This is in my neck of the woods... for some reason I enjoy being surrounded by numerous retail/restaurant/office developments. Obviously it isn't urban... but I can literally walk comfortably to many of these destinations. And the locations within reach of my wife and I on bike are nearly limitless, including Village Pointe, the Shops at Lakeside, Shops at Legacy, etc. Now if you built on a lot backing to 168th or Pacific... you should have seen it coming. In another time... all of these lots would have been occupied by businesses... and just think THEN how conveniently located they would be.
Omaha World Herald wrote: Neighbors object to 168th, Pacific development
The intersection of 168th and Pacific Streets could get a new retail and office development.
But some neighbors don't want it.
Wednesday, the Omaha Planning Board endorsed plans for the 32-acre Pacific Springs Vista project on the intersection's northwest corner. The plans envision restaurants, rows of shops, a convenience store and offices.
Neighbors complained that the development will bother them with noise, lights and traffic. Besides that, they argued, the area doesn't need more businesses with shopping centers opening at 168th and Dodge, expanding at 180th and Pacific and filling in along West Center Road.
"We have more than enough gas stations, carwashes and restaurants," said Sue Raymond, who lives south of the project in Rose Garden Estates.
Lawyer John Fullenkamp, who represents Pacific Springs Vista, said Omaha's master development plan allows for the development. But to minimize the impact on area neighborhoods, he said, the developers added landscaping, cut the project's square footage and agreed to not put a fast food restaurant on a corner lot.
The land currently holds a golf driving range and is bordered on two sides by neighborhoods. It also is next to the Pacific Springs Golf Course and an electrical substation, which wouldn't be affected.
The City Planning Department agrees that the proposal fits Omaha's master plan. The Planning Board voted 6-0 to support a zoning change and project layout.
The issues now goes to the City Council.
"I think it will end up serving the neighborhoods surrounding it," board member Tom Skutt said.
Hey, at least I wasn't duck hooking it onto Pacific Street leaving dents on people's cars. I've seen it done before. One guy was like, 'Ehh... should've bought a Saturn.'
