Lincoln council approves Belmont redevelopment plan, directing roughly $23 million in phased investments

The Lincoln City Council on June 1 approved the Belmont Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan and Midsouth Belmont Revitalization Project, endorsing roughly $23 million in phased investments to improve connectivity, parks and neighborhood amenities.

Dan Marvin, Urban Development director, told the council the plan uses an upcoming state-led reconstruction of the North 14th Street bridge as a funding opportunity to unlock pedestrian access, trail connections and other infrastructure that would help reconnect Belmont to the rest of the city. Marvin said officials expect investments to begin around 2027 and will be prioritized based on impact and cost.

The plan identifies a set of projects including improvements at Belmont Park, enhancements around the community center and pool, and signage and entry treatments intended to strengthen neighborhood identity. "We think the funding is going to start probably in 2027," Marvin said, and staff estimated the total program of investments at about $23 million to be deployed gradually.

Belmont Community Center director Emily Coupeman, testifying during the public hearing, praised the planning process and resident engagement. "The community itself really showed up," Coupeman said, describing neighborhood-led outreach, food access work and programs that now serve several hundred children. She urged continued resident-led implementation and highlighted the center’s role as a local hub.

Council members framed the vote as a recognition of long-running resident advocacy for Belmont and a step toward targeted investments. The measure, introduced by Councilman Bowers, was approved on a roll call vote reported as 7–0.

Next steps include prioritizing specific projects, drafting funding agreements and coordinating timelines with the state bridge reconstruction. City staff said individual projects will return to the council for approvals or funding decisions as they are selected and designed.

The vote concluded the public hearing and the council moved on to other agenda items.