Lincoln City Council approves street projects, market contract

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Lincoln City Council unanimously approved a slate of actions Monday evening, including a contract to operate the Haymarket Saturday Public Market and preliminary engineering services for a major street rehabilitation project.

In a 7-0 vote, the council approved Ordinance 26-27, which authorizes a two-year contract between the City of Lincoln and Lincoln Haymarket Development Corporation to operate and regulate the farmers market. The market will run from May 2, 2026 through October 10, 2026, operating 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays at 7th and P Street. The Haymarket Farmers' Market is Lincoln's largest market with over 200 vendors.

The council also adopted Resolution 26-133, approving a Professional Services Agreement with WSP USA, Inc., for preliminary engineering services on the A Street, 40th to 56th Street Rehabilitation Project. This project is part of a broader street infrastructure initiative. The City of Lincoln is planning nearly $53 million in transportation infrastructure improvements in the upcoming fiscal year, with projects aimed at improving safety, mobility and economic growth across the city. In 2026, LTU plans to begin 16 street projects covering nearly 21 lane miles of arterial streets and about 47 lane miles of residential streets across all areas of Lincoln.

The council unanimously approved Ordinance 26-29, a text amendment revising conditions for Accessory Dwelling Units in residential zoning districts, addressing a growing need for affordable housing. On March 30, 2026, the City Council voted unanimously to expand housing flexibility through ADU zoning amendments, which make it easier for homeowners to add accessory dwelling units by allowing them on standard single-family lots, enabling garage and outbuilding conversions, updating height and size limits, and clarifying short-term rental rules. Currently, only 24% of parcels in residential districts can meet the lot size required by code to have an ADU, but if the proposed code changes are approved, 80% of single-family parcels would meet the lot size requirement.

The council also passed Ordinance 26-27, approving a two-year contract for the Haymarket Saturday Public Market, and Ordinance 26-28, approving a zone change from public to residential use at 2220 S 10th Street. In liquor-related matters, the council approved applications and manager appointments for Perfect Diner, Big 8 and Glosse Nail Lounge.

Several items were referred to the Planning Department for future consideration, including applications related to residential healthcare facilities, a community unit plan for 9 single-family dwelling units at 6400 Old Cheney Road, and text amendments regarding agricultural residential districts.