Omaha City Council Meeting – August 18, 2026

The Omaha City Council met on August 18, 2026, to consider a variety of agenda items including liquor licenses, preliminary and final plats for residential developments, tax increment financing (TIF) projects, an ordinance on unauthorized towing, and a lease agreement. All votes were 6-0 unless otherwise noted. The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Items 23–27 (public hearings held on August 4, 2026) were approved unanimously.
• Items 28–45 (public hearing held today) were approved unanimously. One opponent, Harry Store, spoke against Item 44, objecting to the use of city funds for the League of Cities.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 6 (Liquor License – Chinese Restaurant): No opponents. Councilmember Goodwin asked the applicant, Jin Don Pan, about hours and menu. The restaurant opened on April 7, 2026.
• Item 7 (Liquor License – Tasty Pizza): No opponents. Councilmember Hugg expressed strong support. Councilmember Fesserson inquired about a second location on North Saddle Creek; the applicant, Mary Joseph, said it is on hold.
• Item 8 (Liquor License – Abarotos Grocery): No opponents. Councilmember Hugg noted a letter of protest from a respected community member but supported the license because the business has operated successfully for seven years. The applicant, Otonil Ridal Álvarez, confirmed the license is for beer sales only.
• Item 9 (Preliminary Plat – Cunningham View): No opponents. The applicant, Brent Bellard, described the 72-acre plat with 155 single-family lots, 73 townhome lots, and 110–130 multifamily units, emphasizing entry-level home affordability.
• Items 10–12 (Walnut Hill Replat 10 – Affordable Housing): Opponent Larry Store questioned why the lot was already cleared, suggesting the decision was predetermined. The applicant, Scott Loes, explained the five-lot PUD development with homes priced around $150,000–$200,000.
• Items 13–16 (Serenity Estates Villas): Multiple opponents: Larry Store again questioned lack of discussion. Mark Dawkins (2210 Skyline Drive) showed photos of severe erosion along the Elkhorn River and expressed concern about adding 11–12 lots on a steep slope. William Beerman, attorney for homeowner Heidi Donner, cited written opposition and emphasized the erosion risk, asking the council to vote no.
• Item 22 (Workforce Housing III – Fort Circle TIF): No opponents. Proponent Bridget Hadley (City Planning) described six single-family homes (3-bed, 2-bath, ~1,600 sq ft, $245,000 price) with $257,093 in TIF support. Laysha Goodwin (Holy Name Housing) answered questions about timeline (construction to start mid- to late-September 2026, completion spring/summer 2027).
• Item 48 (2211 Douglas Street Senior Housing TIF): Proponents Danielle Price (Spark), Donnell Brown (emerging developer), and Alicia Goodwin spoke in support. The project is a 73-unit senior housing community with more than half of units affordable at or below 60% AMI. Partners include Common Spirit and No More Empty Pots.

Discussion Items

• Item 6 (Liquor License – Chinese Restaurant): Councilmember Goodwin asked about the restaurant’s specialty (handmade dumplings, noodles, pan-fried buns) and opening date (already open).
• Item 7 (Liquor License – Tasty Pizza): Councilmember Fesserson noted the site is the former La Sola Mio and asked about the timeline for a second location; the applicant said it is on hold.
• Item 8 (Liquor License – Abarotos): Councilmember Hugg clarified the license is for beer sales only and reminded the applicant that the state can revoke the permit.
• Items 13–16 (Serenity Estates): Councilmember Harding questioned the applicant, Doug Streeson, about erosion mitigation. Streeson explained that the subdivision was reduced from 12 to 11 lots, drainage is directed toward Skyline Drive rather than the river, and that the change helps avoid erosion. Ryan Haas from Public Works addressed traffic concerns: 11 single-family lots generate only 13 peak-hour trips, and traffic calming measures are being deployed on Skyline Drive. Sidewalks will be required along the frontage.
• Item 46 (Unauthorized Towing Fees): Councilmember Hugg explained that he placed the ordinance on file because he believes the current ordinance is poorly drafted. He intends to work with legal counsel on a comprehensive restructuring of non-consensual towing regulations, including a possible licensing requirement for tow truck companies.
• Item 48 (Senior Housing TIF): Councilmember Goodwin asked about the developer partnership (Donnell Brown with Hobby Development), the demolition of the former Together Inc. shelter, and the provision of wraparound services via CHI, Common Spirit, and other organizations. Construction is expected to start in Q4 2026, with completion by end of 2027 and leasing in 2028.

Key Outcomes

• Item 6 (Liquor License – Chinese Restaurant): Approved 6-0.
• Item 7 (Liquor License – Tasty Pizza): Approved 6-0.
• Item 8 (Liquor License – Abarotos): Approved 6-0.
• Item 9 (Preliminary Plat – Cunningham View): Approved 6-0.
• Items 10–12 (Walnut Hill Replat 10): Approved 6-0.
• Items 13–16 (Serenity Estates Villas): Approved 6-0.
• Items 17–21 (Iron Bluff Replat 4): Approved 6-0.
• Item 22 (Workforce Housing III – Fort Circle TIF): Approved 6-0.
• Consent Agenda (Items 23–27 and 28–45): Approved 6-0.
• Item 46 (Unauthorized Towing Fees): Placed on file by Councilmember Hugg; will be revisited with a new ordinance. Approved 6-0.
• Item 47 (Purchase Order – Summit Fire Protection): Approved without discussion.
• Item 48 (2211 Douglas Street Senior Housing TIF): Approved 6-0.
• Item 49 (Lease with Army Corps – Standing Bear Lake): Approved without discussion.

Non-Action Items

• Items 50–72 were noted for future agendas and did not require a vote at this meeting.