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Council approves 293-unit Elmington apartments in North Omaha over neighborhood objections
Summary
The Omaha City Council approved a 293-unit Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) apartment complex in North Omaha despite widespread neighborhood opposition over traffic, safety and compatibility with single-family homes. The measure passed 6–1; Councilmember Johnson voted no.
The City Council on March 18 approved a rezoning, planned-unit development and related plats for a proposed 293-unit apartment complex (items 37–41) near North 50th and Kansas Avenue, a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project developers described as low-density residential under the city’s land-use map.
The proposal drew dozens of opponents at the public hearing who cited traffic safety along Kansas Avenue and Sorensen Parkway, the proximity of building exits to existing homes, and worries about property values, crime and the operator’s record. Speakers presented petitions and online reviews they said indicated problematic management at some of the developer’s other properties elsewhere in the country.
Developer and staff response: Elmington Capital’s representatives and consultant Larry Jobin said the project is consistent with the city’s master plan for low-density residential development, will include 8 three-story buildings, a clubhouse, pool, dog park and more than 120 perimeter trees, and proposed a mix of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units with rents targeted at affordable levels (developer figures: one-bedroom about $1,124; two-bedroom about $1,359; three-bedroom about $1,572). Traffic and landscaping plans were reviewed by city staff and planning board with favorable recommendations.
Why it mattered: Opponents said the chosen site is predominantly single-family and that the scale of the proposed housing and the anticipated vehicle trips would worsen existing traffic safety problems — several speakers said accidents are frequent on Sorensen and Kansas — and that the neighborhood has unique environmental/park values including local wildlife.
Council debate and vote: Councilmembers engaged neighbors and staff on traffic counts, the proposed four-way stop and additional on-site access points designed to disperse traffic, and on the project’s LIHTC financing that allows enhanced amenities while keeping rents below market rates. Councilmember Milton urged recognition of citywide housing needs and affordability goals; other members said they understood neighbors’ concerns but noted the project’s compliance with the master plan and planning department recommendations. The council voted 6–1 to approve the project; Councilmember Johnson cast the lone no vote, citing neighborhood fit and traffic concerns.
Follow-up: Public Works agreed to compile accident-history data for the nearby intersections upon request; city staff said landscaping and the PUD conditions will be binding and subject to enforcement. The developer said construction would start in early 2026 with completion in late 2027.
Ending: The approval moves forward a large, city-supported affordable housing development while underscoring continuing tension between neighborhood preservation and the council’s stated goals to expand affordable housing supply across Omaha.
