Saddle Creek Marketplace (NEC 46th & California)

[Garrett]

Woodsonia is planning to redevelop the Saddle Creek Plaza shopping center with 250 apartments and 75,000 sqft of retail space while also renovating the existing Family Fare building. Plans also include 75 new surface parking stalls as well as 200 underground spaces. It's on the next planning board agenda.

https://www.3newsnow.com/central-omaha/ ... evelopment

[Renovator2559]

Nice! Just what we need and included apartments, wow!

[Jins123]

The opened a Wing Stop across the street so to me it’s already taken off, this development lol

[locoluke]

The complaints about building a "luxury" apartments in places with primarily low-income residents, especially when the project isn't displacing anyone, kinda drives me nuts. Displacement of long-time residents is a valid concern, but is building exclusively low-rent apartments in low-income areas not enforcing a sort of de-facto segregation on the basis of income?

[Brad]

Here is the planning board documents:

https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images ... ber/08.pdf

Family Fare is still open, correct? So if I read this right, they are going to close it?

[iamjacobm]

Here is the planning board documents:

https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images ... ber/08.pdf

Family Fare is still open, correct? So if I read this right, they are going to close it?

Maybe think they get stronger rents breaking it up. Wouldn’t be shocked if Ace moved here. That segment of retail they are in now is going to get redeveloped too.

[Busguy2010]

Man, this is just what I was dreading, and it finally comes to fruition. Its gonna change everything. I just went to the Family Fare yesterday, and truth be told, I like going there because it's ghetto and LOW KEY. That grocery store has pretty much been the centerpoint of my activities for half of my life. I mean, I don't know where they expect all those people to go, work, and shop. It'll be one less for me. If you ever go there, you get the vibe. I'm gonna miss it. Spent most my adulthood within a half mile radius. Out with the old, in with the new

[Renovator2559]

We need our variety of stores, from upscale to ghetto like. That's what gives us character and different vibes for sure.

[Busguy2010]

Damn, that's not what I needed to hear today... Sooooo many memories coming back up now. After High school I lived in that immediate area 10 years, and every place, that store was literally in the middle. I lived at 38th & Hamilton, 42nd & Davenport, 43rd & Parker, 41st & Burt, and 48th & Capitol. I live in Benson now, but its still my closest preferred grocery store that isn't WALMART. Big sigh.

Ya can't say it won't displace anybody. Its just gonna be a completely different set of people and businesses that don't fit with the people that currently live around it. It is frustrating having such a close connection to the area and people say "Oh, it'll be fine". "Let's clean it up and now maybe I can go there" BS.

[Padre]

Man, this is just what I was dreading, and it finally comes to fruition. Its gonna change everything. I just went to the Family Fare yesterday, and truth be told, I like going there because it's ghetto and LOW KEY. That grocery store has pretty much been the centerpoint of my activities for half of my life. I mean, I don't know where they expect all those people to go, work, and shop. It'll be one less for me. If you ever go there, you get the vibe. I'm gonna miss it. Spent most my adulthood within a half mile radius. Out with the old, in with the new

Does low key mean empty? I would go there every once in a while, and it often seems like there’s nobody else there. Maybe it’s just the times I went, but I’ve seen gas stations that had more people around.

The last time I went there, I bought an over the counter medication. When I got it home, I realized it was already expired!

[Busguy2010]

My most endearing memory was like one of the first times I went there after I moved to the area, and it was still No-Frills, it musta been right after Halloween and I scored $50 worth of Child's Play candy bags for $5. I would assume because nobody could justify buying them for 10 bucks a pop. I mean, I wouldn't. If that doesn't tell ya something about the character of the area... Its also my favorite spot for the managers special meats, again, because things sit on the shelf so long because its not a wealthy neighborhood. Nearly everybody checks out the manager's special, its almost like a race to get there first to get the good stuff.

Ah... well anyway, all the more reason to enjoy it while I can. I can't think of another place that will fit the bill. They're all gone.

[Busguy2010]

Man, this is just what I was dreading, and it finally comes to fruition. Its gonna change everything. I just went to the Family Fare yesterday, and truth be told, I like going there because it's ghetto and LOW KEY. That grocery store has pretty much been the centerpoint of my activities for half of my life. I mean, I don't know where they expect all those people to go, work, and shop. It'll be one less for me. If you ever go there, you get the vibe. I'm gonna miss it. Spent most my adulthood within a half mile radius. Out with the old, in with the new

Does low key mean empty? I would go there every once in a while, and it often seems like there’s nobody else there.

