Gretna Goodlife District

[Garrett]

We’ll see what tomorrow’s results bring. If the vote is no, what happens?

[iamjacobm]

We’ll see what tomorrow’s results bring. If the vote is no, what happens?

Theres only 5 allowed and I think Kearney and Papillion were still trying to get theres lined up so maybe they both swoop in and take the last two spots and Gretna's doesn't happen.

[ita]

We’ll see what tomorrow’s results bring. If the vote is no, what happens?

Theres only 5 allowed and I think Kearney and Papillion were still trying to get theres lined up so maybe they both swoop in and take the last two spots and Gretna's doesn't happen.

I don't think a 'no' vote kills the project. Here is a bullet list of outcomes from Cindy's NEBEX article:

What’s at stake in the Jan. 14 special election:
If Gretna voters approve, the city is empowered to create an “economic development program,” allowing the city to impose a replacement tax to essentially re-channel the portion of the state sales tax that’s reduced under the Good Life district law toward district development. Lawmakers cut the state sales tax, from 5.5% to 2.75%, with the idea that the difference would go to creating a unique, transformative project. The tax reduction applies to sales transactions within the portions of the district that lie in the city limits. The replacement tax used to recoup the eliminated state sales tax could take the form of a local sales, occupation or use tax.
If voters say no, the City Council has separate power to help with development. For example, it could impose an occupation tax on businesses it designates as an “enhanced employment area.” Such revenue is more limited in use and scope. For example, Gretna officials said that revenue could not help finance construction of a private retail building. (The law’s architects envisioned new-to-market stores and entertainment venues that would draw people from across the region and nation and keep Nebraska shoppers in the state.) The city after five months could call for another election.
The reduced state sales tax went into effect in April for the portion of the Gretna good life district that falls within city limits. Even if the election fails, that tax will remain halved, at least for a while. City and state officials said that under their analysis of the law, the rate would return to its pre-good life district amount only if the state formally terminates the district. They said termination could happen following reviews at three, seven and 10 years after the district is designated by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. DED approved the Gretna district application in March 2024, which was submitted by Rod Yates, and the tax was reduced in April.
Termination of the district could occur if certain investment thresholds under the law are not met by the review times. Thresholds vary depending on the size of the district and city. In Gretna, there must be a committed private investment of $50 million at the three-year point and $250 million at the seven-year point.
(Source: City of Gretna)

[iamjacobm]

Ahh I kind of assumed the state approval was contingent on the public vote since all the other ones were approved.

[Garrett]

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/1 ... rent-deal/

LINCOLN — Rod Yates, the approved applicant for Gretna’s good life district, has notified the state that he believes the transformational Nebraska tourist magnet project he envisioned is no longer viable under existing terms with the state.

Yates had told the Nebraska Examiner he was considering terminating his application. On Monday, the Department of Economic Development confirmed that he had filed the paperwork to do so.

“Rod Yates has notified DED that he believes the project is no longer viable under the Good Life Transformational Projects Act and will not be developed as proposed in the application and approved by the Department,” spokeswoman Kate Ellingson said in a written statement.

The impact of Yates’ move is not totally clear, Gretna attorney Mike Rogers said. Yates has indicated that he will not give up on his mega vision for the site, but would pursue tweaks in state law to better target the state incentive toward his vision for the property.

City and state officials said that Yates’ latest move does not automatically dissolve the approved 2,000-acre good life district and its eligibility for the type of large-scale state incentives the Legislature provided under the act.

The fact that Yates had this law hand written for him and then revised a year later and still couldn’t make it work? Yikes

[djc311]

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/1 ... rent-deal/

LINCOLN — Rod Yates, the approved applicant for Gretna’s good life district, has notified the state that he believes the transformational Nebraska tourist magnet project he envisioned is no longer viable under existing terms with the state.

Yates had told the Nebraska Examiner he was considering terminating his application. On Monday, the Department of Economic Development confirmed that he had filed the paperwork to do so.

“Rod Yates has notified DED that he believes the project is no longer viable under the Good Life Transformational Projects Act and will not be developed as proposed in the application and approved by the Department,” spokeswoman Kate Ellingson said in a written statement.

