Residents demand accountability from Tilson Company over extensive damage in historic neighborhoods

The City Council of Las Vegas convened on December 18, 2024, to address several pressing issues affecting local neighborhoods, particularly concerning the ongoing construction by Tilson Company for the Giga Power Micro Trenching Fiber Project. The meeting featured numerous residents voicing their concerns about the project's impact on their homes and communities.

The session began with a call for a settlement regarding the Badlands issue, with a council member urging colleagues to prioritize taxpayer interests. Following this, residents from various neighborhoods, including John S. Park and Huntridge, shared their experiences with the construction project, highlighting significant disruptions and damages.

David Figler, a representative from the historic John S. Park neighborhood, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the city regarding the project, which has led to damaged sewer lines, backed-up drainage systems, and unsafe conditions for children walking to school. He emphasized the need for better collaboration between the city and residents to prevent such issues in the future.

Michelle Lynn, a resident of Huntridge, recounted her ordeal with sewer backups that flooded her home, attributing the problem to the construction activities. She criticized the contractor's customer service and called for accountability, noting that many residents lack the resources to navigate these challenges.

Other residents echoed similar sentiments, detailing extensive construction delays, illegal towing of vehicles, and unaddressed infrastructure damage. Patricia Haddad Bennett from Crestwood reported that construction initially promised to last a few days has stretched to over 170 days, causing significant inconvenience and safety concerns.

The council also heard from Kelly Tanaka, who highlighted the financial burden on vulnerable residents due to unexpected repair costs resulting from the construction. She urged the city to ensure better communication and support for those affected.

Ray Lathrop, president of the Jonas Park neighborhood, presented a website created to document residents' experiences with the contractor, calling for the city to hold Tilson accountable for its actions. He suggested that the city review its regulations regarding microtrenching to prevent future issues.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the need for improved oversight and communication from the city regarding construction projects, particularly those affecting older neighborhoods. Residents expressed hope that the city would take their concerns seriously and work towards effective remediation of the damages caused by the ongoing construction.

Overall, the council meeting underscored the challenges faced by residents due to the Giga Power project and the importance of community engagement in addressing infrastructure issues. The city staff's commitment to reviewing remediation plans and holding contractors accountable was a key takeaway from the discussions.