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Neighbors press planning board to delay rezoning near 222nd and West Center over traffic and character concerns
Summary
A proposed rezoning to allow roughly 66 multifamily units near 222nd and West Center drew hours of neighbor testimony about a dangerous intersection, school capacity and neighborhood character. Planning staff recommended approval with conditions; the board laid the case over to August for more coordination and NDOT review.
The Omaha Planning Board on June 6 laid over a controversial rezoning request for an approximately 4½-acre site near 222nd Street and West Center Road after hours of public testimony raising road-safety and neighborhood-character concerns.
The applicant, Malibu Properties LLC, proposed rezoning agricultural/low-density land to allow multifamily development (concept plan showing about 66 units). City staff said the master plan allows multi-family development under certain conditions and noted developers’ commitments to stormwater detention, percolation testing for septic areas, and coordination with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) on a planned intersection improvement. Staff recommended approval of the preliminary plat and associated rezoning subject to recommended conditions, and recommended laying over the final plat pending required NDEE approvals for septic and further coordination with NDOT.
Opponents — dozens of nearby residents and several neighborhood associations — urged the board to block the rezoning, calling the proposed density a “spot zoning” that conflicts with adjacent large-lot, low-density residential neighborhoods. Neighbors described a flashing-light intersection that has a long history of collisions, school capacity strain at Blue Sage Elementary, lack of sidewalks, the presence of private driveways and a nearby cemetery, and worries about insufficient public notice. Multiple speakers said they received mailings late (around Memorial Day) and requested more time and better outreach.
Board and staff questions focused on traffic modeling and NDOT’s alternatives. The developer’s consultant said the project’s PM peak-hour generation was about 39 trips (roughly a 2% increase at the intersection during peak hour) and that NDOT’s preliminary preferred fix is a traffic signal (a roundabout remains an alternative). Public Works confirmed NDOT has an ongoing study; staff recommended securing NDOT concurrence that needed right-of-way is available before any final plat is recorded.
After discussion the board voted to lay the cases over to the August meeting to give time for further neighbor outreach, NDOT coordination, and completion of required environmental/permitting steps (vote recorded as 5–1 in favor of layover). The record shows substantial local opposition; the applicant indicated willingness to continue outreach and to participate in design revisions and mitigation steps.
What happens next: The developer and planning staff will follow up with NDOT and community stakeholders; the case is tentatively scheduled to return in August, at which point the board will consider additional traffic analysis, any NDOT guidance about right-of-way, and any changes to the proposal.
