A local developer is moving forward with plans for a new subdivision aimed at assisting residents in a sinking North Las Vegas community, a project that has attracted significant attention due to its publicly funded nature and the close ties between the project’s sponsors and the builder.
The North Las Vegas Planning Commission is set to review a proposal for a 93-lot housing tract located along Carey Avenue, just west of Martin Luther King Boulevard. This vacant site spans approximately 18 acres and is currently surrounded by wrought-iron fencing.
The development is led by Community Development Programs Center of Nevada, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit organization. Last year, this organization secured a $37 million state contract to construct single-family homes intended to benefit homeowners in Windsor Park, a historically Black neighborhood that has long struggled with deteriorating infrastructure and homes that are literally sinking into the ground.
The situation in Windsor Park has been described as “horrendous,” with numerous reports documenting the adverse conditions of the homes, roads, and utilities in the area. The new subdivision aims to transform a vacant lot into a vibrant community, according to Frank Hawkins, the Executive Director and founder of Community Development.
Hawkins emphasized the need for this project in a letter addressed to city officials earlier this year, detailing the benefits that would come from the development.
According to property records, Hawkins’ firm acquired the proposed project site in April for $9.9 million, including a nearly 1-acre parcel on Carey that is excluded from the subdivision plans. The urgency of the project stems from funding deadlines imposed on both the state and the developer, which has prompted a fast-tracked application process by city staff.
Windsor Park was developed in the 1960s over geological faults, leading to the gradual sinking of the area after groundwater extraction from an underground aquifer. As part of a broader strategy addressing the needs of the Windsor Park community, state Senator Dina Neal introduced the Windsor Park Environmental Justice Act in 2023. This legislation provides a framework allowing residents to exchange their sinking homes for new ones while funding essential relocation costs and restitution.
The total project budget allocates $1.75 million for the developer’s profit. This allocation has raised eyebrows, especially as Neal’s legislation mandated support for firms with owners who either currently live in or have previously lived in Windsor Park.
Hawkins himself has deep roots in the Windsor Park community, having grown up there. His longstanding relationship with Neal, who has been a supporter and former employee, has fueled discussions regarding the integrity of the contracting process. Despite being one of only two bidders for the project, concerns were raised by various officials about the bids, suggesting the possibility of reopening the bidding to attract more developers.
Neal, who participated in the advisory committee overseeing the bid process, recused herself from reviewing the bids due to her friendship with Hawkins and his family. However, emails uncovered through public records indicate that she communicated her concerns about the other applicant multiple times and advocated for moving forward with Hawkins’ bid to expedite the project.
Both Neal and Hawkins have publicly denied any wrongdoing in the bidding process, asserting that everything was conducted ethically and transparently. Hawkins maintained that they followed all proper practices, pushing back against allegations of political influence in the awarding of the contract.
Neal also emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating in an email that a “decision to move forward needs to be made” and acknowledging Hawkins’ eagerness to begin the development.
In an attempt to adjust the framework surrounding the project, Neal sponsored additional legislation in March aimed at revising the original act. This new bill included provisions intended to extend deadlines for utilizing project funds. However, despite these efforts, the bill failed to progress through the legislative process and did not reach Governor Joe Lombardo’s desk by the end of the session.
Controversies surrounding the project highlight the complexities involved in addressing housing and environmental justice issues within the community. As the Planning Commission evaluates the subdivision proposal, many are watching closely to see how this ambitious project unfolds and whether it will effectively meet the needs of Windsor Park residents.
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