The Reno City Council has approved a motion to allow tax increment financing (TIF) for the Grand Sierra Resort’s massive expansion project.

The council voted 5 to 2 in favor of the motion.

“We’re very thankful—5-2, you only need four. It’s nice to have the extra one, and you never know which way these things are going to go walking into the room. But it feels really good right now,” said Andrew Diss, Chief Strategy Officer of Meruelo Gaming, the company that owns GSR.

“I feel relief, happiness. It’s been a long journey, but it’s going to be worth it, and I’m excited,” said Alex Meruelo, Owner of Meruelo Gaming.

The tax increment financing will abate some of the property taxes generated by the expansion, allowing those funds to be reinvested into the project.

However, the TIF is only based on the future increase in property taxes, it is not guaranteed. For example, if the expansion doesn’t occur or if property values don’t increase, the funding won’t materialize.

The first phase of the expansion includes a new 10,000-seat arena that will host Wolf Pack men’s basketball games, a community ice rink, a parking garage, and aqua golf.

Nevada Wolf Pack Director of Athletics Stephanie Rempe shared a statement on social media regarding the decision:

“This is a momentous day for northern Nevada and Nevada Athletics. I would like to express my gratitude to Chairperson Schieve and the Reno Redevelopment Agency Board, Alex Meruelo, The Meruelo Group, and all who put so much effort into making this transformative initiative a reality. This state-of-the-art facility will elevate Nevada Athletics and Nevada basketball to new heights and solidify Nevada’s college town as a big-time destination.”

Developers stated that they currently face a $145 million financial gap in the first phase of construction. The TIF reimbursement is expected to help cover approximately $60 million of that amount.

“That really illustrates the risk Mr. Meruelo is taking in this project because he is responsible for the rest, and the TIF doesn’t cover that full gap,” Diss said.

The City Council’s decision grants GSR a 90% TIF reimbursement through 2035. The projected tax incentives are expected to total $61.3 million, all of which will be reinvested into the expansion.

The remaining 10%, about $6.8 million, will go to the City of Reno’s Redevelopment Agency.

Presenters emphasized that the TIF does not pull from the city’s general fund or any other tax sources. They stated that there is no financial burden on the city, state, or taxpayers.

Shortly before the final vote, Meruelo made additional commitments during negotiations with the Council. He transferred the land for Fire Station 21 to the city and pledged 5% of the TIF reimbursement to support youth sports and recreation.

There remains some uncertainty due to fluctuations in the stock market and international tariffs, which could impact the project.

“Of course it’s a concern. It is risky, no question about it. But I believe in the city,” Meruelo said. “I believe in my advancement. I believe in GSR and the people here.”

Meruelo confirmed they will be breaking ground on phase one next month.

Future phases of the project are also looking to include a new hotel tower and workforce housing.

• The Park & Recreation Center will host an open swim an open swim for mom’s on Mother’s Day.

• Pickleball Courts at Lincoln are closed. Construction crews are completing warranty work. The public is asked to stay off the courts until the re-opening is announced.

• Summer Registration Open. Register online for swim lessons, youth sports, camps, pottery and view Rec on the Go and Puppet Wagon activities. For more information, go to our website at newulmmn.gov, click on the park and rec button, click on registration. Registration for all programs must be done online or in person at the Rec Center.

• Scholarships available for activities to those meeting the financial qualifications. Call 507-359-8344 for additional information.

• A lifeguard certification course will be offered at the Rec Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m June 9-11. This is a blended learning course that requires 5-7 hours of online learning before the class start, followed by a swimming pre-test of 200 yards, treading water for 2 minutes with no hands and retrieving a 10 lb brick from 7 feet of water. Class will be split between classroom and in water skills. Register online before June 4. Applicants must be at least 15 years old before June 11 to complete the course.

• Park and Rec is partnering with State Street Theater for three different summer camps designed to inspire, include and bring stories to life. These camps are open to all from new to seasoned performers. Register online at newulmmn.gov

• Private Pickleball lessons are available at the Rec Center. Register on the pickleball waitlist at newulmmn.gov or in person at the Rec Center.

• Tot Swim is offered Wednesdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Zero depth area only and children must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Admission is $3 per child. 12-Punch card available for $27

•Tot Gym is offered Monday and Fridays from 9:30-11 a.m.

Open Skating and hockey schedules can be found on our website, in addition to fitness, open gym and lap/open swim: https://mn-newulm.civicplus.com/278/Schedules

Memorial Weekend and Interim Rec Center hours:

Friday May 23 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Open swim 4-8 p.m.

Saturday May 24 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Open swim 12-4 p.m.

Sunday and Monday May 25 and 26 REC CENTER CLOSED

Tuesday May 27 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Wednesday May 28 5 a.m.-9 p.m. open swim 4-7 p.m.

Thursday May 29 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday May 30 5 a.m.-8 p.m. open swim 4-7 p.m.

Saturday May 31 7 a.m.-4 p.m. open swim 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sunday June 1 9 a.m.-4 p.m. open swim 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Monday June 2 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tuesday June 3 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Wednesday June 4 5 a.m.-9 p.m. open swim 4-7 p.m.

Thursday June 5 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday June 6 5 a.m.-7 p.m. open swim 1-6 p.m.

Regular summer hours:

Monday – Thursday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday 5 a.m.-7 p.m.

Saturday 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stopped by a Brooklyn sports complex Thursday to celebrate the revival of its ice rinks that almost closed for good until hockey parents pushed the White House to intervene.  

The Trump cabinet member even rode the Zamboni at the Aviator Sports & Events Center in Midwood as the athletics hub was buzzing with activity – a far contrast from the gloomier prospect it faced earlier this year.

