Legal Aid Center plans major expansion to serve more victims
September 18, 2024 | Las Vegas , Clark County, Nevada
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The Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada is seeking land use entitlements for a significant expansion of its facilities in downtown Las Vegas, aiming to create a comprehensive advocacy and justice complex. The proposal comes in response to a dramatic increase in the demand for legal services, with the center's caseload quadrupling over the past 11 years. Currently, the center represents every child in foster care and has expanded its services to assist victims of domestic violence and protect the elderly from exploitation.
During a recent government meeting, representatives from the center detailed their plans to consolidate services currently spread across multiple locations into a single, larger facility. The new complex will house the Resiliency and Justice Center, which has been permanently funded by the county to support victims of crime and will be activated in the event of mass violence incidents.
The center has acquired a property from U.S. Bank at a discounted rate, and community fundraising efforts have successfully raised 92% of the necessary funds for the project. The proposed design, created by LGA Architecture, aims to preserve the historical elements of the existing mid-century modern bank building while expanding the facility to nearly 40,000 square feet.
However, the project faces opposition regarding the proposed vacation of 8th Street, which is necessary for the expansion. Local business owners and residents have expressed concerns about the impact on traffic and access, emphasizing the importance of the street for daily operations. City planning staff indicated that they could not support the vacation request due to the lack of unanimous approval from neighboring property owners.
Despite the challenges, council members expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its potential to enhance community services and economic development in the area. The council ultimately approved the expansion plans, emphasizing the importance of the Legal Aid Center's mission in serving vulnerable populations in the community.
During a recent government meeting, representatives from the center detailed their plans to consolidate services currently spread across multiple locations into a single, larger facility. The new complex will house the Resiliency and Justice Center, which has been permanently funded by the county to support victims of crime and will be activated in the event of mass violence incidents.
The center has acquired a property from U.S. Bank at a discounted rate, and community fundraising efforts have successfully raised 92% of the necessary funds for the project. The proposed design, created by LGA Architecture, aims to preserve the historical elements of the existing mid-century modern bank building while expanding the facility to nearly 40,000 square feet.
However, the project faces opposition regarding the proposed vacation of 8th Street, which is necessary for the expansion. Local business owners and residents have expressed concerns about the impact on traffic and access, emphasizing the importance of the street for daily operations. City planning staff indicated that they could not support the vacation request due to the lack of unanimous approval from neighboring property owners.
Despite the challenges, council members expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its potential to enhance community services and economic development in the area. The council ultimately approved the expansion plans, emphasizing the importance of the Legal Aid Center's mission in serving vulnerable populations in the community.
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