Omaha City Council Meeting - July 28, 2026

The Omaha City Council met on July 28, 2026, to consider a range of items including liquor licenses, rezoning requests, a disputed Planned Unit Redevelopment (PUR) amendment, affordable housing projects, a curling facility special use permit, and extensions for the scooter program. Several items passed unanimously, while one major amendment was denied after significant public testimony.

Consent Calendar

• Item 6: Class C liquor license for Amara Vathi's at 12317 West Maple Road – approved 6-0.
• Items 7-9: Rezoning, final plat, and subdivision agreement for property east of 165th and Bonneton – approved 6-0.
• Item 10: Rezoning of 4617 Davenport Street from R4 to TOD-SFA4 to allow two townhomes – approved 6-0.
• Item 11: Rezoning for Habitat for Humanity at 2924 North 24th Street – approved 6-0.
• Items 13-15: Rezoning, ACI district boundary amendment, and master plan amendment for a 50-unit senior affordable housing project at 1059 Park Avenue – approved 6-0.
• Item 19: Special use permit for Exarbon Curling indoor curling facility at 7405 Irvington Road – approved 6-0.
• Items 22-24: Consent agenda items including support for Sienna Francis House and Step Up Omaha job program – approved 6-0.
• Items 26-34: Various administrative items (janitorial services, street vacation, beat the heat tree grants, public art, employment testing, youth climate action fund, streetcar bonds, parking garage bonds) – all passed with unanimous votes or no opposition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 12 (PUR amendment): Seven speakers testified.
  • Don Curry (applicant/developer): Expressed frustration that the council had pre-decided the vote, detailed his $1.5 million investment, and stated he faces a $10,000 loss for replacing siding that violated the original PUR agreement. He asked for understanding due to funding difficulties.
  • Cheryl Weston (proponent, 1822 Emmett Street): Supported the project, stating the siding is attractive and functional, and questioned why the developer is being asked to replace it after passing all other inspections. She urged the council to help not hinder.
  • Larry Store (opponent, 5015 Lafayette Avenue): Objected to the developer's presentation format but did not elaborate on the substance.
• Items 16-18 (7630 Pacific Street): Four opponents spoke.
  • Connie Wentz (801 South 78th Street): Opposed the five-story, 34-unit building on less than half an acre, citing parking, traffic, and lack of green space. She requested reconsideration of the height and unit count.
  • Louis Dirks (620 Beverly Drive): Argued the project does not fit the neighborhood, noted multiple variance requests, and said the $2,200+ rent is not affordable. He criticized the garage design and lack of space for deliveries.
  • Larry Store: Opposed for similar reasons, stating the council should listen to citizens over developers.
  • Mary Dirks (620 Beverly Drive): Added concerns about parking, handicap accessibility, and the project not providing community benefits.
• Item 31 (TIF for 7630 Pacific Apartments): Mary Dirks again opposed, calling the TIF a “rubber stamp” that would set a precedent for variances and noting the rents ($2,200+) are not affordable for the neighborhood.
• Items 22-24: Dan Weberg (Sienna Francis House) and Vicky Quaits Ferris (African American Empowerment Network) spoke in support, thanking the city for investments in homeless services and youth employment.

Discussion Items

• Item 12 – Major Amendment to PUR at 3204 North 16th Street: The developer, Don Curry, explained he built a stacked triplex (three stories, three-bedroom units) under a PUR that required brick siding, but due to funding cuts he used vinyl siding and faux brick without prior approval. The Planning Department and Planning Board recommended denial because the changes strayed significantly from the approved elevations. Councilmember Goodwin noted that he and two colleagues toured the area and observed a visible difference in facade quality. Councilmember Rowe emphasized the need for consistency in zoning enforcement, and Councilmember Melton stressed fair treatment of all developers. The council denied the amendment 6-0.
• Items 16-18 – Rezoning for 34-unit apartment at 7630 Pacific Street: The public hearing was held, but the council, at the request of Councilmember Goodwin, voted to lay over the items to the next meeting (August 4, 2026) to allow more community engagement. The motion to lay over passed 6-0. The city attorney clarified that those who testified today cannot speak again unless called by a council member. The project includes multiple variances for setbacks, height, and parking.
• Item 25 – Scooter program extension: The council extended the agreement with Lime scooters through December 31, 2026, while discussing safety concerns (recent fatal accident in Bennington) and the upcoming RFP for future micromobility providers. Councilmember Fesserson noted that helmet use is encouraged but not required due to state law.

Key Outcomes

• Item 12 denied 6-0: The major PUR amendment failed, requiring the developer to remove the non-compliant siding and either restore the original brick or seek a new amendment through the proper process.
• Items 16-18 laid over to August 4, 2026: The public hearing remains open; only new speakers may testify next week.
• Item 20 postponed to August 25, 2026: The TIF project at 2501 Center Street (180 affordable housing units) was postponed at the applicant’s request.
• Item 25 approved 6-0: The scooter operating agreement was extended to December 31, 2026, with plans for a competitive RFP.
• Executive session: The council voted 6-0 to enter executive session to discuss litigation.