“Being here and seeing the youth here, the youth hockey players that came out tonight, seeing their gratitude because this place was at risk of being closed down,” Burgum told The Post about what made the event so special. 

“We’re fighting hard, through the National Parks system, to ensure we keep places like this open for youth like this.”

Aviator announced in March that it would be forced to close its complex on Floyd Bennett Field because its lease with the National Parks Service was expiring in April. 

The bad news spurred scores of hockey and ice skating parents into action. 

They put together a binder filled with photos of their kids and then had the youngsters write out their goals before sending it all to the White House and National Park Service.

“We had parents that actually delivered packages to the headquarters of NPS in person,” one mother, Yana Salerno, said. “They drove to DC.”

The grassroots lobbying worked.

The Aviator Hockey and Figure Skating Club revealed late last month it was back in business thanks to working with the park agency and an investment firm, News 12 reported.

“I can’t tell you how happy we are,” Salerno said.

“So for the one week that it closed, all the coaches went to different rinks, you know, and we followed. It’s like an hour and a half every single day to get to each one of those rings. And it was just awful.”

Salerno’s figure skating daughter Michaela said, “I was crying when I heard the news, crying out of happiness.”

The 175,000-square-foot multi-sport facility has faced years of adversity due to COVID-19 closures and the emergency encampment that opened up in 2023 during the Big Apple’s migrant crisis.

The migrant tent city closed in January and the Department of Interior announced in February that the property could not be used as a temporary shelter.

While the ice rinks are reopened and outdoor fields are expected to be used, the gymnastics studios in the building are still closed for now, director of facility Chris Werstine said.

“We’re just so grateful that we have been given the opportunity to operate because now we can continue to run our programs, and have access,” he said. 

Rockwall, TX (May 8, 2025) – Summer is an exciting time – kids get a break from school but still need, and want, time with friends and engaging activities. As summer arrives, parents look for the best opportunities to keep kids interested, active, all while learning something in the process.

J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall leads the way in providing exciting summer camp experiences to challenge, inspire, entertain, and instruct Rockwall County youth. Offering a range of camps that appeal to all interests there is a camp for everyone.

YOUTH SPORTS CAMPS

Summer is a great time to learn and improve sports skills! Whether your athlete is a beginner looking to learn basics or a more experienced athlete seeking opportunities to enhance their abilities in advance of the upcoming season, our YMCA Sports Camps offer hands-on coaching in a fun, supportive environment.

Basketball Camp (grades K-8th grade) June 16-19 Your athlete will receive quality time to learn fundamentals – dribble, shoot, free throw – and improve existing skills in a fun, engaging, and challenging setting. This is a fast-paced camp that promises dedicated time to experience the fun of sports and working as a team.

Flag Football Camp (grades 1st to 8th) June 23-26 teaches the basics of passing, catching, running plays, and more advanced techniques in a team-oriented environment. We will provide instruction on rules, fundamentals, and safety procedures. Flag Football is one of the most popular up-and-coming sports that anyone can play and is so much fun.

Soccer Camp (K – 8^th grade) July 14-17 instructs young athletes on soccer basics (dribbling, passing, shooting, defending), build skills, and improve endurance through age-appropriate drills and gameplay.  Sportsmanship and communication are enhanced in a positive environment built on working as a team.

Volleyball Camp (1^st-8^th grade) July 21-24 Improve your game in a challenging Volleyball Camp (1st-8th grade) that focuses on learning and improving fundamentals (serving, passing, setting, blocking) while getting extra game-play time. Get opportunities to rotate positions and develop skills to prepare you for the upcoming season.

Challenger Soccer Camp (Options for 1 week, 2 week, or 4-day camp) Enhance your soccer skills in an upbeat, fast-paced skills camp that is sure to improve quick decision-making and creativity on the field. Age-appropriate skills and play for ages 3-16. Challenger soccer camp features 3v3 game play on short inflatable fields, with the added excitement of music and expert motivation. Check out the video online!

SUMMER DAY CAMPS

Camp Dakotah Day campers at the Rockwall YMCA spend most of their time outdoors. With weekly themes, campers experience nature/outdoor learning, creative and/or performing arts, games, physical fitness, and even community service activities. Field trips and swimming are a regular part of the day camp experience. Weekly registration (camps fill quickly). Camp runs from May 27 through August 8 and is located at the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at 1210 Goliad in Rockwall.

Y City Day Camp Kids are discovering all the fun and adventure of summer at Y CITY DAY CAMP. Camps offer a long list of fun activities including field trips, enrichment activities, games, fitness, crafts, and more. Weekly registration. Camp starts June 2 and runs through August 1. Located at Scott Elementary School, 1401 Erby Campbell Blvd, Royse City.

ANGEL CAMP

Angel Camp is designed specifically for special needs youth ages 8-18.  Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities may be excluded from similar programs therefore, Angel Camp picks up where others don’t and provides typical day camp activities like archery, arts and crafts, swimming, canoeing, field trips, and more. This special camp allows these youth to have the summer experience all dream of – and is provided at no cost to the families – through the generosity of YMCA supporters. See full details and requirements online.

J.E.R. Chilton YMCA offers an enriching and exciting opportunity for local youth to grow, learn, and make memories. With a diverse range of programs for all ages and interests, these camps provide a safe, supportive environment to explore new skills, build friendships, and experience a place to unleash their potential.

Find a full list of programs and camps offered at J.E.R. Chilton YMCA https://ymcadallas.org/locations/jer-chilton-ymca-rockwall/programs

The YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-for-profit social services organization dedicated to Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

Sponsored article.

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