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Planning board approves rezoning for duplex at 5623 Grant Street after neighbor opposition
Summary
After neighbors opposed a spot rezoning and raised design, lot‑size and historic‑character concerns, the Omaha Planning Board voted 6–0 to rezone 5623 Grant Street from R4 to R5. Staff said the comprehensive plan supports R5 and the applicant said he plans to live in one unit.
The Omaha Planning Board voted 6–0 to approve a rezoning request for 5623 Grant Street, changing the zoning from R4 to R5 to allow a proposed duplex. The item had been removed from the consent agenda for discussion after neighbors raised objections.
Applicant Florian Dowd said he owns the vacant lot and plans to live in one side of the duplex, and that the design (two units of about 1,500 square feet each) is aimed at making ownership or long‑term occupancy feasible. "We want to live in one side and then maintain the property ourselves," Dowd said during testimony.
Neighbors Kevin Kelly and James McCleary opposed the rezoning as an incompatible spot rezoning in a historic, predominantly single‑family D4 area. Kelly said he had collected a neighborhood petition in opposition (about 20 signatures representing 13 residents on his block) and argued the lot is an isolated R5 exception that does not justify wider rezoning. He also questioned whether the units would meaningfully address affordable housing.
City staff (Eric England) told the board the comprehensive plan supports rezoning to R5 and staff recommended approval while noting the applicant could alter design details before building permit submittal.
The board closed the public hearing, took a motion to approve and recorded a unanimous 6–0 vote in favor of the rezoning. The decision was final at the board level because the item had been pulled from consent and considered under the regular agenda.
Next step: The rezoning record and staff recommendations will be forwarded as required; conditional use and design follow through building permit and other processes.
