Minden rolls out red carpet for C.O.D. casino

Proffering a taste of things to come, Paul Schat distributed more than 100 loaves of freshly baked bread and cookies Wednesday night to Minden residents at a town board hearing on the proposed C.O.D. Casino.

The gift wasn't necessary.

After a two-hour discussion, the board voted 5-0 to approve six requests for special use permits and variances ranging from a reduction in parking requirements to approval of a 25-foot sign for the nearly 100-year-old downtown Minden landmark.

Plans call for a 14,303-square-foot casino, 3,540-square-foot Schat's Bakery, 2,078-square-foot museum and 1,919-square-foot retail/day spa within the C.O.D. Garage and Pioneer Auto Parts building.

"At first, I didn't want to see a casino here," said town board member Bruce Jacobsen who has lived within two blocks of the project site all his life.

"But I talked with Robb and Marlena (Hellwinkel), and I began to change my mind. When I drive through downtown Minden, there's nothing going on. I don't see any other use," Jacobsen said.

Board member Robert Hadfield, who used to write Keno tickets 40 years ago to supplement his teacher's salary, said gaming had changed.

"The clientele is entirely different. Gaming is recreation for a lot of old people like me. It's no more 'bottle in a paper sack in the alley,'" Hadfield said.

He said residents needn't fear "derelicts in Minden Park."

"Locals won't go to the casino if it is a hangout for people we consider less than Mindenites," Hadfield said.

He also pointed out that the Minden Inn, now home to county offices, operated for decades as a hotel and casino.

Scott Tate, owner of the Nugget casinos in Fallon and Silver Springs and the Bonanza Casino in Fallon, is partnering with Marlena Hellwinkel and her son Robb to create the C.O.D. Casino on Esmeralda Avenue.

Tate said plans call for a $5 million to $7 million investment in the 96-year-old building which - with all county approvals - could open in 18 months to two years.

Minden serves as advisory board to county commissioners who have the final say on the project.

Town board members encouraged the 70 people who showed up Wednesday in favor of the project to attend the planning and county commission meetings over the next two months.

"Tonight we've done six approvals on this project," said board member Ross Chichester. "We heard for almost two hours from everyone. We know what's what. We've approved it by unanimous decision. It needs to be pointed out to the County Commission and the Planning Commission what the people of the town want."

Even the parking variance, long a contentious issue between the county and downtown business owners, appeared headed for resolution.

The town voted to approve a change in parking requirements from 155 spaces to 74. The situation will be alleviated by the Hellwinkels' plans to convert an empty lot across from the casino site to parking for 58 spaces.

Half a dozen residents spoke in favor of the casino, reminiscing about the days when one of Nevada's oldest auto dealerships served a small Carson Valley population.

Ron Lange said he had a soft spot for the old garage.

"In 1946, I bought my first car from Dan and Don (Hellwinkel). My dad worked there for years," he said. "If you don't approve this project, you're going to have an empty building that the pigeons will make good use of."

Tumblewind owner Roxanne Stangle said the businesses would deal with the parking shortage.

She reminded the board that Douglas County violated its own parking ordinance when it took over the Minden Inn.

"They promised to build us a parking structure," Stangle said. "It didn't happen; it's never going to happen."

Even though her business lacks adequate parking, Stangle said, "It's worth sacrificing a little bit to get this project."

Marlena Hellwinkel thanked the board for their patience.

"Minden is a unique town and we've been left with the legacy to keep it alive," she said. "We are pleased we have found a tenant and can still maintain the building."