Mayor Pro Tem Richard J. Cherchio's Ward 4 newsletter

Richard J Cherico

Charting a prosperous 2018

We recently had the pleasure of celebrating the unprecendented progress we've made in North Las Vegas during our 22nd annual State of the City luncheon. It was a wonderful event with a packed house of 700 people. Thank you to all of our residents, business partners, colleagues and friends who attended!

 

Mayor John Lee gave a wonderful speech outlining our accomplishments over the past year and offering a sneak peek into where our city is headed. In case you missed it, here are some highlights:

 

* Less than five years ago, North Las Vegas was facing a $153 million dollar long term budget deficit, a $17 million dollar hole in its current budget, millions of dollars in legal judgements, and other systemic financial challenges. Thanks to the hard work of our City Council, executive team and staff, we’ve closed that hole, and now we are fully funded, fully balanced and wholly solvent. 

 

* From the best days of North Las Vegas in the early 2000s until 2013, North Las Vegas’ bond rating had fallen 15 levels. As a result of the Great Recession and some not-so-great administrative decisions, the city was rated by Moody’s Standard a Ba2 negative -- non-investment grade. Today, we are happy to report that the city’s credit rating is back up to Baa3 and once again is back to investment grade. That’s a very big deal for us to now cross over into that category! 

 

* Our work to bring infrastructure to Apex Industrial Park continues, with great success. In the northern Apex area, we will be installing a $4 million elevated water storage tank and water line connecting to an existing city well to bring 400 developable acres immediately online for new job creators. In the south region of Apex, engineering and design work is underway to extend the city’s existing waterline that ends at Manheim Auto Auction by more than 5 miles to bring vital infrastructure to over 1,400 acres of real estate. NDOT also just broke ground on a $58 million dollar road and bridge project at Apex. Exciting stuff!!  

 

* We are opening up 1,100 acres of land for development near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway by bringing sewer and road infrastructure to that area as well. If you drive out to where the 215 connects with the I-15, you will see a beehive of activity. Businesses have already started purchasing the land, and there are some VERY exciting projects on the way!  

 

* The first 1,500 lots at the $3.3 billion Villages at Tule Springs development have been approved, and developers are 50 percent done with a $17 million infrastructure project to serve more than 1,000 properties. The first model homes will be open in May! Before summer, construction will start on the first phase of a $12 million, 35-acre regional park, and another $12 million in infrastructure projects will break ground this year.  

 

* At Sedona Ranch, the site of the old Pig Farm, more than 1,100 homes and 22 acres of commercial development have been approved that will transform the city and dramatically increase the home values in the area as previous odor restrictions are removed from homeowners’ titles. 

 

* Over the next 10 years, Nellis Air Force Base is going to double in size. Two new air wings are moving in, and 8,000 new jobs will be coming to our community — permanent, high paying jobs that START at $84,000 a year! 

 

* Public safety is a high priority for this Council. In 2017, we hired 45 new police officers, and we will be hiring another 38 officers this year. We also have 12 new firefighters about to graduate from the academy.  

 

* We've opened seven new charter schools in North Las Vegas already, and we have many more coming, including at least three planned for this fall.

 

Cherchio sotc 2018 pic 2Chechio_SOTC table

North Las Vegas police host annual Shop with a Cop event

The City of North Las Vegas Police Department hosted its annual Shop with a Cop event on Dec. 13, and it was a huge success! I can tell you that the Target near North Fifth Street and Deer Springs Way was filled with lots of happy children.  


Police Chief Alex Perez and the Community Engagement Division worked tirelessly to organize this special event. Thanks to the generosity of our Council and community supporters, each child was able to shop for presents and clothes with our officers.  


This would not have been possible without the generous donations from our community supporters. Thank you!


Cherchio_shop with a cop 2

Mojave High School JAG Program

It was my pleasure and privilege to speak recently to a class of young adults at Mojave High School. Their interest in our great city and their lively participation in our discussions were both rewarding and enlightening.  


It became very clear to me that the students' teacher, Amanda Bock, is playing a major role in teaching them the skills they need to be successful, highlighting the importance of a well-rounded education yet also emphasizing the necessity of enjoying and experiencing a sense of fulfillment from whatever career they choose.


This is exactly why I believe public service should be part of every person's life work. Thank you again to the students and staff of Mojave for this special time you provided me.  


Cherchio_JAG Mohave HS

A happy holiday season!

Thank you to James Seastrand Helping Hands of North Las Vegas for hosting a wonderful holiday party! This organization has been a standout in our community for many years.  

 

Programs help senior citizens foster independency and sustainability by assisting with minor home repairs and providing food items when needed.  

 

Thank you, Seastrand staff and volunteers, for the goodness you bring to our community. 

 

Cherchio_Helping Hands of NLV

Operation Believe brings holiday cheer to local families

Thank you to the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals for its members' generosity this holiday season during the Operation Believe campaign.  

 

The association partnered with local businesses and the nonprofit group Armed Forces and Military Veterans to bring holiday cheer and support to local veterans' families.  

 

A special thanks to the North Las Vegas Fire and Police departments for tagging along and bringing some excitement to the children.   

 

Operation Believe - CherchioOperation Believe - Cherchio 2

Veterans memorial at Craig Ranch Regional Park

Stay tuned for more information about this exciting project!

 

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Upcoming events

China Lights 2018
China Lights 2018 - coupon

Achieving Success

Resume Classes

Sea Chanters at CRRP

CRRP 2018 Season Schedule