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Board approves Sparking Development's two‑unit townhomes and PUR overlay after neighbor questions
Summary
Sparking Development's proposal to build two for‑sale townhomes at 2219 Lo Street (with a related PUR overlay) drew neighbor concerns about historic adjacent houses and impacts on the block; staff said the site is a vacant lot, presented site plans and recommended approval. The board approved the plat and PUR overlay 5–0 subject to final plan submittals.
The Omaha Planning Board voted unanimously to approve a preliminary and final plat and a Planned Unit Redevelopment (PUR) overlay for a two‑unit for‑sale townhome project proposed by Sparking Development LLC at 2219 Lo Street. Applicant Akidra Higgins and project partner Zeke Rouse described the project as a co‑development supporting emerging local developers, featuring accessible ground‑floor entries and a one‑to‑one parking ratio that had previously been recommended.
At public hearing, nearby resident Danielle Woods expressed surprise and concern that the project might remove a historic house on the block and asked for clearer site plans and outreach; staff and the applicant clarified that 2219 Lo Street is a vacant lot and that the site plan places vehicular access off the alley to the east, with homeownership units intended to bring investment to the North Omaha block. The applicant said they conducted door‑knocking as part of outreach and offered to meet with neighbors after the hearing.
Staff recommended approval of the preliminary and final plats subject to conditions in the staff report and the board voted 5–0 to approve the plat and the related PUR overlay district, with the standard condition that final PUR plans be submitted to staff prior to forwarding to City Council.