Not at all. I went there yesterday and there were a ton of people. Probably at least a dozen when I got to the registers, and they opened extra to get things moving. There was also a line at the deli as there usually is.

[Busguy2010]

Not gonna lie, also while I was there, there was a well dressed man, handsome, low key Clark Kent lookin guy, and here I am in my well worn carhart rocking a Hulk Hogan mustache. I guess i accidentally snuck up on him, the dude looked pretty spooked. Kept movin, but I thought "Hmm, if I scared you, you must be one of them newbs".

[Omahayngin]

so do i have this right, we’re tearing down amenities essential to the neighborhood (that neighborhood walmart lacks so much) in order to build a strip mall? i looked at the renderings, that’s what it is. am i missing something? and tearing down the strip mall already in the parking lot too?

[Garrett]

so do i have this right, we’re tearing down amenities essential to the neighborhood (that neighborhood walmart lacks so much) in order to build a strip mall? i looked at the renderings, that’s what it is. am i missing something? and tearing down the strip mall already in the parking lot too?

The building Family Fare is in is being renovated, the adjacent strip mall is being converted into a 4 story apartment building, and an additional apartment building is being constructed to the south of Family Fare at 46th and California

[Busguy2010]

so do i have this right, we’re tearing down amenities essential to the neighborhood (that neighborhood walmart lacks so much) in order to build a strip mall? i looked at the renderings, that’s what it is. am i missing something? and tearing down the strip mall already in the parking lot too?

I very much doubt a laundromat, or any of the other businesses are in the cards when its said and done. They're being kicked out. We're being kicked out. They even said it will be unrecognizable. So all the people around there that don't have a washer/dryer will be SOL. Well, how do you solve that? Just buy up all the apartments that don't have them, renovate them, jack up the rent, rinse, repeat. Problem solved. Gentrification to a tee.

[Omahayngin]

so do i have this right, we’re tearing down amenities essential to the neighborhood (that neighborhood walmart lacks so much) in order to build a strip mall? i looked at the renderings, that’s what it is. am i missing something? and tearing down the strip mall already in the parking lot too?

The building Family Fare is in is being renovated, the adjacent strip mall is being converted into a 4 story apartment building, and an additional apartment building is being constructed to the south of Family Fare at 46th and California

family fare is being renovated into a nicer looking strip mall though? from the renderings that’s what i got.

[Busguy2010]

so do i have this right, we’re tearing down amenities essential to the neighborhood (that neighborhood walmart lacks so much) in order to build a strip mall? i looked at the renderings, that’s what it is. am i missing something? and tearing down the strip mall already in the parking lot too?

The building Family Fare is in is being renovated, the adjacent strip mall is being converted into a 4 story apartment building, and an additional apartment building is being constructed to the south of Family Fare at 46th and California

family fare is being renovated into a nicer looking strip mall though? from the renderings that’s what i got.

Divided into 3 units.

[Busguy2010]

For who knows what, probably nothing essential.

[Garrett]

I imagine if they have a tenant willing to take the whole space they’d orient it accordingly. Something like showing a divided space is moreso tentative than a commitment

[Busguy2010]

I won't hold my breath on it, but ONE thing, ONE. That would make me feel good about it is if one tennant is a Natty-G's. Not holding my breath at all, but Natty-G's would kinda bridge the gap between existing people and those that will move in. They have cheap, practical food. They don't sell beer, liquor, swisher sweets, and lottery tickets, but at least they sell bread, milk, eggs and cheese. Anything that stops me short of going to the Neighborhood Market, I won't argue.

[Brad]

Info from the planning board today.

1. Family Fair was leaving before this project was a project. Its an underperforming store.
2. Family Fair building is in poor shape and will be gutted, back to the foundation and structural walls.
3. Front of the building will be removed and pushed back (shrinking the building)
4. Hoping they can find a new grocery store, but most likely be 3 tenants.
5. New Parking Lot, Landscaping, and Lighting.

Many neighbors are opposed.

[GenX]

Info from the planning board today.

1. Family Fair was leaving before this project was a project. Its an underperforming store.
2. Family Fair building is in poor shape and will be gutted, back to the foundation and structural walls.
3. Front of the building will be removed and pushed back (shrinking the building)
4. Hoping they can find a new grocery store, but most likely be 3 tenants.
5. New Parking Lot, Landscaping, and Lighting.

Many neighbors are opposed.

