Area NW of Saddlecreek at Pacific Street

[Brad]

What irks me about this whole process was that the City has stated that theyve been working with this particular developer for over a year on incentives and design. Theyve worked with the neighbors for a little over a month once all the agreements are in place and ready to go. And they wonder why there's pushback??

That's not 100% accurate. They may communicate and work with the city before hand to make sure what they want to do will work within the current city codes. While the city may say they are ok with the project, there are no agreements or official approvals before the planning board meeting. Its part of the developers due diligence process before actually purchasing the property. An apartment developer doesn't want to purchase an industrial property without know the city will be supportive of apartment. As far as not working with the neighbors sooner, they cant tell the whole world their plans before their purchase agreements are in place.

[Athomsfere]

Who is the community when we are complaining about them not getting input?

If we are talking about those who live and work in the area, or the average resident of the Omaha metro, then I'd argue the opposite of this thread. They should get less input.

We should be working to get rid of R1 zoning, parking minimums, and minimum set backs. We should be coming up with good policies for the city, and maybe some considerations like getting TIF requires X/Y affordable units, or not just the cheapest cladding.

But once the developer has navigated the legal and financial hurdles, the NIMBYs should have zero actual impact on a project, unless the developer wants it.

Maybe we as a city want a handful of special districts: Dundee, Blackstone, the Old Market where the design requirements are different. That's fine. But overall, let the district / region regulations allow anything the developer wants.

That's how we start moving away from parking lots and drive thrus everwhere.


Additional note: I hate seeing all the carwashes and Top Golf (A real eye sore) pop up where more interesting buildings should be. But if that's the best land use for a lot right now, then that is on the developers to spend money and fill in the city with what it can support.

[Busguy2010]

Who is the community when we are complaining about them not getting input?

I don't really have much place to complain about building design, although these types of developments are very uninspired lately... I guess that's the new normal, and I blame the developers, and the city for accepting such low standards. But for me, its just the over-all principle of the infill that is happening in Omaha. It's an (uninspired) facade of "Infill creates more density, which leads to better transit, which leads to more affordability" or something like that - which should be true, but the affordability isn't going down, it seems to be going up across the board. Forgive me if I'm assuming this one gets TIF, but I think its more than a fair assumption these days. So why should the developers get public tax assistance, when the people paying that really get no benefit from it? Somebody please inform me if I'm just ignorant.

[Athomsfere]

Who is the community when we are complaining about them not getting input?

I don't really have much place to complain about building design, although these types of developments are very uninspired lately... I guess that's the new normal, and I blame the developers, and the city for accepting such low standards. But for me, its just the over-all principle of the infill that is happening in Omaha. It's an (uninspired) facade of "Infill creates more density, which leads to better transit, which leads to more affordability" or something like that - which should be true, but the affordability isn't going down, it seems to be going up across the board. Forgive me if I'm assuming this one gets TIF, but I think its more than a fair assumption these days. So why should the developers get public tax assistance, when the people paying that really get no benefit from it? Somebody please inform me if I'm just ignorant.

I've complained a bit about the "bleh" designs of most 5 over 1 developments. I've said it doesn't give us any elements to reflect back on and say "Ah, this striking example of ________ from the 2020's. Notice the ____________ typical of the style, but the _____________ borrowed from deco, in contrast to the style".

But I don't for a second wish the buildings wouldn't get built. Instead, I'd rather we bring back bikes and walking as a primary design for the city. It might bring back building more interesting things when the building is built at the human scale.

[Brad]

Omaha’s Mayberry: where new development clashes with neighborhood ‘oasis’

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/03/11 ... ood-oasis/

But with a wave of redevelopment lapping at their eastern edge, the vibe is about to shift for the eclectic collection of dwellings on roughly four city blocks, anchored by a street called Mayberry, and stretching from about South 49th to 50th Streets.

A nearly 200-unit apartment complex is poised to rise just east of the Rushlaus — spurring some area homeowners to sell their properties to the project developer. Others have dug in their heels, raising their voices in hopes the project shrinks.

[Coyote]

Council approves early plan for Saddle Creek and Pacific Street



Council approves early plan for Saddle Creek and Pacific Street

[Coyote]

Planning Board documents detail impact of new flood maps on Saddle Creek development



Planning Board documents detail impact of new flood maps on Saddle Creek development

[Coyote]

Redevelopment project creates major changes in Omaha neighborhood
Construction of a major redevelopment project will happen, but one family took another jab at the project.

