Lincoln City Council Approves Major Development, Transit Upgrades

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Lincoln City Council approved a slate of major development projects and municipal upgrades during its regular meeting Monday, including a significant expansion to a major planned development in southeast Lincoln and a modernization of the city's transit fare collection system. All actions passed unanimously with six members present.

The council approved three related ordinances and resolutions for the Woodlands at Yankee Hill development, a major mixed-use project near S. 70th and Yankee Hill Road. The approvals authorize an annexation of approximately 13 acres, a change of zone to allow additional commercial floor area, and amendments to the city's comprehensive plan. The development, which includes plans for more than 600,000 square feet of retail and office space, is one of the most active construction areas in Lincoln.

In transportation news, the council unanimously approved a contract with Cubic Transportation Inc. for StarTran, the city-owned bus system. The electronic fare collection system contract is valued at $1,420,661.39 for the initial four-year term, with an option to renew for an additional four years. The new system will modernize how riders pay for bus fares, replacing the current process.

The council also passed two new city employee classifications. A new Parks Event Coordinator position was created for the "A" pay group, while an Automotive Services Coordinator position was established in the "N" pay group.

In liquor licensing actions, the council scheduled public hearings for Monday, March 9 at 3 p.m. on applications for Class C liquor licenses at two locations: The Mill Coffee & Tea/Milieu Market at 800 P Street and Let it Fly Sports Bar at 4630 Leighton Avenue. The council also scheduled hearings for Monday, March 2 at 3 p.m. on the cancellation of liquor licenses at two bars in the West Prospector Court area.

The council denied a liquor license application for D'zzz Ride'z, LLC at 310 South 10th Street and denied a manager application for the same establishment.

Several planning items were referred to the Planning Department for future review, including proposed amendments to farm winery regulations, a large residential development called Redtail Heights involving approximately 34 acres of rezoning, and agricultural development proposals.