: -,'4 Thtalsda' Ma€. 22,' 1997 Pahrump,Valle¥,G a, zet te
PEC,
angry homeowners go head to head at planning commission meeting
By Andy Holtmann
Gazette Staff
The May 14 meeting of the Pahrump Regional Planning
Commission at Bob Ruud Community Center was the scene
of both new ideas and conflicting interests. Although the
developers had the floor, it was a large group of frustrated
citizens who most wanted to be heard.
The conflict arose when Fred Conte, vice president of
Preferred Equities Corp., was suggesting possible revisions
in the Planning Commission's zoning section of the Draft
Master Plan. Conte was discussing the recent rise in the
number of billboards placed around town without permission
from the developers who have placed CC&Rs (Covenants,
Conditions and Restrictions) on the lands in question. A few
of the audience members stood up, prepared to counter
Conte's statements.
"Next door to where I live, a man has basically created a
junkyard," said Pahrump resident Weldon Meredith. "He has
accumulated all of these parts and garbage. It is a danger to the
children of this community and an eyesore to all who look at
it. This wouldn't have happened ifPEC had not allowed it to."
Most of the complaints stemmed from accusations that
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PEC has been too relaxed on its policies and restrictions,
According to some upset citizens, mobile homes, billboards,
and even some commercial businesses, have been erected in
areas that are deemed by PEC as residential land only. Many
homeowners who have invested in Cah'ada property say that
they have been duped into believing that their neighborhood
was protected from unwanted elements by CC&Rs that
Preferred Equities created.
However, Conte stated that he felt PEC should not be
responsible for making sure all people abide by the rules of
CC&Rs.
"Some people comply with the rules and there are some
who don't," said Conte. "Those who do not may not always
get punished. I do not propose myself or my company to be
the CC&R police of the Pahrump Valley."
Those who are upset say that PEC is allowing CC&Rs to
be violated solely for the purpose of making money• This has
apparently led to mobile and side-by-side homes to be built in
areas where foundation-style homes are zoned to be. Resi-
dents say that these types of homes bring down the property
values of their own homes.
"I used to trust PEC before their last president passed
away," said Louis Sayne. "Now, I wouldn't trust Conte as far
as I could throw my house. I invested over $100,000 in my
home and there are currently three mobile homes on this street
alone. All Conte cares about is making money, not serving the
people."
Conte responded by saying that concerned citizens have
the legal right to pursue complaints in a court of law. PEC, he
said, has asked for voluntary compliance with CC&Rs from
the citizens. He added that the corporation has not had a large
amount of success in this area.
"For those people who have taken the time to contact me,
I am more than happy to listen to their concerns," said Conte.
"There are even times that I would suggest that PEC would
join the citizen in their efforts to uphold CC&Rs."
Despite the controversy,there are a number of people who
support Conte's efforts in the Pahrump community. Those
who praise him cite his involvement with donations such as
the library and to programs like "No To Abuse."
"We have had no problems whatsoever," said Bart Cal-
low, a one-year resident of Pahrump. "Calvada has treated us
well and provided us with everything we need."
"People are unhappy with the mobile homes that are going
up and I don't blame them," said Diana Stiles. "But PEC has
always treated its customers well and we have had no com-
plaints• They even helped out by paying for our power. We are
currently under a different CC&R than some of the newer
residential areas."
As for the lot across from Meredith' s property, PEC wrote
a letter to the Merediths assuring them that the metal garage
being constructed is not a business and will not be an eyesore
to the area.
Meredith stated that the owner, Cecil Clark, is not around
and has been away from his lot for at least four months. PEC
also said in the letter that the garage will be used as storage and
that the building will be foundation-style in accordance with
the rest of the homes in the area.
EYESORE- Citizens who are upset with PEC say that it
is scenes such as this lot on Huckleberry St. that violate
instituted CC&Rs.
"That's great," said Meredith. "But in the meantime, that
lot is a hazard to children who I have to chase out of there. It
is also currently an eyesore and when the wind blows, the
metal sheets create a racket."
Meredith and local resident Ron Summers have collected
about 500 signatures on a petition against violations of
CC&Rs. Summers has apparently also been in contact with
the Gov. Bob Miller about the issue.
During the Planning Commission meeting, Conte would
not answer questions regarding the citizen complaints. Chair-
man Ben DePue did not allow the audience members" who
began questioning Conte to continue. According to DePue,
Continued on page 8
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