Despite the fight that neighbors put up, major changes are taking place in the neighborhood around Saddle Creek Road and Pacific Street. Construction of a major redevelopment project will happen, but one family took another jab at the project. Crews went to work Wednesday morning ripping up and tearing down trees, making way for a 195-unit apartment complex with space for retail. Developers say the project will improve the neighborhood and bring tax dollars and jobs to the city. Debbie Rushlau and others who live in the area have been fighting against the project for months but eventually lost. The project is a go. Debbie and her neighbors knew the day would come when demolition would begin but they say they just want things to be done right.

“As a private citizen, you don’t get any heads up you knew nothing you don’t get any information about how this is going, they’re going to come out and just tear out all your trees on the city right of way,” said Rushlau. Debbie called the city, workers from the parks and recreation and public property along with Omaha police came out to her neighborhood. One of the workers said you can’t plant or remove trees in the city right of way without prior authorization. After some debate, the tree clearing was stopped. “Can we go through the process and be told how this is going, can we be told anything about it other than we’re coming in and doing this, can you work with us,” said Rushlau. But moments later the tree clearing continued, crews working only on private property until they get things straightened out with the city.

“There’s only a handful of us and I know that we don’t mean anything there’s probably three people that are involved in this,” said Rushlau. Debbie says there are only a handful of neighbors making noise about the changes coming to their neighborhood, watching the trees close to her home being destroyed is painful but these are growing pains neighbors here will have to learn to live with. Neighbors say the tree clearing operation has stopped for the day. We are still attempting to make contact with planning department officials to get more information and to find out when or if developers can remove trees from the city right of way.

[Athomsfere]

“As a private citizen, you don’t get any heads up you knew nothing you don’t get any information about how this is going, they’re going to come out and just tear out all your trees on the city right of way,” said Rushlau.

Took me a while to get what was going on with that. I thought she had planted the trees at some point in the ROW and was upset they were getting town out.

Now I guess they grew there somehow, and the contractors / construction crew might now be authorized to remove them, but was.

Some good looking trees too from the video.

[Brad]

Demolition has started on a couple of these buildings.

[labguy]

Any update on this project? From the assessor's website it doesn't look like the developer has been able to acquire the Forest Green/Muth Electric property yet.

[Mapguy]

Forest Green is still planning to move this summer. The deed will probably change hands when they do.

Im still hoping this project falls on its face since it got zero public input and subsequently
zero support from the neighborhood.

[BN1]

Muth acquired property at 8415 G St (behind the quicktrip on 84th St) that they have been working on.

I assume they are moving the Saddle Creek shop there.

[nativeomahan]

So, the developers tore out a much appreciated canopy of trees in 2022 but have built nothing on this site as of August 2023? Am I missing something?

[legato9]

So, the developers tore out a much appreciated canopy of trees in 2022 but have built nothing on this site as of August 2023? Am I missing something?

Most Omahans will never, ever pass up an opportunity to take down a tree and leave flat land behind.

I swear, Nebraska has a culture of outright hostility to nature. It sucks.

[S.O.Boy]

So, the developers tore out a much appreciated canopy of trees in 2022 but have built nothing on this site as of August 2023? Am I missing something?

Most Omahans will never, ever pass up an opportunity to take down a tree and leave flat land behind.

I swear, Nebraska has a culture of outright hostility to nature. It sucks.

This density development, similar to what they are hoping for the streetcar.

[Coyote]

Omaha City Council approves rezoning plans on S. Saddle Creek Road



There’s hope a new apartment complex near Saddle Creek Road in south-central Omaha will increase foot traffic there. Just behind the intersection of Saddle Creek and Pacific sits an empty lot, currently fenced off. This is where the city plans to build those new apartments. The city took one final step to make it a reality Tuesday. Justin Bartels, owner of J&S LLC, isn’t surprised this is happening. He’s been operating a car shop business here for nearly a year and tells 6 News foot traffic here has grown in that time.

[10thstgoober]

I see they added more parking spaces, the same amount of apt units. Danny Begley didn't even seem confident in any retail. Also they sure spun this story in a positive manner. This area is not very walkable and the new 48th/Saddle Creek/Leavenworth planned updates don't really address this. I'm all for infill and urban development but not this monstrosity.

-48thstgoober

[Mapguy]

I find it interesting they are talking about foot traffic but the development has 300 parking spaces for 200 apartments. You dont get density and foot traffic by creating 300 space parking lots.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

I find it interesting they are talking about foot traffic but the development has 300 parking spaces for 200 apartments. You dont get density and foot traffic by creating 300 space parking lots.

It’s so stupid how Omaha keeps fighting public transportation. I live somewhat in this area and I take ORBIT when I need to go downtown or out west. I just walk everywhere else because I have everything near me I need. It’s sad this area is literally the only area of Omaha where you can live without a car.

