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Council okays master plan study for Dempster Brownfield site; state-funded studies to fill gaps
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Summary
The council consented to a SEND-led master plan and assessment for the 17.23-acre Dempster site at 711 South 6th Street under an EPA Brownfields grant; councilmembers and staff said additional phase 1/2 studies are being paid for by the state and that congressional letters of support have been filed while awaiting a June funding announcement.
The Beatrice City Council voted to consent to a Southeast Nebraska Development District (SEND) scope to prepare a master plan and Brownfields assessment for the Dempster site at 711 South 6th Street.
City Administrator Tobias explained that SEND received an EPA Brownfields assessment grant covering the district and is partnering with local consultants to develop a conceptual master plan for the site and adjacent corridors. The consultant work will look beyond the 17.23-acre dumpster site to identify trail connections, river access, parking, play areas and other neighborhood amenities.
Council discussion focused on grant timing and added studies. Tobias said the city has already submitted required materials and that the state is funding additional Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental studies. He noted the city’s congressional delegation submitted letters of support for the application and that an award announcement is expected in June. "They're spending about $20,000, and they're not charging us a dime for it," one council member remarked, referring to the state-funded studies.
Why it matters: the master plan is intended to convert a blighted, infrastructure-heavy parcel into usable public space and to position the city favorably for follow-on grant applications. Council members emphasized the project’s potential to link downtown, trails and river access as part of broader downtown redevelopment efforts.
The council approved the consent item and discussed continued neighborhood outreach about design elements such as commemorative markers and programming during later phases.
The motion passed with no recorded opposition.
