C.O.D. Casino glides past county commissioners

It was standing room only Thursday as Douglas County commissioners gave unanimous approval to plans for the C.O.D Casino in the 97-year-old former automotive garage in downtown Minden.

Of the dozen people who addressed the board, not a single person spoke against the project that calls for a 14,303-square-foot casino, 3,540-square-foot Schat's Bakery and another 4,000 square feet for a museum and retail/day spa.

"I'm a fourth-generation Carson Valley resident, and the C.O.D. Garage has been part of my life ever since I could talk," said Minden resident Tom Hickey.

"Brick, Don and Dan Hellwinkel " they're a tremendous part of a lot of lives in this room," Hickey said.

He referred to Fred "Brick" Hellwinkel and his sons Don and Dan who were associated with Clarence O. Dangberg's C.O.D. Garage from its opening in 1911.

The garage expanded to cover almost an entire block on Esmeralda Avenue and has been vacant since 2003.

Until 2003, the C.O.D. Garage was one of the oldest operating commercial garages in the United States. The garage also holds the record for the oldest AAA touring service in Nevada and one of the oldest Chevrolet and Buick franchises in the United States.

Don Hellwinkel's widow Marlena and son Robb partnered with casino owner Scott Tate to develop the project.

Praising the "adaptive reuse" of the building, supporters said the casino would provide an economic shot in the arm to downtown Minden and the Carson Valley.

"I don't see anything but good from it," said retired businessman Bob Bellemore. "If you say no to this man (Tate), it will be like saying no to Santa Claus."

The bakery generated as much support as the casino.

"I have three words for you " Schat's sheepherder bread," said Shele Pandl. "This is going to be a fun, vital place."

"We want to be your hometown bakery and bring you some great baked goods," said Paul Schat.

Despite numerous efforts by Commission Chairman Kelly Kite to draw out the opposition, no one spoke against the project.

"I assume the rest of you are in support of this," Kite said as the crowded commission chambers broke into applause.

County planner Brandy McMahon said she had received 17 letters in support of the project and three comments in opposition.

Concerns were expressed over parking and quality of life issues with a casino so close to a residential neighborhood.

Commissioners approved a major variance to:

- Reduce the number of required parking spaces from 155 to 74;

- Reduce loading spaces from three to one;

- Eliminate one required recreational vehicle parking space;

- Increase maximum height for a freestanding monument sign from 20 feet to 25 feet.

Tate has said plans call for a $5 million to $7 million investment in the building which could open in 18 months to two years.

He owns the Nugget casinos in Fallon and Silver Springs and the Bonanza Casino in Fallon.

While approving the project, commissioners said they were concerned about the overall decline in gaming and parking in downtown Minden.

"I do have concerns gaming has been declining," said Commissioner Nancy McDermid. "But that's not the prerogative of this board, if they're willing to take the risk."