PrOmaha.org

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 6:01 pm

l'll explain more when I get back from the baseball meeting but here you go for now.

http://promaha.org/

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 6:09 pm

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 4:04 am

It looks great guys!..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

Historic Omaha · Post by **Historic Omaha** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 10:42 am

aren't those images of the proposed stadium copyrighted by HOK and/or HDR?

NDizona · Post by **NDizona** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:26 am

If HDR comes after a that website for "stealing" pictures for a not for profit website - I will make sure it gets into the press.

Although I wouldn't be surprised if they asked that they get credit for the work...

Post by **nebugeater** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:33 am

NDizona wrote:If HDR comes after a that website for "stealing" pictures for a not for profit website - I will make sure it gets into the press.

Although I wouldn't be surprised if they asked that they get credit for the work...

SO, that makes it OK? Who made that decision?

NDizona · Post by **NDizona** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:39 am

Most large companies put out kits to allow for "fan" sites. Companies like HDR better have better things to do with their time than to take down "fan" sites.

BTW - I thought this was a PRO omaha site - not a PROGRESSIVE Omaha site...

That pretty much changes everything. Now that I realize its a political site - HDR probably will say something if the site gets big enough. There is a big difference between fan sites and political sites.

Post by **nebugeater** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 5:35 pm

NDizona wrote:Most large companies put out kits to allow for "fan" sites. Companies like HDR better have better things to do with their time than to take down "fan" sites.

BTW - I thought this was a PRO omaha site - not a PROGRESSIVE Omaha site...

That pretty much changes everything. Now that I realize its a political site - HDR probably will say something if the site gets big enough. There is a big difference between fan sites and political sites.

SO they will "let" you use this for a fan site but in turn, you would say "take it to the media" if they say something. :roll:

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 10:58 pm

So what are you guys (and this organization) planning on doing? Is it just a group to raise awareness, or are you going to be holding functions and meetings for the members?

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:09 pm

NDizona wrote:Most large companies put out kits to allow for "fan" sites. Companies like HDR better have better things to do with their time than to take down "fan" sites.

BTW - I thought this was a PRO omaha site - not a PROGRESSIVE Omaha site...

That pretty much changes everything. Now that I realize its a political site - HDR probably will say something if the site gets big enough. There is a big difference between fan sites and political sites.

It is a PROGRESSIVE Omaha site.

Let me explain a little bit.

The whole idea for PrOmaha started sometime last fall when Josh (the1wags) and I were having lunch and decided the best thing to do about changing Omaha was not to sit around on an internet forum talking about doing things but actually getting out there and doing things. Typing here hoping someone reads your good ideas isn't the best way to affect change.

At the time we came up with the idea the stadium issue was big (still is). We didn't want any group we started to be pigeon-holed by one idea. If were all about the stadium then our issue/group goes away once the plan is decided. We decided the best thing to do is to focus on many issues around the city but to have them all under one umbrella. That would be PrOmaha.

You can check out our website to see more of what we're about. We're probably preaching to the choir here but I think many of you here are already like minded and this is a chance to actually DO something and not just talk about it.

We have been going to these baseball meetings and passing out cards getting our name out there and overall the response has been great. We've talked with all sorts of people from private citizens to city councilmen, civic leaders, and the Mayor himself. I spoke with the Mayor personally Thursday at length about PrOmaha and he gets the vision of what we're trying to do and thinks it's a great way for people to get involved with what's going on in the city.

We are still finishing the last few pages of our website and we would hope to get it all up by the end of this week. If you have any other questions you can PM me or the1wags for more information.

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:19 pm

Thanks for the explanation, sounds like a good idea.

NDizona · Post by **NDizona** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:51 pm

nebugeater wrote:SO they will "let" you use this for a fan site but in turn, you would say "take it to the media" if they say something. :roll:

I didn't realize it was a political site. Obviously my opinion has changed. I looked through it but didn't realize the connotation at first.

We have been going to these baseball meetings and passing out cards getting our name out there and overall the response has been great. We've talked with all sorts of people from private citizens to city councilmen, civic leaders, and the Mayor himself. I spoke with the Mayor personally Thursday at length about PrOmaha and he gets the vision of what we're trying to do and thinks it's a great way for people to get involved with what's going on in the city.

Im sure our progressive mayor was thrilled with it. Now that they are done banning smoking - are you going to have dress code and foul word restrictions? Drinking causes thousands of deaths a year - why not ban alcohol? How about a special tax for people that drive SUVs?