The impact of Yates’ move is not totally clear, Gretna attorney Mike Rogers said. Yates has indicated that he will not give up on his mega vision for the site, but would pursue tweaks in state law to better target the state incentive toward his vision for the property.

City and state officials said that Yates’ latest move does not automatically dissolve the approved 2,000-acre good life district and its eligibility for the type of large-scale state incentives the Legislature provided under the act.

The fact that Yates had this law hand written for him and then revised a year later and still couldn’t make it work? Yikes

IMO, this is a bad deal all around and is not going to end up being designed to be the best solution for Nebraskans... It will only be for Rod Yate-ians.

[nebport5]

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/1 ... rent-deal/

LINCOLN — Rod Yates, the approved applicant for Gretna’s good life district, has notified the state that he believes the transformational Nebraska tourist magnet project he envisioned is no longer viable under existing terms with the state.

Yates had told the Nebraska Examiner he was considering terminating his application. On Monday, the Department of Economic Development confirmed that he had filed the paperwork to do so.

“Rod Yates has notified DED that he believes the project is no longer viable under the Good Life Transformational Projects Act and will not be developed as proposed in the application and approved by the Department,” spokeswoman Kate Ellingson said in a written statement.

The impact of Yates’ move is not totally clear, Gretna attorney Mike Rogers said. Yates has indicated that he will not give up on his mega vision for the site, but would pursue tweaks in state law to better target the state incentive toward his vision for the property.

City and state officials said that Yates’ latest move does not automatically dissolve the approved 2,000-acre good life district and its eligibility for the type of large-scale state incentives the Legislature provided under the act.

The fact that Yates had this law hand written for him and then revised a year later and still couldn’t make it work? Yikes

I guess it wasn't airtight for his plan to force Gretna to use eminent domain for his own benefit, which is some straight up Trump Shiit.


I love that every article keeps using that awful photo of him looking like he's caught red handed-literally backed into a corner.

[almighty_tuna]

I love that every article keeps using that awful photo of him looking like he's caught red handed-literally backed into a corner.

Live look at Rod Yates

[Linkin5]

[Garrett]

Vote passed 1,044-1,029

[Doctor Fate]

Rod Yates said the vote doesn’t mean anything to him and that the district is now like a driverless car lol.

[djc311]

Rod Yates said the vote doesn’t mean anything to him and that the district is now like a driverless car lol.

That's funny, because I'd also compare Yates to Elon Musk.... (who makes driverless electric vehicles).

[NEDodger]

Rod Yates said the vote doesn’t mean anything to him and that the district is now like a driverless car lol.

Good grief…..who on earth would want to deal with this guy?!?

[ita]

I am dumbfounded by his reaction and unwillingness to work with the City. The City is refusing demands that are negotiable. Yates's demands are not based on anything, not even the Good Life legislation, but to cater to his self interest. If he doesn't get more support from the State after this, what then? He abandons all plans to expand NEX? What was his endgame when he was pushing the Good Life District legislation to begin with? Now it's not good enough? He said last year or in 2023 that the National Volleyball deal was a lock right? Where is that now? They don't need 4000 acres, or whatever he wants now. He doesn't even talk about that now. I just need answers as to why he is demanding what he is demanding.

Also, he needs to fix the app and honor everyone's 'rewards'. It was working (somewhat) before it crashed; why can't it work at all now? Sorry to rehash this.

[Garrett]

Pillen budget proposal would bury all ‘good life’ districts, but lawmaker holds out hope for a fix

The governor told reporters at a budget briefing last week that he regrets signing into law certain funding incentives, including the good life districts, and he sees now as the time to “reverse” the course.

State Sen. Brad von Gillern, who has replaced Linehan as chair of the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, said that he has not seen the bill language reflecting the governor’s request. But he said that, as described in the proposed budget, the entire good life district concept would end.

The Omaha senator prefers less drastic measures. He said he is working with a group of state senators on revised legislation that would “preserve the program in a more workable way.”

