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City Council approves West Lincoln Square commercial project, clearing way for large retail development
Summary
The City of Lincoln on April 28 approved the West Lincoln Square commercial project, a roughly 245,000-square-foot commercial development at Highway 65 and Nelson Lane, adopting plan and zoning amendments and a parcel map following staff findings and a CEQA addendum; vote was unanimous (5-0).
City of Lincoln councilors voted unanimously April 28 to approve the West Lincoln Square commercial project, a proposed 40-acre commercial center at the northeast corner of Highway 65 and Nelson Lane that would contain roughly 245,000 square feet of retail and commercial buildings.
Thomas Kirkshank, associate planner, told the council the application seeks a zone-text amendment to the Sud B general development plan and an amended tentative parcel map to divide a previously approved large commercial parcel into 15 commercial pads and related infrastructure. Staff analyzed an addendum to the Sud B environmental impact report and concluded the project would not create new or substantially more severe environmental impacts than those already identified. The planning commission recommended approval 6-0.
Kirkshank said the project would provide road, landscaping and drainage dedications and that Oak Brook Drive (a required right-of-way) would be constructed separately. He described the proposal as consistent with the City of Lincoln general plan, Sud B specific plan and city subdivision and zoning code.
Public comment was limited. Resident Kevin Siddle questioned how many similar uses (coffee shops, gas stations or convenience stores selling alcohol) the city needs; council members responded that the Planning Commission acts within the general plan and municipal code and that market decisions about business siting are private-sector choices.
Council members asked clarifying questions about the parcel map and phasing before moving to approve the staff recommendations. The motion included adopting the CEQA addendum, approving the zone-text amendment and introducing the ordinance amending the general development plan, and adopting the amended tentative parcel map. The measure carried 5-0.
What happens next: With council approval the project moves toward final map filing and subsequent development approvals by the community development department in accordance with the conditions of approval outlined in the staff report.
Why it matters: The city manager framed the vote as one of the most consequential commercial developments in Lincoln’s history, estimating the square footage is roughly equivalent to a Home Depot and a Target combined and noting it will anchor future development at the intersection.
