Van Dorn Development Unpopular with Neighbors

By: Mr. Wilson on May 2, 2006
The proposed small commercial development at 9th/10th and Van Dorn Street apparently isn't popular with neighbors. I'm a little surprised by their opposition. The block being renovated is currently occupied by an empty lot and a few extremely run-down rental properties. It is clearly not a showcase block. The block sees far too much traffic on three sides to be viable as a residential block. It once housed light commercial activity (a greenhouse, and maybe another shop, but my memory is fuzzy) on the south portion of the block. It isn't as though new commercial development will draw more traffic to the neighborhood. Instead, the most likely customers for the proposed businesses -- a Starbucks, a dry cleaners, and a sandwich shop -- are individuals who are already on their way to or from Downtown, or to or from Highway 77. Resident Zemis Sedricks thinks that property values will decrease. On the contrary, tasteful, vibrant economic activity should increase property values in the immediate vicinity, especially in comparison to the dillapidated conditions currently found on the block. The neighbors' opposition seems to me to be based on unfounded fears. That's not to say their fears are entirely unreasonable, but given the realistic alternatives for the block, the current plan seems almost ideal. As long as the neighbors and developers maintain an open dialog, there is no reason the development can't add value to the area.

Comments

See what your friends and neighbors have to say about this.

foxspit
May 2, 2006 at 2:13PM

Traffic backs up at this intersection the way it is.  If they put a business there the traffic problem will only be worse.

This is a main artery for moving traffic in and out of downtown, the City should do everything to keep traffic moving and nothing to impede the flow.

This is also one of the few green-space intersections in Lincoln and I’ve always thought it was a beautiful part of town.  I hope they don’t rip out all the trees at this intersection.

Swid
May 2, 2006 at 3:35PM

The amount of (through) traffic will decrease over the next several years as the Homestead Expressway becomes a freeway and when the South Beltway is built.

If nothing else, the stream of semis turning at that intersection will go away.

Karin
May 3, 2006 at 4:16PM

Maybe they’re really just afraid if there’s a Starbucks so close, they will spend all their money on lattes.

I love living near businesses. They make the best naighbors, as they’re generally quiet at night.

Share your thoughts with the community.

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