Welp, been a fun run folks, but looks like Good Life Districts might be getting the axe

[djc311]

I was not aware that he's one of only "5 guys in the whole world" that could make this happen...

https://www.ketv.com/article/gretna-mov ... t/63501833

[NEDodger]

I was not aware that he's one of only "5 guys in the whole world" that could make this happen...

https://www.ketv.com/article/gretna-mov ... t/63501833

Jesus, how delusional.

Who, exactly, has ROD YATES on their list of “5 most skilled real estate developers in the world”?

I love Grow Omaha, but I really wish the guys would stop giving this clown airtime. He accomplishes nothing and the show loses credibility when he’s on.

[Garrett]

I was not aware that he's one of only "5 guys in the whole world" that could make this happen...

https://www.ketv.com/article/gretna-mov ... t/63501833

He flopped at Crossroads and STILL thinks he's one of the best in the world? OK buddy.

[Louie]

Delusion begets delusion

[nebport5]

Well he got Sen. Beau Ballard to introduce LB 637, the Destination Nebraska Act.

Or, perhaps Yates' Gooder Life District.

Nebraska lawmakers will have options when revamping ‘good life’ law

It does not name Yates, but appears tailored to his ideas. The proposal would give power to an approved district applicant to issue bonds. It would grant the district power and authority similar to an independent village, much like the economic development zones that Walt Disney World uses in central Florida.

No more than two such destination districts could be formed under LB 637, and the price tag of each would have to surpass $3 billion, create jobs and build new-to-market venues and retail that would draw at least 10 million visitors a year to a site spanning up to 5,000 acres.

[almighty_tuna]

Oh good grief. This is the dumbest sh1t ever. It's like a toddler with his hands over his eyes insisting that you can't see him.

[djc311]

Well he got Sen. Beau Ballard to introduce LB 637, the Destination Nebraska Act.

Or, perhaps Yates' Gooder Life District.

Nebraska lawmakers will have options when revamping ‘good life’ law

It does not name Yates, but appears tailored to his ideas. The proposal would give power to an approved district applicant to issue bonds. It would grant the district power and authority similar to an independent village, much like the economic development zones that Walt Disney World uses in central Florida.

No more than two such destination districts could be formed under LB 637, and the price tag of each would have to surpass $3 billion, create jobs and build new-to-market venues and retail that would draw at least 10 million visitors a year to a site spanning up to 5,000 acres.

Who keeps buying into his asinine concepts? I mean, I get it... there's a sucker born every minute they say. But really, how many times does an idea have to fail before everyone realizes it's not a good idea? I can't believe people voted into office that are there to represent certain districts or areas of the state actually give this guy a platform.

If NEX wasn't already opened and functioning, I'd swear everything he touches was a complete flop. I don't know how he gets tenants to sign leases if the retailers are aware of what he does.

[ita]

Well he got Sen. Beau Ballard to introduce LB 637, the Destination Nebraska Act.

Or, perhaps Yates' Gooder Life District.

Nebraska lawmakers will have options when revamping ‘good life’ law

It does not name Yates, but appears tailored to his ideas. The proposal would give power to an approved district applicant to issue bonds. It would grant the district power and authority similar to an independent village, much like the economic development zones that Walt Disney World uses in central Florida.

No more than two such destination districts could be formed under LB 637, and the price tag of each would have to surpass $3 billion, create jobs and build new-to-market venues and retail that would draw at least 10 million visitors a year to a site spanning up to 5,000 acres.

Who keeps buying into his asinine concepts? I mean, I get it... there's a sucker born every minute they say. But really, how many times does an idea have to fail before everyone realizes it's not a good idea? I can't believe people voted into office that are there to represent certain districts or areas of the state actually give this guy a platform.

If NEX wasn't already opened and functioning, I'd swear everything he touches was a complete flop. I don't know how he gets tenants to sign leases if the retailers are aware of what he does.

Sen. Beau Ballard
Appointed to Nebraska Legislature: Jan. 4, 2023, to replace Mike Hilgers, who resigned; elected 2024

Born May 5, 1994, in Lincoln.