Did you have to call it PROGRESSIVE? I mean you use the same term Hillary Clinton uses to define herself.

Couldn't you use something like Smart or Intelligent? How about Pro Growth? Or Pro Development?

I was all about this site - until I realized what it was all about. I want to make the http://www.stoptaxingthecrapoutofusomahaandletgooddevelopersdevelop!!!.com

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:09 am

NDizona wrote: I didn't realize it was a political site.
Couldn't you use something like Smart or Intelligent? How about Pro Growth? Or Pro Development?

I don't know where you're getting that it's a political site. It must have been from our slogan or

Advocating progressive, intelligent growth for Omaha's future.

I don't know how you could have thought our mission isn't about growth or development. It couldn't have possibly been from our topics page or slogan. They are just so vague.

Advocating progressive, intelligent growth for Omaha's future.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:14 am

Linkin5 wrote:So what are you guys (and this organization) planning on doing? Is it just a group to raise awareness, or are you going to be holding functions and meetings for the members?

We would like to raise awareness and educate people in the city on the benefits of smart growth, planning, and transit.

We do plan on having group functions as we build are membership. Just check the site for updates and I'm sure we'll post them here too.

NDizona · Post by **NDizona** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:29 am

DTO Luv wrote:I don't know where you're getting that it's a political site. It must have been from our slogan or

Advocating progressive, intelligent growth for Omaha's future.

I don't know how you could have thought our mission isn't about growth or development. It couldn't have possibly been from our topics page or slogan. They are just so vague.

Advocating progressive, intelligent growth for Omaha's future.

Progressive growth to me is (and to everyone else that follows politics)

Clean Energy - tax the people that use carbon

Tax large companies and limit their ability to grow larger and more powerful

Cap and Trade - Green Credits - Al Gore - Global Warming (BS!) - all synonymous with PROGRESSIVE GROWTH.

I want to become energy independent as well - Drill Alaska and North Dakota and develop nuclear power. :) My wife is from Lithuania - where the most of their energy comes from 1 nuclear power station. She laughed when she found out that the very country that created the nuclear bomb was not able to create a new nuclear plant in decades because we are a nation of tree huggers. I agree we need to eventually rid ourselves of carbon based fuels - nuclear energy is the only answer.

Type in Progressive Growth in Google.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:36 am

You're really over reaching.

If it's not your bag then move on. I swear to God I've never seen anyone complain about stuff so much but come back for more. I think your job would block eomaha if they knew it was an S&M site. At least for you it is.

NDizona · Post by **NDizona** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:51 am

Complain?

Whose complaining - I don't care that you believe what you believe. For you to think that people won't associate Progressive Growth with the Progressive Growth movement is up to you. You have a section on public transportation and a slogan that says Progressive Growth...

I guess its a stretch to think its a political site. I love the idea - hate the slogan. The slogan in now way represents your goals. If you think I am the only one that will be turned off by the word Progressive - I have some bad news for you.

I am the king of pro growth. Without growth I don't work. I want growth as much if not more than anyone. I just want SMART growth. I want growth that makes the city stronger and more appealing. The last thing Omaha needs is a Ryugyong Hotel. We need developments that not just spur developments around it - but makes the entire city a better place.

IE - I thought the ped bridge was a terrible idea... With the stadium, its not such a bad idea. In fact its a great idea. That 20 million dollar bridge all of a sudden is a drop in the bucket compared to the potential growth we could see from the other side of the river and along the riverfront.

If the goal of your site is to promote smart growth thats in the best interest of the city as a whole - thats not the message people will get. Progressive growth will bring up solar powered trains, a green stadium, eco friendly redevelopment (green buildings).

You think Im wrong - wait til your site makes it into the mainstream. People that joined will be asking how kind of rabbit powered trains you will be advocating.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 4:46 am

NDizona wrote:Complain?

Whose complaining -

It seems you are...by not understanding the word progressive you are going off on a diatribe about Hillary, Gore and green movements. The web site says nothing of politics or of advocating political ideas.

The word progressive doesn't have to have an association with politics. Apparently you are saying it does. Surely you can see building the downtown ballpark as an example of progressive(SMART) growth. Progressive= change, improvement, better conditions. Wouldn't a new downtown stadium be an improvement with better conditions than Rosenblatt? Does supporting the downtown stadium make you a liberal democrat?

