Clark County Redevelopment Agency Meeting - May 20, 2026

The Clark County Redevelopment Agency Board of County Commissioners convened on May 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM for a regular meeting. Key actions included approval of the purchase of nine land parcels for $2.405 million, authorization to begin a public purpose analysis for a $19.9 million parking lot improvement project at Commercial Center (contingent on deed restriction negotiations), and deferral of a decision on rehabilitating or demolishing the 900 Liberace Ave (New Orleans Square) building pending further feasibility and tenant studies.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (Item 2): Unanimously approved the minutes from the February 18, 2026 regular meeting.
• Approval of Agenda (Item 3): Unanimously approved the agenda with no deletions or emergency items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Monica Gresser (Brazen Architecture, tenant in New Orleans Square) asked the board to vote to rehabilitate rather than demolish the building, citing prior community events and potential to restore activity.
• Sean Grooms (resident and tavern owner) supported rehabilitation, warning that demolition would leave a dirt lot for years and harm the LGBT community and businesses at Commercial Center.
• Paula Sadler (president of Commercial Center Business Association and Lambda Lauto 12 Step Recovery Clubhouse) expressed concern that redevelopment focus must include people, not just buildings. She requested adequate notice, relocation assistance, and protections for long-standing nonprofits and vulnerable community members if displacement occurs. She noted that since 2023, public funds have gone to security and events benefiting only parts of Commercial Center.
• Tracy Simon (co-owner of Get Our Haircut Barber Shop in New Orleans Square) spoke emotionally about the family sacrifice invested in the business, and pleaded with the board to protect tenants. She shared that her husband nearly died in the business on April 29, 2026, underscoring its importance to them.
• During the second public comment period, a speaker suggested exploring a commercial subdivision of New Orleans Square as an alternative to county redevelopment, to allow private investment.

Discussion Items

• Item 4 – Fund Balance & FY27 Revenue Review: Staff reported a current fund balance of $52 million, with $6.1 million in obligations, yielding $46 million in available cash. Expected FY27 revenue is approximately $22.7 million, including interest. The board took no action beyond receiving the report.
• Items 5 & 6 – 900 Liberace Ave Rehabilitation/Demolition and Parking Lot Improvements (taken as companion items):
  • Item 6 (Parking Lot): Staff presented a $19.9 million estimate for four improvements (sidewalk extension, passenger drop-off zone, lighting upgrade, restriping) requested by Insomniac. The board discussed the need to release restrictive covenants on the parking lot before spending funds. Commissioner Kirkpatrick moved to approve starting the public purpose/impact analysis (as required by NRS 279.486) and to direct the District Attorney to negotiate with all property owners to release the covenants, with a 90-day timeline to report back. The motion passed.
  • Item 5 (New Orleans Square): Commissioners debated rehabilitation vs. demolition. The building is ~73,000 sq ft, occupied by 10 tenants (~10,000 sq ft leased). Staff estimated rehabilitation at $15–20 million; demolition would also require rebuilding a shared fire exit stairwell and elevator access for an adjacent property. Asbestos presence is unknown. Consensus emerged to defer a decision. The board directed staff to: (1) conduct a full feasibility study (including asbestos and mechanical systems testing), (2) prepare two relocation packages (one for rehabilitation, one for demolition), and (3) bring back findings and a recommendation within 90 days (with a full study expected to take up to six months). Commissioner Cunningham noted the importance of understanding post-renovation market lease rates to ensure affordability for current tenant types.
• Item 7 – Land Purchase: The board approved the purchase of nine adjacent/semi-contiguous vacant parcels (APNs 161-27-212-005/008, 161-27-203-011/014, and 161-27-311-001) totaling ±2.76 acres for $2,405,000 plus $10,000 closing costs. Commissioner Segerblom explained the parcels are needed to potentially reconfigure the intersection of Stephanie Street and Missouri Avenue, a long-standing traffic issue. The appraisal by Matthews Appraisal, Inc. was ratified.

Key Outcomes

• Item 6 Approved: Authorized staff to prepare a public purpose/impact analysis report for the Commercial Center parking lot improvements, and directed the District Attorney to negotiate with property owners to release restrictive covenants, with a status update expected within 90 days.
• Item 5 Deferred: No vote on rehabilitation or demolition. Board directed staff to complete a feasibility study and two relocation assistance packages; staff is to report back in 90 days with progress, with a fuller analysis within six months.
• Item 7 Approved: Unanimously approved the purchase of nine parcels for $2.415 million total.
• Item 8 (Closed Session): Noted on the agenda but not conducted in open session; the meeting adjourned after the second public comment period without entering closed session as per the transcript.