The approval of the C.O.D. Garage was a textbook example of how to turn what could have been a contentious issue into a unifying one.
The C.O.D. Garage was founded in 1911 by Clarence Dangberg and served Carson Valley in that capacity for 92 years before it closed in 2003.
Not long after the building closed, rumors surfaced that a casino was interested in renovating the building.
Speculation thrives in a vacuum, and when the rumor first came out there was some reaction from the neighbors.
However, instead of trying to hide their cards, owners Robb and Marlena Hellwinkel met with neighbors and shared their plans.
We’re Nevadans and know that gaming is part of what keeps our taxes low.
A casino was one of the few businesses that could generate enough money to convert a nine-decade old garage.
There were some hiccups along the way, but at each step of the way residents were kept in the loop about what they could expect from the C.O.D. Garage.
Hopefully, conversion of the garage into a casino will proceed smoothly and downtown Minden will enjoy a new source of recreation and revenue.