Furthermore, the words liberal and conservative do not have to be associated with a given political party either. I bet many republicans enjoy cheese liberally sprinkled on their pizza.

SurfOmaha · Post by **SurfOmaha** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 5:34 am

Nice website! I'll have to add it to my directory ASAP!

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 7:05 am

I visited the site too and i didn't spot any political overtones. I think the name is fine and the slogan is fine. To me it seems informative and promotional. after viewing it i don't feel like going out and voting or endorsing a candidate--i just think it is a good tool for people wanting to have their voices heard in the public arena to make real changes for the better in Omaha. Not everything is a conspiracy or has to be negative. There are obviously no overtones or underlying messages: it is what it is--a site to help people have a voice and make changes for Omaha. Good job wags and DTO.

NDizona · Post by **NDizona** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:20 am

I didn't either - at first.

Of course the stadium is smart growth - in fact now I would go on to say its ESSENTIAL growth. If DTO is overbuilt when Wallstreet Towers come on line - UCK. If I was confused by the term progressive growth - you don't think others will pick that out and think the same?

The word progressive isn't the problem

The words progressive + growth are.

I have heard the term many times over the years referring to green buildings and some green projects in Omaha. The Law Building was going to be a green building and Signa was talking about a progressive growth project. (Signa was the developers) I researched LEED Green buildings on a couple of other projects and progressive growth is the term they use to talk about replacing tried and true systems with green responsible ones. Maybe the term progressive growth isn't mainstream but people that work with real estate daily know the term.

Maybe its not mainstream because Omaha doesn't have one yet - a true green building. Around the country the term progressive growth and green building are synonymous.

Doesn't matter to me anymore - I liked the idea of a pro growth movement - not worth the brain power convincing people that progressive growth means more than the sum of its dictionary parts.

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:03 am

thenewguy wrote:i just think it is a good tool for people wanting to have their voices heard in the public arena to make real changes for the better in Omaha.

BINGO. Really that's it. We just want to be a place where citizens can join like minded others to come up with outside the box thinking when planning our city's future. And thanks new guy. :)

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:42 am

no problem--it'll be a good deal!

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:15 am

NDizona wrote:I didn't either - at first.

Of course the stadium is smart growth - in fact now I would go on to say its ESSENTIAL growth. If DTO is overbuilt when Wallstreet Towers come on line - UCK. If I was confused by the term progressive growth - you don't think others will pick that out and think the same?

The word progressive isn't the problem

The words progressive + growth are.

I have heard the term many times over the years referring to green buildings and some green projects in Omaha. The Law Building was going to be a green building and Signa was talking about a progressive growth project. (Signa was the developers) I researched LEED Green buildings on a couple of other projects and progressive growth is the term they use to talk about replacing tried and true systems with green responsible ones. Maybe the term progressive growth isn't mainstream but people that work with real estate daily know the term.

Maybe its not mainstream because Omaha doesn't have one yet - a true green building. Around the country the term progressive growth and green building are synonymous.

Doesn't matter to me anymore - I liked the idea of a pro growth movement - not worth the brain power convincing people that progressive growth means more than the sum of its dictionary parts.

When it comes down to it NDizona, you are good at painting a point of view from a different standpoint, which I find necessary and important..

AT least I know that you sit down and try to put the pieces together, your 180 degree turn on the stadium is evident of that...

And with anyone who is willing to give up their stance based off of new information, I will 'always' acknowledge, appreciate, and will always make sure to do what I can to respect their position. I will provide as much insight as I can, and sometimes I change my stance too, but your one of a few who is very passionate about your beliefs, and yet your fluid enough to change when you see it right and fit too..

NDizona · Post by **NDizona** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 1:54 pm

I changed my mind on the stadium because I realized that I really hadn't talked to the developers in Downtown and that the main opposition I had was my dislike for the mayor and the ped bridge. As I was talking to some of the developers - I realized that a downtown ballpark literally changes the entire outlook for our downtown. The bridge was never going to be a difference maker for downtown...but combined with the stadium...all of a sudden you have a difference maker.

I want growth - I NEED growth. I have been part of organizations before - several of them. Most of them I thought were not political but all became political along the way. I am interested in learning about upcoming projects, areas of opportunity, and finding partners to go into new projects - I just don't want to bring in a political agenda to have to do it. This whole thing just sounds like another group that will become political back scratching type thing. Hopefully I am wrong but words matter.

