LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A local Las Vegas business owner staged a one-man protest in front of Formula 1's U.S. headquarters to highlight the impact of the Las Vegas Grand Prix race on small business groups and numerous hospitality workers. We expect much less disruption this year.
FOX5 reports that Jay's Market owner Wade Vaughn and a group of small businesses are seeking compensation for layoffs, their employees and millions of dollars in lost profits allegedly caused by the traffic disruption. We talked about our efforts. The group is suing Race, Clark County and the Las Vegas Tourism Authority.
“To destroy all these businesses with an hour and a half race once a year. It makes no sense,” Vaughn said. “I thought, why not take it to your doorstep?” he said. One of his signs listed the names of affected business groups, as well as resort employees and rideshare drivers at the intersection of Flamingo His Road and Koval His Lane. “There are a lot of people who are affected, like Uber drivers and food prep workers. I hope people see this and go. He's fighting. Let's all fight. ?” He said.
Last Wednesday, Las Vegas Grand Prix CEO Renee Wilm acknowledged the confusion and promised that the second year would offer locals a much different experience.
“We're not doing the same thing we did last year. It's been a hard nine-month battle, and we'll be forever grateful to the people of Las Vegas for letting us do it,” she said. “Construction work has decreased significantly this year. We will now move forward with installing fencing and lighting equipment. It will be done on a rolling basis, but that will not happen until much later in the year, in fact sometime in September or October. “It will be,” Wilm said.
“The first year was tough in many ways, and we not only want to create great races and a great fan experience, but we also want to be better members of this community,” she said. “Good communication. Good engagement with the community. And we're really excited about what's going to happen this year,” Wilm said.
Wilm said she is proud of the economic impact on the Las Vegas Valley, estimated at $1.2 billion. The LVCVA reported tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue, and other public officials reported significant increases in international tourism.
What could help Bourne make amends in F1? He said Flamingo Bridge should never be revived. F1 tells FOX5 the bridge will be restored.
F1 did not respond to a request for comment on Bourne's protest.
Clark County has set a May 1 deadline for submitting rapid transit plans.
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