‘Revitalization zone’: Developer proposes to build a business in north Omaha
OMAHA, Neb. —
A new business may be coming to the north Omaha community.
Near 25th and Lake streets, there is a plot of land where plans are brewing to make it into a new grocery store.
This idea is in the early stages, but officials say it’s a step in the right direction to breathe life back into the north Omaha community.
A local developer, who works with Susie Buffett’s Sherwood Foundation, wants to build a 22,000 square foot grocery store and 140 parking spots right in the heart of north Omaha.
“Everything comes fast here. So that’s a good spot, 25th and Lake,” Anthony Lindsey, a lifelong north Omaha resident, said. “It’s real easy to get to, and it’s on a bus line for those who can’t make it that far. So that’s still good.”
Lindsey has seen shifts in the north Omaha 24th Street corridor.
“It was a Chubbs down there. They took that down,” he said, pointing in the direction of Chubbs’ old location on 24th Street. “The closest one is Phil’s, then you got to go way up on Saddle Creek to go to, like, Family Fair Walmart.”
He said that with this new proposal, he feels heard.
“You can see them doing more things and pushing forward and trying to help,” Lindsey said. “I like that.”
It’s a plan that north Omaha City Council member LaVonya Goodwin is excited about.
“It really represents a revitalization zone, which is huge for the area,” she said, adding the city always considers three things: the people, housing and amenities.
She said the project would bring the amenities which will bring the people.
“Can I get what I need in an accessible distance?” she said. “Whether that’s walking or a short drive or even a trip on the bus?”
Linsdey hopes the idea becomes a reality.
“They definitely need to pass that and have a grocery store here. That would be very great, and then it would give other people a job too,” he said.
The city’s planning department will hold a public hearing April 1.
If this proposal is approved, it will work toward a zoning and expansion plan, which is the next step toward bringing improvement to this food desert.
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