[Vitruvius]

Omaha City Council approves rezoning plans on S. Saddle Creek Road



There’s hope a new apartment complex near Saddle Creek Road in south-central Omaha will increase foot traffic there. Just behind the intersection of Saddle Creek and Pacific sits an empty lot, currently fenced off. This is where the city plans to build those new apartments. The city took one final step to make it a reality Tuesday. Justin Bartels, owner of J&S LLC, isn’t surprised this is happening. He’s been operating a car shop business here for nearly a year and tells 6 News foot traffic here has grown in that time.

That story is a poor attempt at good journalism. To say there has been increasing foot traffic is a complete falsehood. To claim this development will increase foot traffic is absurd. The truth is automobile traffic and congestion has increased and will continue to increase. Recently, the corner of a nearby building on Saddlecreek was completely taken out by a reckless driver going of the road.
The PR piece fails to mention the plan includes a drive-thru coffee place and a drive-thru bank or credit union. That, along with the 300 space parking garage with one entrance/exit on Saddle Creek is not creating walkability and making the pedestrian a priority. This isn't responsible design. It's not smart or forward-thinking, but do keep the simple-minded tropes coming. They're good for a laugh.

[Mapguy]

I see the Forest Green property changed hands last month. Shouldnt be long until we see that building leveled and replaced with 300+ parking stalls the existing neighborhood has been clamoring for.

Hoping they take out those pesky volleyball courts and Oleavers next. We need more apts and less businesses on Saddle Creek. Some spot zoning and TIF financed buyouts by the planning department should help spur more development.

[Brad]

I see the Forest Green property changed hands last month. Shouldnt be long until we see that building leveled

I noticed tonight, that property is completely empty now with a "We moved" sign out front.

[Flyer14]

Idk if Mapguy is being serious, it’s hard to tell with so much sarcasm on these threads lately. The volleyball courts get used a ton, and O’Leavers is still pretty popular, it would be a shame to see them both go IMO.

[Louie]

Idk if Mapguy is being serious, it’s hard to tell with so much sarcasm on these threads lately. The volleyball courts get used a ton, and O’Leavers is still pretty popular, it would be a shame to see them both go IMO.

O'Leaver's is a sand volleyball institution in the summer.

[Mapguy]

Hey I love volleyball too, but the land is only assessed for 200k. Its in the City's best interest to change the zoning to allow a PUD; jack up the taxes on the existing owner, offer a developer TIF funds for approved expenses, like acquisition, demolition, and a new sidewalk, and have them plop a 4 over 1 on those courts. The taxable land value would probably skyrocket to 5-15 million.

If not Oleavers I could see Dingmans and Twins Auto as the next businesses to be flattened for apts using this model---its a pretty lucrative model for the developers and City.

[Louie]

Sarcasm it is then.

[nativeomahan]

Sarcasm it is then.

Indeed.

[Vitruvius]

Idk if Mapguy is being serious, it’s hard to tell with so much sarcasm on these threads lately. The volleyball courts get used a ton, and O’Leavers is still pretty popular, it would be a shame to see them both go IMO.

Whether it's serious or sarcastic, it's a completely accurate reminder of the imprudent mindset behind all this stuff.

[S.O.Boy]

I believe they are moving power lines adjacent to Saddle Creek.

[labguy]

Demolition has finally begun on the Forest Green/Muth Electric building.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Saddle Creek is currently too autocentric to attract much foot traffic. However, if enough dense developments are built and surface lots are retrofitted into retail spaces, along with improvements in pedestrian comfort through road diets, bump-outs, and similar changes, we could see an increase in foot traffic and walkability. For now, focusing on establishing density is a solid first step.

[Mapguy]

Has this project died?

Ive seen little movement beyond demolishing buildings.

Other apt projects in midtown have been announced and commenced construction almost immediately. It's been 4 years since this thread was started. Surely it can't take that long to demolish some buildings and put a foundation down.

[Brad]

Has this project died?

Ive seen little movement beyond demolishing buildings.

Other apt projects in midtown have been announced and commenced construction almost immediately. It's been 4 years since this thread was started. Surely it can't take that long to demolish some buildings and put a foundation down.

Its been a while since they announced, but its only a few months since the tore down the last building.

[S.O.Boy]

Earth moving has started.

[Flyer14]

Significant work has been done to this site since the last update. Still moving earth and grading, but the sheer amount is crazy to see.

[BIGO88]

I saw that work has stalled here and there looking to switch up the original plans.

[Brad]

Speaking of projects along Saddle Creek Road that haven't moved along... Weeds are 6' tall.