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Council approves Little Bohemia redevelopment TIFs after hours of testimony over parking and engagement
Summary
The Omaha City Council approved two tax‑increment financing plans on Aug. 5 to support a mixed‑use redevelopment and a historic rehabilitation project in Little Bohemia, voting 6–0 on both measures after extensive public testimony about parking and neighborhood engagement.
The Omaha City Council on Aug. 5 approved two related tax‑increment financing redevelopment plans for the Little Bohemia neighborhood: the Little Bow Village mixed‑use TIF (requesting $7,323,090 in TIF support) and the Little Bow Historic TIF (requesting $868,950). The votes were 6–0 for both resolutions after more than an hour of public testimony and extended council discussion.
City planning staff described the Little Bow Village project as a multi‑site mixed‑use development managed by Silver Bow Holdings/Clarity Development that would deliver roughly 155 market‑rate residential units and about 9,250 square feet of commercial space, with one larger apartment building proposed to include internal parking for 58 stalls and the developer relying on on‑street parking for the remainder. The historic TIF covers rehabilitation of four historic buildings and supporting commercial space. Planning staff told council that both projects had been reviewed and recommended by the Planning Board and the TIF committee.
Developer Tom McClay of Clarity Development told the council the projects are intended to revive historic storefronts, bring housing and commercial activity to the corridor and preserve buildings dating back to the late 19th century. “These are the best and most important projects I have worked on my 20 years of development in Omaha,” McClay said, noting environmental remediation and other pre‑development costs that make the projects financially challenging without TIF support.
Public testimony included both endorsements and objections. Supporters — including nearby business owners, neighborhood stakeholders and local lenders — praised the investment, historic preservation and additional housing. Opponents and nearby business owners raised concerns about parking, traffic safety on Thirteenth Street, the need for clearer neighborhood outreach and timing of public notice. Leah Frasher, owner of Omaha Dog Bar, told the council, “If there is not adequate parking, businesses will fail. My business will fail.”
Council members acknowledged the concerns and sought commitments from the developer. Council Member Harding and others requested a public forum; the developers agreed to present at the Little Bohemia Business Improvement District (BID) meeting within 30 days and to coordinate with the Planning Department and Public Works so staff could answer technical questions. Council Member Goodwin and others noted that detailed zoning, platting and redevelopment agreements still must return to council for later votes.
Both TIF resolutions passed 6–0. Councilmembers emphasized that approval of the TIF plans does not finalize zoning or redevelopment agreements; additional approvals and technical plans (subdivision plats, redevelopment agreements and any rezoning) will return to council in subsequent agenda items, giving further opportunities for public review and comment.
