Lincoln City Council approves downtown housing, flood mitigation plans

LINCOLN, Neb. — Lincoln City Council approved a series of major development and infrastructure projects during its regular meeting Monday, advancing projects to boost downtown housing and flood protection in northeast Lincoln.

The council unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District for the Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project, which extends from 48th Street downstream to Cornhusker Highway. The project is expected to remove approximately 480 homes, businesses, and other structures from the Deadmans Run mapped floodplain through detention basins and channel enhancements.

The council also moved forward with the 18N Building Redevelopment Project at 18th and N Streets for second reading. The project aims to bridge the gap between downtown and the Telegraph District with 87 residential units on a site that is currently a parking lot. The City Council approved a $4.9 million allocation in Tax Increment Financing for the project, with final action scheduled for February 9.

The council approved a $250,000 commitment in Tax Increment Financing for the Hawley Historic Restoration Redevelopment Project. Road improvements also received council backing, including a contract for design and construction engineering services for the Cornhusker Highway rehabilitation project from 39th to L55X.

Council members voted 7-0 to adopt a Lower Platte South Natural Resources District Hazard Mitigation Plan to ensure the region remains eligible for federal disaster mitigation funds. The council also approved dozens of other agenda items including professional services agreements, street vacation requests, and annexation applications. The next regular City Council meeting will be February 9 due to the President's Day holiday on February 16.