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Planning Board approves Catholic Cemeteries major amendment with stormwater and tree‑protection conditions
Summary
After extended public comment about long‑standing backyard flooding and mature tree preservation, the board approved a major amendment and a height waiver for Catholic Cemeteries, subject to conditions requiring stormwater study, grading and landscaping coordination.
The Omaha Planning Board approved a major amendment to a conditional‑use permit for Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Omaha (KC790184) and granted a waiver to section 55108 to allow a 41‑foot building, subject to the conditions in the staff report.
Applicant consultant Joe Zadina and Deacon Steve Hill presented the proposal, described an engineering‑driven approach to stormwater management and committed to additional maintenance of the existing treeline buffer. They said they will conduct required engineering and hydrologic studies, TV/jet existing pipes, coordinate with public works, and evaluate options for detention or underground storage to ensure no net increase in flow to city systems.
Multiple longtime residents testified at length that the site — formerly a golf course — has generated chronic drainage issues for decades; they showed photographs and planning‑record material they said documented past agreements and expressed concern that the proposed building footprint and a future mausoleum conversion could worsen backyard flooding or threaten mature evergreen buffers. Neighbors asked for a full hydrologic inspection and restrictions on tree removal.
City staff and public‑works representatives acknowledged the complicated drainage history and said permit conditions will require compliance with current stormwater ordinances, a detailed grading plan, and coordination on any tree removals or replacements. After hearing the testimony, the board moved and seconded approval of the major amendment and the height waiver; the motion passed unanimously with the eight staff conditions embedded in the approval.
