Vegas offers spectacular recreational opportunities with nearby fishing, boating, skiing, golfing, and hiking. The Santa Fe National Forest and the Pecos Wilderness lie within San Miguel County.

Ranching is still an important industry here. And, because people have lived off the land for centuries farming and bartering, the protection of land and water resources takes on heightened significance. Their way of life depends on the protection of their environment.

To underscore the go-slow attitude toward growth, a moratorium on subdivisions was placed on San Miguel County, in February, 1994, following the same action taken previously in nearby Mora County. Lot-splitting (dividing land into no more than four pieces) is still permitted, but a statewide law forbidding that practice goes into effect on July 1, 1996.

Another issue affecting growth is water. To finance a $5 million expansion of the city's water treatment plant, commercial water rates recently went up three-and-a-half times, while residential rates doubled. Those living outside city limits must now pay double plus 20 percent.

"Water is one of the critical concerns in the community," says Sharon Vander Meer, managing editor of the Las Vegas Optic." Our water is surface runoff, and the city has been battling for increased water rights for a long time."

Mayor Tony Martinez, currently finishing his fourth term in office, is more optimistic than most about the potential water shortfall when he says, "I feel very confident we'll win the pueblo water rights suit. It's still in litigation."

"The growth of Las Vegas depends on how much water we have in the future," says Katherine Slick.

Whatever amount of growth occurs in the future, Las Vegans will not see their property taxes raised and their families driven off their land - as occurred in Santa Fe County - without a fight.

Sharon Niederman, a freelance reporter based in Albuquerque, writes frequently on business topics.