I would prefer to see better utilization of this property to where there is less of a “sea of concrete” parking lot. Maybe build the apartments just south of Sonic fronting Saddle Creek? What is the significance of keeping the Family Fare building?

[Busguy2010]

I'll probably go there tonight for my last (or next to last) hoo-ra. They probably have some smokin deals, if they're even open. I still profess that the demise of Family Fare was Walmart. Soon as Walmart moved in, Family Fare's parking lot went ghost. We have to support our options, or else Walmart will become our only food supply. I don't want to see that.

[Busguy2010]

I did go there tonight, and made sure to walk every aisle and relive every memory. I quite honestly had a GIANT lump in my throat and had a hard time keeping it together. Also bought more than I set out for because I didn't know if it would be the last time.

But I didn't see any signs or anything indicating imminent closure. No closeouts. If you didn't know its closing, you wouldn't know. It looked just as it always has, so I'd guess maybe it'll be a little while. I figured by the end of the year, but maybe not?

But anyway I saw the usual longtime employees. And walking around, yes, its not very nice, at all. But that's what the area has been for decades. A safe haven for the struggle, I guess would be a good way to put it. That's why I got choked up, is because I may not go there ever again (hopefully I'll have one more shot), and they're going to make it "nicer", and more appealing to a different demographic than what fits with the longstanding feel of the area. So, you know what it's called.

Well. Sigh. Not anything really to do to about it. Such is the progression.

[locoluke]

Info from the planning board today.

1. Family Fair was leaving before this project was a project. Its an underperforming store.
2. Family Fair building is in poor shape and will be gutted, back to the foundation and structural walls.
3. Front of the building will be removed and pushed back (shrinking the building)
4. Hoping they can find a new grocery store, but most likely be 3 tenants.
5. New Parking Lot, Landscaping, and Lighting.

Many neighbors are opposed.

Even if it's underperforming, it certainly appears to be outperforming the Family Fare at 144th and W. Center, at least based on the amount of cars in the parking lot, and, although age is obviously not the only factor in building condition, that W. Center building is also 9 years older than the one on Saddle Creek.

[Busguy2010]

I went to Family Fare today, thinking I'd see some indication of them closing. Nothing of the sort. They only had their Christmas hours posted on the door, so we know its gonna be at least that long. Long enough that I'll get to go there again. Perhaps again the week after Christmas? Who knows. I haven't seen any signs of imminent closing yet. I figured last time was the last time, and this time was the last time. Maybe it'll be a little while.

[OracleOfOmaha]

rough and tumble neighborhood family fare 4 blocks from dundee, but the only acceptable replacement is the gentrification personified natural grocers...lol buddy

[Busguy2010]

Ever hung out near 78th & Dodge? There's been a Natty G's there for years, and I'll tell ya, it isn’t the personification of gentrification lol. There's the new apartments built right behind them only recently, and a stones throw away is people sleeping on the banks of the creek. Now when this is built, you could say its a mirror image. Natty G's would at least be something other than Walmart. I've made it pretty clear I dont want Family Fare to go, nor the neighborhood to change. But what can ya do...

[Busguy2010]

I went to Family Fare today for my weekly to bi-weekly visit. Every time, I expect to see some sign of them closing soon, but I haven't seen it yet. I've been there 4-5 times since, thinking each time I'd see a sign saying "store closing on..." So far its just been normal.

[Brad]

I went to Family Fare today for my weekly to bi-weekly visit. Every time, I expect to see some sign of them closing soon, but I haven't seen it yet. I've been there 4-5 times since, thinking each time I'd see a sign saying "store closing on..." So far its just been normal.

Probably staying until their lease is up?

Also, they were just the planning board. They still need to go to City Council.

[Busguy2010]

Probably staying until their lease is up?

I figured that much, but I don't know when that is.

I'm pleasantly surprised, it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere for at least another month. Guess I'll just continue to keep my eye out every month, rather than every time. Good to know I probably have a good amount of visits left.

[djc311]

I miss the "old" Saddle Creek, when I lived off 43rd & California. Target (the first in Omaha), Goodrich, Pizza Hut, Mr Donuts (still can't believe people think Rice Bowl is good!).

I'd walk down to Kwik Shop and Town and Country across the street to put quarters in their arcade machines when I was a kid. Get a $0.50 32oz. fountain pop and chill there for an hour or two. Of course I'm dating myself, but it was awesome.

Even when it started to change some like when Blockbuster opened near the corner of Cuming or when Hot N Now was slapped together (literally was installed by putting two pre-built halves together off a truck), it was a better place than it is now.

