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Planning board advances Southside Terrace redevelopment overlay despite neighborhood safety concerns
Summary
The board approved a planned unit redevelopment overlay for a Terrance Villa project (55 units) tied to Choice Neighborhood redevelopment of Southside Terrace, with developers promising private management and project-based vouchers while neighbors urged stronger security and clearer relocation timelines.
The Omaha Planning Board voted 6–0 to recommend approval of a planned unit redevelopment (PUR) overlay and related site approvals for a redevelopment project replacing Arbor Villa with a 55‑unit Terrance Villa as part of the wider Southside Terrace Choice Neighborhood effort.
Brinshore Development representatives (Bill Lukash and Bill Ducash) and Holland Basham staff said the property will be owned by a private LLC and managed by Selden Property Management; about one‑third of units will be supported by project-based vouchers from the Omaha Housing Authority (OHA). "Some of those affordable units about a third or maybe a little bit more will be supported by project based vouchers by the Omaha Housing Authority," a developer representative said. OHA representative Joanie Balk described relocation assistance and tenant protections tied to the Choice Neighborhood Initiative and said occupied units would be handled under the program with the right to return.
Neighbors described persistent safety issues at the existing Arbor Villa site, including noise, fights, damage to vehicles and inadequate management. Rita Kacarek said she had repeatedly asked OHA for security cameras and better lighting and described ongoing threats and property crimes. "I've had my son's life threatened," she said when describing past incidents and the neighborhood's fear.
Developers and OHA acknowledged concerns and said they will contract private security and follow HUD/Choice Neighborhood relocation rules, and that the property owner will be responsible for lease enforcement for voucher tenants. Board members pressed for strong communications with neighbors; staff recommended approval subject to standard PUR conditions and submittal of final plans before City Council. The board approved the overlay and preliminary approvals 6–0; the matter will be forwarded to City Council.
Next steps: Submittal of final PUR development plans, coordination on security and relocation details, and City Council consideration.
