Development News for Kearney, Nebraska

City of Kearney Acquires State Maintenance Yard for $1.1 Million

The council discussed the potential acquisition of a surplus property from the state of Nebraska, located between 3rd and 4th Avenue on Talmadge, which currently houses a State Patrol office and a Department of Transportation bulk storage facility. The state has deemed the property surplus following the construction of a new facility. The asking price for the property is $1,100,000. The city attorney clarified that the state provides a quitclaim deed, not a warranty deed, due to policy. Concerns were raised about potential environmental conditions and cleanup costs associated with the property's past use. The city plans to evaluate the property for redevelopment opportunities, potentially including improving traffic infrastructure. The council approved the purchase agreement and deed.

Kearney Council Approves Multifamily Development Amidst Parking Concerns

The City Council considered a request for planned development district approval for a proposed multifamily development at 5110 Parkland Drive. The Planning Commission recommended approval with a revision to include an additional street tree and a condition for a parking agreement to be submitted to staff. The applicant, Jacob Ryder, presented the project, which includes two types of buildings: a 21-plex and two 27-plexes, with on-site garages, centralized trash, and underground storm detention. Concerns were raised by council members and residents regarding parking availability, traffic flow, and the adequacy of shared parking with the adjacent mall. The applicant and staff explained the rationale for the reduced parking requirement, citing proximity to the mall's underutilized parking, potential for families not needing multiple cars, and the walkability of the neighborhood. A resident voiced concerns about insufficient parking and safety on Park Lane Drive. Another resident suggested traffic calming measures like bump-outs. The council discussed the parking agreement with the mall owner's representative, Chaz DeVetter, and the potential for snow storage. The project aims to provide mid-tier housing, with rental rates expected to be market rate, comparable to Sterling Ridge. The council ultimately voted to approve the planned development district, including the Planning Commission's recommendation on the landscape plan and the parking agreement.

Sip and Swirl Wine Room Granted Catering Endorsement for Events

The council addressed the Sip and Swirl Wine Room's request for a Class C catering endorsement to their existing Class C liquor license. This endorsement would allow for an unlimited number of Single Day Liquor (SDL) permits, whereas without it, they are limited to six per year. Greg Eckerman, an owner, explained the need for the endorsement to host events, citing a recent successful concert and plans for future entertainment in the Eunice Landing common area. KPD and staff confirmed no concerns. The council approved the resolution to forward the endorsement request to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission.

Resident Urges Council to Update Ordinances for Data Center Impacts; Council Pledges Review

Josh Lilliman addressed the council regarding concerns about the burgeoning data center industry and its impacts on Kearney, specifically in relation to the Sequitor Edge data center. He cited a Virginia study highlighting issues with noise ordinances, potential ratepayer increases due to infrastructure costs, and limited local economic return from data centers compared to other industries. Lilliman requested four policy reforms: (1) add noise performance standards (DBA and DBC) to city code, (2) reinstate Chapter 33 for enhanced standards near sensitive locations, (3) require data center operators to pay for infrastructure costs, and (4) publish the Sequitor Edge development agreement for transparency. Council members and staff responded, clarifying existing ordinances, acknowledging the need for code updates, and discussing the role of public power and natural resource districts in mitigating some concerns. They emphasized the transparency of the existing agreement and the commitment to protecting sensitive areas like the veterans' home. The council agreed to further research and consider the presented points.