LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – For years now, FOX5 has been following the plight of a historically Black neighborhood in North Las Vegas where homes continue to sink.
There is a plan to build new homes for all of the families who remain in Windsor Park with millions of dollars allocated by the state, but the governor now wants to change the funding source.
“This is about you. I am only here serving the interests of Windsor Park families,” stated Senator Dina Neal at a Saturday emergency meeting to discuss the proposal. Neal fought for the people of Windsor Park to get new homes after proper studies weren’t done when the neighborhood was built back in the 60’s and groundwater was later sucked out from beneath causing the land to shift.
During the last legislative session, $37 million was allocated to build brand new homes somewhere outside the neighborhood. During the weekend meeting the developer explained $25 million in federal money comes with a deadline: December 31st, 2026.
“If we don’t spend it by December 26’, the money is going to be lost,” explained Frank Hawkins.
Governor Lombardo is proposing the money currently allocated be swapped instead for general funds.
“The proposal to change funding streams for the project secures funding for Windsor Park, instead of leaving it susceptible,” a governor’s spokesperson wrote to FOX5.
Currently, soil testing is underway at a site not far from the neighborhood, a first step and most important step to building new homes.
“The worst case scenario, the soil reports come back and say it is not buildable,” Hawkins contended.
If the soil does get the okay, residents have been told during their next meeting with the developer, they should get a look at the new home models.
Original Windsor Park resident Barbara Carter feels confident they can be built within the next two years and after decades of roadblocks, wants to stick with the current plan.
“We need to let the senator know we want to continue the way we are now or take a chance and go for the governor’s swap?,” Carter asked other residents.
“No,” one of the residents quickly replied.
Will the governor’s funding swap proposal mean a building delay for the new homes? FOX5 reached out to the developer Monday who responded: “We should know more by the weekend.”
Monday, FOX5 also reached back out to the governor’s office asking what happens next and what would the federal funds be used for if not for Windsor Park? We have not heard back as of time of this publication.
Residents have been told the governor will be taking part in a meeting on the future of Windsor Park next week.
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