Planning commission backs University Place subarea plan to guide neighborhood redevelopment

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission voted 8-0 April 16 to recommend that the city and county adopt a comprehensive plan amendment adding the University Place subarea plan, a strategic framework for redevelopment and preservation in the neighborhood.

The plan covers roughly 835 acres bounded by North 30th Street on the west, Cornhusker Highway on the north, North 56th Street on the east and Holder Street on the south. Planning staff and local stakeholders said the subarea plan identifies projects for the North 40th Street corridor, neighborhood revitalization and historic preservation and will guide later steps such as a blight study and a redevelopment plan tied to potential tax-increment financing (TIF).

Andrew Theroff, planning staff, told commissioners the plan resulted from more than a year of outreach. "This was a big effort. It was over a year of outreach and development," he said, noting the process included two open houses, a virtual open house, intercept surveys at neighborhood events and a stakeholder committee. Theroff said the effort produced more than 500 written comments that formed the basis for the plan's recommendations.

Major recommendations for the North 40th Street corridor include a lane reconfiguration to change the current four through lanes (two in each direction) to one travel lane each way with a center turn lane and conversion of one through lane into on-street parking. The plan also calls for streetscape upgrades, art and banner programs and targeted redevelopment sites.

Neighborhood revitalization measures in the plan focus on tools such as tax-increment financing to support housing and rental-rehab programs, sidewalk improvements and mixed-use redevelopment. The historic-preservation element proposes identifying specific pride properties for potential designation and studying a possible historic district along North 40th Street.

Theroff outlined a near-term schedule: the blight study is expected to be available on May 14, followed shortly by a redevelopment plan that will provide further detail on any proposed TIF uses. Several commissioners praised the plan's outreach materials and visualizations during discussion before the vote.

Local arts and business leaders urged approval during the public hearing. Joe Shaw, executive director of Deluxe Center for the Arts, said the plan "captured the spirit and potential of University Place" and urged commissioners to adopt it. Lindsay Clawson, owner of Archway Studios, said lane reduction and streetscape changes in the plan would make the area safer and more walkable for small businesses.

The commission approved comprehensive plan amendment 25-001 by roll call vote, recorded as 8 to 0 in favor. The recommendation now moves to the City Council and County Board for final action.

Votes at a glance: comprehensive plan amendment 25-001 — motion to approve moved by Commissioner Campbell; seconded by Commissioner Joy; outcome approved 8-0.