Education: Graduate of Parkview Christian High School; Colorado Christian University; University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Occupation: Business owner

Former: Legislative staff member

Member: Calvary Community Church

[PotatoeEatsFish]

B

[damonhynes]

A Fool And His Money has been replaced by A Fool With Tax Credits.

[Doctor Fate]

I love Grow Omaha, but I really wish the guys would stop giving this clown airtime.

Almost everything he has ever talked about on there has never come to pass despite his implying that it would. Johanna Boston and Rod were on Grow Omaha years ago and she even told me shortly after that NEX would for sure get Crate & Barrel, CB2, West Elm, or a similar brand in the same tier.

[NEDodger]

I love Grow Omaha, but I really wish the guys would stop giving this clown airtime.

Almost everything he has ever talked about on there has never come to pass despite his implying that it would. Johanna Boston and Rod were on Grow Omaha years ago and she even told me shortly after that NEX would for sure get Crate & Barrel, CB2, West Elm, or a similar brand in the same tier.

What embarrassing failures.

[HskrFanMike]

I love Grow Omaha, but I really wish the guys would stop giving this clown airtime.

Almost everything he has ever talked about on there has never come to pass despite his implying that it would. Johanna Boston and Rod were on Grow Omaha years ago and she even told me shortly after that NEX would for sure get Crate & Barrel, CB2, West Elm, or a similar brand in the same tier.

When the 20,000 seat arena with an NHL franchise in Gretna entered the conversation, that was the clue that this was not a serious effort.

[Doctor Fate]

Does anyone remember the "Dallas Cowboys of youth sports facilities"? In July 2023, Rod said that they would be announcing it "in the very near future, this month" and that it would be 250 acres, 25 outdoor fields, 450,000 sq ft of super high end indoor sports facilities. He also said that Drew Brees would be opening Smalls Sliders and Tony Robbins would be a partner in the Good Life District and opening a health wellness facility. Anyone heard anything about these?

[djc311]

Does anyone remember the "Dallas Cowboys of youth sports facilities"? In July 2023, Rod said that they would be announcing it "in the very near future, this month" and that it would be 250 acres, 25 outdoor fields, 450,000 sq ft of super high end indoor sports facilities. He also said that Drew Brees would be opening Smalls Sliders and Tony Robbins would be a partner in the Good Life District and opening a health wellness facility. Anyone heard anything about these?

That was just in 2023... you need to give him some time. "Near future and this month" can mean many things to all of those that don't follow common sense.

[cchandler790]

Local development group, Woodsonia Real Estate, has thrown their hat in the ring as a key developer for the Gretna Good Life District.

The Elkhorn-based group is already approved to help create the Grand Island Good Life District and has had conversations with businesses for more than two years to bring them to Gretna. During Tuesday's Gretna city council meeting, they shared their vision to transform the 2,000 acres of land sitting between Omaha and Lincoln. We've been vested here for a long time before the start of the Gretna Good Life district," Drew Snyder, president of Woodsonia Real Estate, said. "As the good life district started to take shape, we became interested in it. And I've always felt like this was a very regional location. I believe in the program itself, bringing in transformational type uses that are not otherwise going to be in our state."

Snyder says he's thankful to former developer, Rod Yates, for getting the ball rolling and credits him for having the vision. Snyder said they believe the district is an opportunity to bring incredible experiences to the state, like a $125 million amphitheater spearheaded by the "world's largest entertainment venue."

"Fifteen to 17,000 seat, outdoor amphitheater be operational from April to November," Snyder said. "It would bring in 50 major acts every year that would bring in people from definitely outside the state of Nebraska."

Other ideas include a J.W. Marriott paired with a golf course, a sports complex, retail center and bringing Wally's, a family-friendly travel center. With those, Snyder said their proposal has the potential to bring in 1.9 million visitors a year.

