Lincoln approves bridge project, university district revamp

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Lincoln City Council approved several major initiatives on Monday, including engineering services for a bridge rehabilitation project and a new neighborhood redevelopment plan for the University Place area.

During its April 13 meeting, the council voted unanimously on multiple items despite three members being absent. The board authorized a supplemental professional services agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company for preliminary engineering services related to the Lincoln Area Bridges Rehabilitation Project.

The council also advanced the University Place Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan, a comprehensive proposal for revitalizing the northeast Lincoln area anchored by Nebraska Wesleyan University and the North 48th Street business corridor. The plan includes slowing traffic along North 48th Street through lane reconfiguration and adding roundabouts at Adams Street and Leighton Avenue, along with streetscape enhancements including art and signature lighting.

In additional actions, the council approved a cooperative agreement with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for the Holmes Lake Angler Access Project, which is backed by $300,000 in state and federal funds to improve fishing access at the popular recreation area.

The council also held public hearings on three liquor license applications, approving a Class I liquor license for The Lied Center for the Performing Arts at 301 North 12th Street, and approved an expansion for Bierhaus Maischaler, adding an indoor basement area at its North 8th Street location.

Among three zoning and land-use approvals, the council passed an ordinance annexing approximately 37.38 acres southwest of South 40th Street and Rokeby Road, and changed its zoning from agricultural to general commercial. The board also approved a text amendment allowing on-premises alcohol sales within industrial zoning districts.

Council members set public hearing dates of April 27 for three additional items, including manager and liquor license applications for three businesses.