Omaha City Council approves zoning changes for Carnation Place redevelopment project

The Omaha City Council convened on April 22, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including property zoning changes and tax assessments. The meeting began with a discussion on items 12 and 13, which pertained to property located northeast of 20 Fourth and Miami Streets. The Planning Board and Planning Department recommended approval for both items. Item 12 proposed an ordinance to amend the boundaries of the ACI overlay district to include this property, while item 13 sought to rezone the property from General Commercial (GC) District to Mixed Business District (MBD).

During the public hearing, Ben Swan from Swan Development sought clarification on whether the rezoning applied solely to the Carnation Place lot or included additional areas. Stanley Thomas, a property owner in the vicinity, expressed concerns about how the rezoning would affect his property. City Planning Director Dave Fanslow confirmed that the rezoning was limited to the property owned by Mr. Swan, alleviating concerns about broader implications. The council subsequently voted unanimously to approve both items, passing them with a 7-0 vote.

The meeting continued with the consent agenda, which included items 14 through 22. After a brief discussion, the council approved these items, again with a unanimous vote.

Public hearings for agenda items 23 through 31 were also held, with several individuals addressing the council. Donnie R. Johnson from the Johnson Equestrian Foundation raised concerns regarding ordinances related to smoking regulations in bars, while Crystal Rhodes expressed opposition to item 44, although she was reminded that her comments were not relevant to the current agenda items. The council closed the public hearings and approved items 23 through 31 with another 7-0 vote.

The council then moved on to item 32, which involved levying a special tax assessment for litter group number 2025-3, requested by the Parks Department. This item was also approved unanimously. Similar procedures followed for item 33, which addressed a special tax assessment for weeds group number 2025-4, and both were passed with a 7-0 vote.

Further discussions included item 34, concerning a purchase order for pavement marking beads, and item 35, which sought to rescind a previous tax increment financing redevelopment agreement. Both items were addressed without public opposition and were subsequently approved.

Finally, the council reviewed item 36, which involved the approval of the Carnation Place tax increment financing redevelopment agreement. The public hearing was closed without opposition, and the council moved to approve the item.

Overall, the meeting reflected a structured approach to local governance, with the council efficiently addressing multiple agenda items and ensuring community concerns were heard and clarified. The next steps for the council will involve implementing the approved ordinances and continuing to engage with community stakeholders on future developments.