Planning Board approves several housing and redevelopment items, denies a PUR amendment

The Omaha Planning Board on Monday approved multiple land-use cases and redevelopment items and recorded votes that will move several projects to City Council review.

Key approvals

- Koontz Place (Sparking Development LLC): Preliminary and final plat approvals and a planned-unit-development (PUR) overlay for a two-townhome subdivision at 2219 Lothrop Street passed after applicant testimony and brief neighborhood comment; staff recommended approval and the board voted 5–0.

- Foundations Development LLC (1059 Park Avenue): The board approved three related cases — a future-land-use amendment, a TIF redevelopment plan and a rezoning with an ACI overlay to allow a 50-unit affordable senior housing project. City staff and the TIF committee supported the package; Don Seten described an estimated $10.5 million capital stack with about $660,785 in TIF support discussed in staff materials. Each of the three cases passed 5–0.

- B&B Sports Academy redevelopment plan: The city law department explained the redevelopment plan authority under the Nebraska Community Development Law for conveyance of city land; B&B representatives described youth-program expansion and the board voted 5–0 to recommend approval.

Other votes and denials

- A proposed major amendment to a PUR for a multiunit project at 3204 North 16th Street (developer John Curry) was denied 5–0 after staff said the proposed façade and material substitutions (faux brick panels and other changes) departed from the previously approved PUR design; the developer cited construction cost overruns.

- A minor rezoning for a vacant lot at 4617 Davenport (Johnny Dugan) to allow townhomes was approved 5–0.

What happens next: Approved items will go to City Council for final action where required (TIF and ordinances). The developer who was denied may revise plans and return for further hearings.