Omaha board asks developer questions about project

OMAHA — A plan to launch a $90 million business park near the Omaha Airport faced continued review Thursday by the board, which must provide a letter of support for the publicly funded project before it can proceed.

Issues raised by the Omaha Inland Port Authority board of directors also raise questions about whether the development team can meet the deadline to have the project site ready for a budding job-creating industrial enterprise.

The boundaries of the Omaha Inland Port Authority include approximately 300 acres. (Courtesy of the City of Omaha)

State Sen. Terrell McKinney, the board’s chairman, said he is more focused on “transparency” and getting solid input from a development team led by the Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Burlington Capital and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Financial details.

If necessary, he said he could seek legislative changes to extend the deadline for state funds, which are due to be disbursed by the end of 2027.

“I still have a lot of concerns, especially with this project. We’re going to leave it there,” McKinney said during a special board meeting where the development team outlined its plans.

“bother me”

OEDC Executive Director Michael Maroney said at one point he was uncomfortable with the distrust of the nonprofit he leads, which has been working to bring economic development to North Omaha since 1977.

“It’s almost like we’re not trusted with public funds, and that makes me uncomfortable,” Maroney said in response to a query from Thomas Warren, Mayor Jean Stothert’s chief of staff.

State Sen. Terrell McKinney is also chairman of the Inland Port Authority’s board of directors. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

The sometimes tense exchange is the latest twist in the quest for a business park plan funded through legislation led by McKinney and state Sen. Justin Wynn, both of whom represent the North Omaha area.

In January, Gov. Jim Pillen and Stothert announced nearly $90 million in awards to an OEDC-led team to prepare a business park that must be located within two miles of a major airport place. Wayne and McKinney did not attend the event. They have been critical of the process and believe there was a lack of community input early on.

Both senators have sought more local control over public dollars coming into North Omaha, supporting the creation of an Inland Port Authority to oversee development of a 300-acre area that includes a business park.

Two lawmakers also pushed for legislation that would require developers to obtain a letter of support from the Inland Port Authority to receive state funds.

Shown here is a 160-acre business park located west of Eppley Airport and north of Carter Lake. It is located within the larger boundaries of the Omaha Inland Port Authority District. (Courtesy of Lamprey Nelson)

Meanwhile, a developer’s plan to clear an approximately 160-acre parcel of land north of Carter Lake and west of Eppley Airport for a business park has also sparked outcry from people who live on the property. The OEDC said it would not force any residents to sell their homes.

historical perspective

Wynn appeared before the board Thursday to provide a historical perspective on the business park idea and the development potential surrounding it. He said the program was aimed at promoting growth and employment in communities disproportionately affected by poverty and neglect.

He said in an interview that he hopes the board will focus on the overall vision for the 300-acre Port Authority District — which, in addition to the business park, includes a future state-funded innovation center and a planned $45 million city-owned project.

“You first need a vision and a master plan of how it all interacts,” he said. The Port Authority Board of Directors held its first meeting in August.

Presenting an outline of the business park plan, Burlington’s George Achola noted that a second site option is included. He said he has been in conversations with the owner of the site, which is west of Carter Lake near 16th and Locust streets. The property does not contain any residences.

Shown here is another site option for the Omaha Airport District Business Park, west of Carter Lake, bounded by Locust Street to the south and 16th Street to the west. (Courtesy of Lamprey Nelson)

Much of Thursday’s discussion centered around the timing of funding releases that would allow developers to move forward.

Asked about the project’s ten-year financial plan, Achola said his team will present it to the board in about a week.

Board members questioned the $5 million it would cost a relocation contractor to meet with residents of the proposed business park to discuss a possible sale.

McKinney called the amount “crazy” and that he had to “find more justification.”

Several other board members agreed.

“The price seems outrageous to me,” said Michael Riedmann, president emeritus of NP Dodge Real Estate and a board member.

Buy

Representatives from the development team said they would revisit the cost estimate.

George Achola of Burlington Capital. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

Achola told board members he would get answers to other outstanding questions. He said after the meeting that he was confident the plan would move forward.

North Omaha businesswoman Carmen Tapio, a board member, said she views the OEDC/Burlington/Chamber team as partners.

“We are totally on board with this project,” she said. “We all want to see it completed.”

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