Lincoln Council approves University Place sub area plan for neighborhood revitalization

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss a significant amendment to the comprehensive plan, specifically the adoption of the University Place sub-area plan. This plan aims to enhance the University Place neighborhood, which encompasses approximately 835 acres bordered by North 30 Third Street, Cornhusker Highway, North 50 Sixth Street, and Holder Street.

The meeting began with a presentation from planning staff member Andrew Theroff, who highlighted the extensive outreach efforts that informed the plan's development. Over the course of a year, the planning team engaged with the community through in-person and virtual open houses, intercept surveys at local events, and collaboration with local organizations. This engagement resulted in over 500 written comments, reflecting strong community interest in revitalizing the neighborhood.

The sub-area plan is organized into three main topic areas: the North 40 Eighth Street corridor, neighborhood revitalization, and historic preservation. Key proposals for the North 40 Eighth Street corridor include a lane reconfiguration to improve traffic flow and safety, as well as streetscape enhancements such as on-street parking and artistic elements. The neighborhood revitalization efforts will explore tax increment financing (TIF) to support housing rehabilitation and other improvements. Additionally, the historic preservation component aims to celebrate the neighborhood's unique history while promoting modern developments.

During the meeting, several community members expressed their support for the plan. Joe Shaw, executive director of the Deluxe Center for the Arts, emphasized the importance of the plan in revitalizing the neighborhood and attracting arts-related businesses. Lindsay Clawson, owner of Archway Studios, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for improved street design to enhance safety and walkability for local businesses.

Following the testimonies, the commission moved to close the public hearing and subsequently voted to approve the comprehensive plan amendment. The next steps include a blight study and a redevelopment plan, with further discussions scheduled for May 14, 2025.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective commitment to fostering a vibrant and inviting University Place neighborhood, with plans that reflect both community aspirations and practical improvements.