Eli Valdez, a resident of Windsor Park in North Las Vegas, had a happy time in 2019 when he became a homeowner and got married. However, soon after moving into his new home, he started facing issues. His door needed replacement and he noticed that his house was slanted.
Residents in Windsor Park have been dealing with these concerns for years due to the neighborhood sinking into the ground because of geological faults. This issue dates back to 1988 when residents complained about sloping floors, cracking walls, jammed doors, and sinking yards.
Barbara Carter, a long-time resident, expressed her disappointment in a recent meeting, stating that the dream of leaving their house to their children has died. Residents, predominantly Black families, have endured neglect, broken promises, and systemic racism for decades.
In 2023, a ray of hope appeared when the Legislature passed a bill making $37 million available to purchase land and provide new homes to impacted residents. However, a year later, none of the funds have been utilized. State officials discussed an alternative proposal by Gov. Joe Lombardo to reallocate the funds from COVID-19 relief to state general funds.
The deadline to spend the $37 million is December 31, 2026, which officials fear may be challenging to meet as they still need to secure land for 93 new homes. Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno raised concerns about changing the funding source, emphasizing the need to keep the promise made to these families.
While Nevada Housing Division officials acknowledge the complexity of the project, State Sen. Nicole Cannizzaro urged finding a way to fulfill the promise to Windsor Park residents. The construction of a commerce park in 2023 has exacerbated existing issues for residents, who feel neglected amidst ongoing development in the area.
As residents struggle with sinking homes and deteriorating conditions, they are left feeling unheard and forgotten. Nancy Johnson, who has lived in Windsor Park since 1966, emphasized the importance of using available funds to build new homes for the community.
The residents of Windsor Park deserve a safe and stable place to live, free from the fear of their homes collapsing. Their plea for assistance and support should not go unanswered, and it is crucial for officials to prioritize their well-being and provide the necessary resources to address their housing needs.