Bobcat · Post by **Bobcat** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 2:40 pm

NDizona wrote:
Maybe its not mainstream because Omaha doesn't have one yet - a true green building.

Wrong. Check out the National Parks Service building on the Riverfront. LEED Certified Gold. Tours are available and well worth the time. It's disappointing to learn that someone who works in the real estate industry doesn't know that such a gem exists in a prominent downtown location.

NDizona · Post by **NDizona** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 4:31 pm

Bobcat wrote:Wrong. Check out the National Parks Service building on the Riverfront. LEED Certified Gold. Tours are available and well worth the time. It's disappointing to learn that someone who works in the real estate industry doesn't know that such a gem exists in a prominent downtown location.

Gold is not a TRUE green building. A true Green Building is 52-69 points while gold buildings are like 40-51 points. Several condo projects used Green building methods like Beebe Runyan - but none (that I know of - maybe one got by me) are TRUE Green buildings.

For the Record - I think Green Buildings are the coolest thing around. I love the idea. My problem with them is simple - there is no one that knows how to work on the systems. Maintenance is a PAIN.

Off Topic

Sorry

Bobcat · Post by **Bobcat** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 5:02 pm

OK, so in order to be a "green" building it has to be certified platinum? There are four classifications of LEED (Certified, Silver, Gold & Platinum). According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), who established the LEED rating system in 2000, any one of those certifications is granted solely by the Green Building Council.

If the building is certified, no matter how many points it has, it is "green". A platinum certification certainly isn't a requirement according to the people who established the LEED rating system.

NDizona · Post by **NDizona** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 5:18 pm

I didn't want to hijack this thread for a discussion on Green Buildings -

but everyone I have talked to have different terminology regarding Green Buildings. Most people I talk to refer to True Green buildings as ones having > 52 Points. Other people think that a True Green building is 65+ points. Still others believe that a true green building is an ideal that can never be totally achieved...

Not many people refer to the certification levels that LEED uses. They talk about the green building methods and the points but not many people talk about Silver Certification or whatever they have. Most people say they have a CERTIFIED Green building which encompasses Certified to Gold. No one I have talked to has bragged about having Gold or Silver before.

I am not an expert on Green Buildings - but I have taken an interest in learning about them. I have worked on Green Building projects but nothing on scale with a True Green Building. They are just crazy expensive and no one knows how to maintain the systems. The potential they offer is amazing - it could change the entire way we build.

This is just the type of topic that I would love to talk to other people about intelligently but the discussion always turns into a political argument.

No matter what part of the political spectrum you are on - if you work in Real Estate - this topic of Green Building effects you. Residential... Commercial... Suburbia... Downtown... And the topic is so complex that few people have actually even come up with common terminology. I thought True Green Building was universally accepted as being at least 52+points. Now I know there is at least 1 person that is knowledgeable on the subject that believes True Green refers to Gold +...

I heard talks about 4940 N 118 ST being Green as well as Midtown Crossing. This Building (if I can call it that) is also Green

I read a case study on it - personally I think its ugly as sin but some people love it. This was the first Green Building that I had heard of in Omaha.

None of them I would consider True Green.

Bobcat · Post by **Bobcat** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:15 pm

Yes, didn't mean to steer the thread in a different direction. Let's stay on topic. DTO Luv and the1wags, thank you for starting promaha.org. It's refreshing to see a people doing something instead of just talking about it!

NDizona ... will send you a pm.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:00 pm

Anyways...

I'm getting lots of good feedback on the site. We plan on updating it more this week.

We are also planning on having an informal meet/get together in mid April so be sure to check the site for details. I hope to have our very special guest confirmed this week and make the plans public. Be sure to join PrOmaha for details.

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:45 am

I can't help but notice that you refer to "business owners and civic leaders" on the "who we are" on the website. Just some input here; I would think that your street cred would be suspect if you make a claim like this without naming names.

If you just haven't gotten around to finishing that part up, though... then nevermind :;):

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 10:02 am

We are working on a bio page. I wouldn't have made the claims if they weren't true.

Bobcat · Post by **Bobcat** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:21 am

Any update regarding this site?

Seems like nothing has happened since the launch.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 12:15 pm

Caught with my pants down.

Truth be told since our launch we have been busy in our personal lives. And it doesn't look like it's going to let up anytime soon for either of us but we could still stand to make updates to the site.

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 1:19 pm

Yeah I've been thinking about the fact that we've been slacking lately, sorry bout that. Hopefully we can get some of the updates up soon.