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Board approves rezoning for narrow-lot duplex at 5623 Grant Street after neighborhood opposition
Summary
The board approved a rezoning to R5 for a narrow lot at 5623 Grant Street over neighborhood objections that it would be a spot rezoning and incompatible with the historic D4 character; applicant said he will live in one unit and rent the other to make the duplex financially viable. Staff said the rezoning is consistent with the comprehensive plan.
The Omaha Planning Board approved case C1026092 to rezone a narrow lot at 5623 Grant Street to R5 despite neighborhood opposition that labeled the change a spot rezoning inconsistent with the area's historic D4 character.
Kevin Kelly and other neighbors told the board they had gathered roughly 20 signatures on a petition opposing the rezoning and argued the parcel sits inside a long-established single-family interior neighborhood, not a transition area or corridor intended for higher density. Kelly said the lot's context and historic homes favor retaining the current designation and expressed skepticism that the proposed duplex would be affordable long-term for local residents.
Applicant Florin Dowin told the board he plans to live in one side of the duplex and possibly rent the other unit to cover costs; he described a two-story design with about 1,500 square feet per unit and said plans currently call for a slab foundation but are not final. City planning staff (Eric England) told the board the comprehensive plan supports rezoning to R5 in this location and recommended approval.
After discussion the board moved, seconded and approved the rezoning; the vote on the record was recorded as 6-0.
The board closed the public hearing and recorded its decision. The applicant and neighborhood were encouraged to continue outreach on design and demolition/constructability details as the project proceeds through permitting.
