Lincoln council adopts University Place redevelopment plan tied to TIF expected to raise about $1.2 million annually

The Lincoln City Council on April 13 approved a University Place Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan that outlines a multi-phase buildout of commercial and streetscape improvements in a roughly N.33rd-to-N.56th corridor.

Ali Salem of the Urban Development Department told the council the plan — developed over about two years of community engagement — groups projects into three phases: commercial and residential building facade restoration, a streetscape and festival space on St. Paul and Madison Avenue, and a streetscape and lane realignment for North 48th Street. "It's expected to generate approximately $1.2 million a year," Salem said, describing the proposed tax-increment financing (TIF) mechanism the city would use to finance the improvements.

The redevelopment area covers parts of the older University Place plans adopted in 1998 and 2016, Salem said, and the city will return with a capital-improvement-program amendment to program the first allotment of TIF funds for the work. Councilman Showalter praised the outreach that informed the plan, noting numerous open houses and community meetings.

Andy Peterson, board chair for the University Place Creative District, spoke during public comment in support of the plan, saying the proposed changes would improve walkability, safety and opportunities for arts-driven events. "We think it's going to be fantastic," Peterson said, explaining the nonprofit's mission to revitalize the neighborhood through creative activities.

Council members moved and approved the resolution adopting the plan by unanimous roll-call vote. The city will follow the plan with specific CIP amendments and future project-level approvals and permitting required prior to construction.