Lincoln City Council approves downtown improvement districts

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Lincoln City Council unanimously approved three downtown business improvement districts during its regular meeting Monday, continuing the city's efforts to revitalize and maintain its central business district.

The council voted 7-0 to approve reestablishment and modification of the Downtown Core Management Business Improvement District, Downtown Maintenance District, and West Haymarket/Downtown Maintenance District, according to action taken by the Board of Equalization before the regular council session.

Business improvement districts provide enhanced improvements and activities such as economic development, parking management, maintenance and marketing, according to the Downtown Lincoln Association. The current BID includes over 500 property owners and more than 900 businesses, with recent expansion efforts aimed at growing the district eastward.

The council also approved several land use proposals referred to the Planning Department, including a text amendment to make childcare facilities more flexible in residential neighborhoods. The proposed zoning changes would allow new childcare centers to be built and make it easier to expand upon already existing locations.

Other planning items included a special permit for an indoor youth athletic training facility at 2440 Production Drive, zoning amendments to reduce minimum lot sizes in residential districts, and approval of a Battery Energy Storage System at the Waverly Resilient Power Project location. The council also denied liquor license applications for The Night Before Lounge, located at 1035 M Street.

The meeting also included routine matters such as reappointment of five members to the Commission on Women and Gender and distribution of interest earnings on short-term city investments.

The council will not meet Dec. 1 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.