Council approves Omaha North YMCA and new stadium project with private funding

The Omaha City Council voted to approve a replat, rezoning and associated ordinances to advance a public‑private project that will replace the Butler YMCA and build a new stadium for Omaha North High School. John Blumenthal, representing developer New Street Properties, said Omaha Public Schools and the YMCA are collaborating on the project and that private funders, including the Legere Foundation, will provide most of the funding.

Architect and project staff described the stadium seating plan as approximately 3,500 home seats and about 1,500 visiting seats and said parking will rely on shared‑use agreements with adjacent Omaha North High School lots and contiguous OPS‑owned property. Project partners emphasized the effort avoids eminent domain: "We were proud that we were able to come up with a plan that didn't involve eminent domain or causing anybody to lose their existing property," a project representative said.

Councilmembers pressed the development team on student involvement in the project (internships, job-shadowing and student engagement are part of the contractual obligations with Omaha Public Schools) and on coordination with an Ames Street corridor study. Rob Blumenthal said the goal is to host the first game in 2027, contingent on finalizing a small set of easements with the city.

Councilmembers expressed broad support for the project and thanked private foundations for contributions; the package of items (preliminary plats, rezones, overlay amendments and subdivision agreements) was approved by roll call 5-0.

Next steps include finalizing easements with the city and continuing design and permitting work; the project team said they will provide updated renderings and schedules to council offices as details solidify.