Residents urge board to reject privatization as advisory board forwards 'Believe Plaza' offer to RDA for more study

An unsolicited letter of interest proposing to lease a portion of City Plaza and an adjacent Redevelopment Agency parcel prompted sustained public comment and a divided advisory board vote.

Staff described the LOI as a proposal for a five‑year ground lease at $1 a year with options to renew and a potential future purchase contingent on appraisal. The proposal would relocate an existing seasonal venue — presented to the board by the applicant, Kurt Stitzer — into the RDA parcel adjacent to City Plaza (known locally as Believe Plaza). Stitzer said the proposal is driven by anticipated revenue pressure from the Sierra Street Bridge reconstruction and described plans that would preserve the bike path and river access while adding a stage, fenced pickleball courts and other amenities.

Public comment was overwhelmingly opposed. Speakers cited Believe Plaza’s role as a primary free‑speech and public assembly space downtown, raised concerns about fencing and surveillance, and warned that converting the site into a largely private event use would displace unhoused people who use the plaza and limit the city’s ability to host large rallies and community events. One public commenter said, “This community is to have public places … I don't want to have to go on an app to see if it’s open.” Another told the board that privatizing the plaza would “take the humanity out of this community.”

Board members debated options ranging from doing no further action, requesting additional due diligence, opening exclusive negotiations with the applicant, or issuing a broader RFP consistent with city policy and Nevada Revised Statutes. Several board members emphasized the city’s prior planning studies (the Virginia Street Placemaking study and related river vision planning), the site’s designation in municipal code as a plaza/park location for public use, and practical concerns such as FEMA flood‑map changes and fire access.

The board voted 4–3 to forward the proposal to the Redevelopment Agency for consideration with a request for additional analysis of highest and best use and with explicit caution against exclusive negotiation or automatic approval. Member Stitzer recused himself from the discussion and vote. The advisory board’s action does not approve a lease or sale; it asks the RDA to evaluate statutory constraints, fiscal implications, public assembly impacts, and whether to proceed with further steps (exclusive negotiations or an RFP).

Next steps: The RDA will receive the LOI and the board’s comments and determine whether to pursue additional due diligence, negotiate, or issue a competitive opportunity. Staff committed to return with more detailed legal and fiscal analysis and to clarify statutory limits before any final action.