Lincoln City Council approves annexation, zoning changes and recovery home expansion

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Lincoln City Council approved several major items at its Monday meeting, including an annexation and zoning change for commercial development on the city's south side and expanded housing accommodations for a recovery residence under federal fair housing protections.

The council granted a "reasonable accommodation" under the Fair Housing Act allowing up to eight unrelated people in recovery to live together at Oxford House Hansen Manor near 12th and E Street, up from the usual limit of three. Parking requirements were also waived, and the measure passed 6-1. City leaders said the change ensures equal housing opportunities for people in recovery, who are protected under federal law, and that the home has operated at the site for nearly a decade without incident.

The council unanimously approved the annexation of approximately 37.38 acres at the southwest corner of South 40th Street and Rokeby Road, along with a companion zoning change application from SRJ Company, LLC. The property would be rezoned from agricultural to H-4 general commercial planned unit district, with an associated public district designation. The applications advance the city's southwestward growth as development continues to expand beyond existing city boundaries.

In other business, the council approved professional services agreements for planned improvements to "A" Street between Sixth and 17th streets. The agreements, unanimously approved, included environmental and supplemental engineering services for the project, which is part of the city's ongoing infrastructure improvement program.

The council also approved special designated liquor licenses for two wineries operating at the Haymarket Farmers Market during the 2026 season: Glacial Till Vineyard and Mac's Creek Winery & Brewery, each with outdoor areas measuring approximately 10 feet by 10 feet, operating from 8 a.m. to noon.

The council advanced a text amendment to allow on-premises alcohol sales within the I-1 Industrial zoning district, and approved a University Place Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan for conformance with the city's 2050 comprehensive plan. The plan guides redevelopment activities in an area generally bounded by North 33rd Street, Cornhusker Highway, North 56th Street, and Holdrege Street.

Several other items including board reappointments and street vacation approvals were approved unanimously. The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13 at 3 p.m.