Watching the Fontainebleau go up lately, I’ve had two thoughts: “wow, that’s a big structure at the back of the property” and “I bet those people in Turnberry Place are pretty mad.” Turns out I’m right on both counts. From the LVRJ:
Aventura, Fla.-based Turnberry Associates started building Turnberry Place in 1998, constructing four 38-story towers with 720 units. After purchasing the 21-acre former El Rancho site for $45 million in 2000 and an adjacent 3-acre parcel for $95 million in 2005, the company announced plans for the $3 billion Fontainebleau project.
Turnberry residents say they were deceived by the developer. Sales employees told prospective buyers and residents that the parking structure would be seven stories and the first two levels would be underground, Robert Poll said.
He said they were never notified of a change to 175 feet for the garage. In July, the Clark County Commission approved a variance to 250 feet.
Residents are taking the matter to court and have hired attorney J.T. Moran to argue their case. District Judge Michael Vilani is scheduled to rule Friday on a petition for judicial review to see if the county acted arbitrarily and capriciously.
“Our complaint is with the county,” Poll said. “Were not going to court against Turnberry, were going to court against the commission.”
After the petition is heard, its probably going to be appealed to the Supreme Court of Nevada by one side or the other, Moran said.
“Theyre going to look at the law and follow the law. If they do that, its a layup,” he said.
Julie Stapleton and her sister, Ann Stager, pooled their resources to buy a unit at Turnberry’s tower one in 2000. They knew something would eventually be built to obstruct their view.
“We bought on the third floor. We were not looking for a view,” Stapleton said. “Our concern is now the toxins and noise and pollutants are absolutely going to be unbearable. Five thousand cars and trucks going in and out daily, right about 70 feet from our balcony. I think its absolutely criminal to build this monstrosity here.”
ReviewJournal.com – Business – Fontainebleau plans viewed with wrath
I’d like to see the plans for the garage–is it really 23 stories high? That must be the tallest garage ever built–it’s about twice as tall as anything I’ve seen in my limited travels.
But maybe the garage is just on the lower floors, and the upper floors are convention space? That seems more likely.
In any event, I wouldn’t be too happy if I spent big bucks for a TP unit that faces the construction. Caveat emptor or code violation? I guess the courts will work it out, barring a settlement.