The Omaha City Planning Board unanimously voted to allow an amendment to the Downtown Northeast Redevelopment Plan, which is the first step in a lengthy process to expand the Holland center and move HDR downtown.
“The purpose of this plan is to allow expansion of Holland center,” said Jennifer Taylor who is a city attorney.
She said this amendment has to happen in order to get the ball rolling on more plans and development, “what is being done here is important.”
There were those in the audience that opposed the amendment and said it is a catalyst to the historic buildings being bulldozed.
The Omaha Performing Arts center was happy to have the planning board on their side and said this is just the beginning.
“It’s going to be a very long process this is only the first step and we still have lots of conversations to happen,” said Joan Squire, president of OPA.
OPA said they have no plans or outlines on what will happen at 11th and Douglas yet.
As for the city's $10 million purchase of the land, the Mayor’s office said that should be finalized next year.