"This is not a full development of all 2,000 acres," Snyder said. "This would just be the 700 acres, so pretty significant." Snyder said if approved by the state after that deadline, he's confident they could have projects like the amphitheater up and running within the next two years.

https://www.ketv.com/article/pretty-sig ... Let7Z1cDzA

[Doctor Fate]

Woodsonia reveals new multimillion-dollar retail, sports venue option for Gretna good life district

Rod Yate's super mega vision has now gone from 4,000 acres to 1,000. I guess no more "Dallas Cowboys of youth sports facilities".

Another factor in play is that Yates has not given up his pursuit of developing a mega sports-focused campus in the district that includes and surrounds his Nebraska Crossing shopping center, though he is seeking a different path and now has a slimmed down 1,000-acre version of his vision.

“We’re going 100 miles an hour,” Yates told the Nebraska Examiner on Tuesday.

he first phase would rise, Yates said, on property within the existing district boundaries, but it would be governed by different rules and incentives outlined in Ballard’s Legislative Bill 637, the Destination Nebraska Act.

Yates said he hadn’t heard details of other plans for the area and couldn’t comment on the possibility of co-existing with other developers in the general area.

He said he is awaiting the DED’s determination on whether to dissolve the Gretna good life district. “The more relevant question is where is the DED in all this?” said Yates.

One thing for sure, Yates said, is that his revised plan would not require approval from the City of Gretna, which rejected his earlier demands. Gretna officials said Yates’ terms were too risky for taxpayers and that he essentially wanted the city to use its power of eminent domain to forcibly acquire land from other property owners for his project.

Yates said he recently had a “town hall meeting” with property owners in his latest 1,000-acre quest, and was pleased with the reception.

[Garrett]

I mean, I guess.

[skinzfan23]

Do we really need another amphitheater? I saw some of the early renderings for the area near the Bellevue Bay waterpark and they show an amphitheater as well. There is already Westfair, Harrah's, the Astro, Sumtur.

[almighty_tuna]

Do we really need another amphitheater? I saw some of the early renderings for the area near the Bellevue Bay waterpark and they show an amphitheater as well. There is already Westfair, Harrah's, the Astro, Sumtur.

I would argue that Harrah's, Astro, and Sumptur aren't of the caliber of a Sandstone in KC, which is what came to mind when I read the description in the article. Westfair could be that ampitheatre, but needs so many upgrades. You're not going to get the same acts to Harrah's or Sumpter that you would a 15k+ capacity venue.

[skinzfan23]

That is true. Any idea how many concerts/events sandstone gets in a year?

[nebport5]

An amphitheater could be interesting if done right. Obviously competing with Red Rocks or The Gorge isn't realistic but being one of the largest upper echelon outdoor venues could be achieved. The idea of overlooking the Platte(location/elevation dependent) with some incredible sunsets is an appealing thought. I say play up Nebraska's Arbor Day association and go with a mass timber structure.

A fancy golf course seems like a given at some point. Wally's sounds like the Disneyworld of gas stations. That'll really bring people from out of state.

[almighty_tuna]

That is true. Any idea how many concerts/events sandstone gets in a year?

18 last year according to concertarchives.org

https://www.concertarchives.org/venues/ ... phitheater

[OmahaRedWing]

Do we really need another amphitheater? I saw some of the early renderings for the area near the Bellevue Bay waterpark and they show an amphitheater as well. There is already Westfair, Harrah's, the Astro, Sumtur.

I would argue that Harrah's, Astro, and Sumptur aren't of the caliber of a Sandstone in KC, which is what came to mind when I read the description in the article. Westfair could be that ampitheatre, but needs so many upgrades. You're not going to get the same acts to Harrah's or Sumpter that you would a 15k+ capacity venue.

Yeah Sandstone gets bigger acts/shows. Size matters....

[damonhynes]

Local development group, Woodsonia Real Estate, has thrown their hat in the ring as a key developer for the Gretna Good
Other ideas include a J.W. Marriott paired with a golf course, a sports complex, retail center and bringing Wally's, a family-friendly travel center. With those, Snyder said their proposal has the potential to bring in 1.9 million visitors a year.

A JW? KC, OKC, DEN, SEA, LA don't even have JWs! Admittedly, Marriott's had a lot of brand drift lately, but still...

That boy's high.