I worked at Albertsons for about a week before I quit. Never was a fan of their management or their stores.

[iamjacobm]

This got a whole lot of opposition emails. Sure to be a contentious city council meeting for this item.

[Mapguy]

Every apt development in Midtown getting TIF gets resident opposition.

Having been to these hearings I think resident input is just lip service to check a box. The Boards always approve the TIF applications 7-0 lock step no matter how many residents dislike a developer or development.

Omaha needs TIF reform so the neighborhoods actually have a voice in the process that can stop TIF in its tracks if it is opposed.

[Brad]

Every apt development in Midtown getting TIF gets resident opposition.

Having been to these hearings I think resident input is just lip service to check a box. The Boards always approve the TIF applications 7-0 lock step no matter how many residents dislike a developer or development.

Omaha needs TIF reform so the neighborhoods actually have a voice in the process that can stop TIF in its tracks if it is opposed.

Even though some neighbors have shown up in opposition, this project is still complying with all existing city rules. If it meets those requirements, the city council is expected to approve it. If people don’t like the rules, that’s fair — the appropriate response is to work to change the rules themselves, not to selectively block projects that already comply.

City councils can’t reasonably approve or deny projects based on the testimony of a small group of residents. I say “small” intentionally: out of the thousands of people who live in the area, fewer than 100 showed up to oppose this project.

Once you start picking and choosing which projects to approve outside of the established rules, you open the door to corruption, discrimination, and favoritism.

I work with cities across the metro area. Whether the rules are more aggressive or more relaxed doesn’t really affect me — what matters is that the rules are clearly defined and consistently applied. Give me a box, and I’ll find a way to work within it.

TIF projects already go through an extensive review process. They are evaluated by attorneys, reviewed by city staff, sent to the Planning Department, forwarded to the Planning Board for approval, and only then brought before the City Council. Blindsiding a project at the very end of that process is not the right time to raise fundamental objections.

If people think apartments are expensive now, just wait until projects start getting rejected after hundreds of hours of work and tens of thousands of dollars have already been spent getting them to the finish line — only to have them stopped at the last step.

[Mapguy]

If you look at TIF and where these devopments are happening its pretty clear the incentives are poorly written.

If im a developer and I got 100 million to invest am I picking 20th and Ames in North Omaha to build $2500/mo apts and retail? Or am I picking Dundee which has zero vacancy and every building is filled with businesses on Saddle Creek?

According to the city's boxes both neighborhoods are "blighted". So Id be a pretty dumb developer if I picked actual blighted neighborhoods to build apts.

And why would I make my apts affordable? The city and state arent making me? Theyre offering me 10 million in subsidies to build luxury apts in a neighborhood that hasnt been blighted for 20 years. Why wouldnt I charge the most possible?

You said it yourself the Planning board is expected to rubber stamp every TIF application that meets code. So as a developer why would I involve the public early on in a development and get their feedback? They wont hear about the development until everything is worked out in private with the Planning department. Every T crossed every I dotted in the application---and then we release the plan to the public when their opposition no longer matters. We hold a meeting everyone ignores them and we move on. Neither the developer or Planning department are incentivized to involve the public---in fact projects are more likely to sail through votes the less people know and the later they know.

I definitely think theres a ton of room for improvement and reform so we use TIF in a targeted way in neighborhoods that actually need investment.

[Brad]

They are not there to rubber-stamp every proposal; their role is to ensure that projects comply with the municipal code. Some projects are forwarded to the Planning Board with a recommendation for denial from the Planning Department, while others are recommended for a layover to allow time to resolve outstanding issues. In many cases, projects that receive a denial recommendation are ultimately pulled from the agenda by the developer.

Public comment does matter, but simply showing up to say a project doesn’t fit the neighborhood, that apartments are undesirable, or that it will create too much traffic rarely carries much weight on its own.

I’m not saying the process can’t be improved—it can. But there’s little incentive to build in the poorest neighborhoods when developers can find viable sites just a few blocks from the medical center. If changes are needed, they should be made to the rules themselves, not by opposing projects that have already gone through the process.

[Busguy2010]

I give up. There won't be a place for regular a$$ people to work, eat, shop, do laundry, buy auto parts, etc.

Everything's boutique, or whatever they call it. Lipstick on a pig there my boi. Have fun with it.

[locoluke]

I think as a concession they should put in a Super Mega Saver in the former Family Fare location.