The U.S. Transportation Security Administration and several airlines are opposed to plans for a 237-foot-high resort hotel planned for an area close to Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport.
The TSA has contacted the Clark County Planning Commission with multiple security concerns regarding a height waiver that is being sought by developers of the proposed $300 million Dream Las Vegas, according to a report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
At 237 feet, the resort’s proximity could expose the airport to gunmen using its hotel as a cover, the agency said, and from threats that include explosive devices in vehicles and people throwing objects over the airport’s fence, the agency said.
In an objection filed with the commission, the TSA pointed out open areas on the resort’s third floor where a pool is planned and the ninth floor where a day club would be located that would provide a direct line of sight for laser flashing and long gun attacks against aircraft.
With guest rooms facing McCarran the proposed height could also provide a direct line of sight to passenger terminal areas, commercial and general aviation aircraft operations and aviation fuel tanks, the TSA said.
Dream Las Vegas, planned for five acres on the east side of Las Vegas Boulevard just south of Russell Road, is backed by Shopoff Realty Investments and developer David Daneshforooz, who partnered to purchase the land for $21 million last year. Initial plans were to break ground on the project this year, with completion planned for early 2023. There are currently no plans to include a casino in the development.
The venture has applied to the Clark County Commission for a waiver so the 454-room resort could exceed the 100-foot standard height for buildings in the area, and it has received an assessment from the Federal Aviation that as submitted the new height would not pose a hazard to aircraft or interfere with navigation systems.
But based on the TSA’s concerns, along with those of several airlines, the Planning Commission’s staff is recommending the waiver be denied when it comes before the full Clark County Commission in May, the Review-Journal reported.
Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and the Allied Pilots Association and Air Line Pilots Association also have filed objections based on concerns that include light-related issues, unauthorized drone flights and possible flight path interruptions tied to the resort and other potential projects in the vicinity.
“As one of the busiest airports in the United States, anything that curtails airport capacity should be carefully evaluated as it will not only impact the future growth of the airport, but the ability to recover from the pandemic,” Amira Trebincevic, regional director of corporate real estate for Delta, stated.
