Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tax Increment Financing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves two additional TIF projects: Rose at Barkalos (14 for‑sale units) and 3552 Leavenworth (85 apartments)
Summary
The City Council approved two tax‑increment financing redevelopment plans in separate votes: Rose at Barkalos (14 for‑sale units in North Omaha, TIF up to $859,437) passed 7–0; 3552 Leavenworth (85 market‑rate apartments, TIF up to $2,900,541) passed 6–1 after public debate about neighborhood impacts and housing affordability.
The Omaha City Council approved two separate tax-increment financing redevelopment plans at the January meeting.
Rose at Barkalos (item 17): Don Seaton of the City Planning Department described the proposal as a North Omaha residential infill project that would create 14 for-sale row‑home units targeted to income-qualified households earning between 60% and 120% of area median income. Seaton said the project will use SPARK funds along with TIF and estimated overall investment at about $5,100,000 with TIF support of $859,437. Bob Griffith and developer Philip McLean (Mench/McClain) were present to answer questions. Cheryl Weston testified in support, saying the project “is a true low income affordable housing project” and called it a way to “build wealth legacy.” The council approved the resolution 7–0.
3552 Leavenworth (item 18): City planner Don Seaton described the site as two vacant buildings and presented the proposal for a five‑story apartment building with 85 market‑rate units and a total investment of about $25,000,000, with TIF support of $2,900,541. The project is in the urban core mobility and housing plan area; Seaton said it meets TIF criteria and will contribute TIF revenue toward streetcar construction. Developer Ryan Spellman was available to answer questions; he said the site is a vacant lot that needed redevelopment and emphasized expected high occupancy and positive neighborhood connectivity. Opponents raised concerns about loss of local businesses, neighborhood impacts, and whether the area was truly blighted before demolition. Cheryl Weston and Larry Storer spoke against the project for similar reasons cited at earlier TIF hearings. Council debate included assurances from members that the parkland and city parks would remain protected and that the city is not transferring park land for private development. The council approved 3552 Leavenworth 6–1.
Both votes were final in council record: item 17 approved 7–0; item 18 approved 6–1. Staff and developers noted follow-up steps include permitting, demolition and construction timelines and continued neighborhood outreach.
