LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The team behind the proposed Harlem Nights Casino and Hotel promises to push ahead for city approval in the Historic Westside, despite city staff recommending “denial” of the development.
Tuesday night, members of the City of Las Vegas’ Planning Commission overwhelmingly voted to support staff findings and uphold the denial of the proposal’s plans and requests for waivers.
Dozens of community members, supporters and project backers spoke late into Tuesday night at the meeting, calling for city leaders to back the project. Some voiced opposition to the massive development in the area.
On June 18, the City Council will review and decide on the Commission’s recommendation. Commissioners note that the project has time to address various concerns and provide updates to the council.
“Staff finds that the proposed development consists of an overly large tower that will effectively change the historic quality of the neighborhood, and that the proposed development is not compatible with the surrounding context,“ the staff report states.
The proposed resort site is on Jackson Avenue and F Street. The 22-story facility promises gaming, hotel rooms, a nightclub and dayclub, various amenities and residential housing.
The project has a promise to the Historic Westside: a donation of 10% of all net profit to the Historic Westside community in the form of donations to faith-based groups, educational scholarships, aid for small businesses and help for homeowners.
“What’s at stake is the future of the Westside,” said property owner Shlomo Meiri to FOX5 before the commission meeting. “This community is screaming for development. They are in desperate need for development,” Meiri said.
Over a period of several years, Meiri said he worked with the previous councilmember and city staff to lower the height of the project four times. He expressed frustration at the recommendations for denial, after years of discussion.
“I support this initiative… I see the opportunity for jobs that pay a living wage, businesses owned by the people that live here, and housing that is affordable,” said community member and Jackson Street property owner Chandler Cook. Over the past few weeks at a community meeting, residents expressed support for job opportunities for community members.
According to the staff report, the project did not demonstrate why the project must be significantly higher than the limit of seven stories. Other parts of the application requested exemptions, such as allowing the project to exist near a church.
Commissioners asked pointed questions on issues like financing; the project costs $450 million and all financing is secured, according to presenters.
“That’s why when you go in that community, there are a lot of people who doubt. And we have a right to doubt because we’ve been promised things over those 50 years,” said Commissioner Stephen Munford, who voted to uphold city staff’s recommendation.
Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.
