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Sarpy County residents react to proposed annexation by Gretna, Papillion

Posted at 7:37 PM, Oct 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-19 00:34:31-04

Land between Gretna and Papillion is turning into a tug of war, with people living in rural areas caught in the middle.

The Gretna City Council is in the middle of a three-day meeting series to discuss and vote on the annexation proposal, moving the meetings to Gretna Middle School due to anticipated increased attendance. 

RELATED: SARPY COUNTY SUES GRETNA OVER ANNEXATION PLANS

The annexation will add roughly 3,000 residents to areas northwest and south of Gretna as wells as an area along the I-80 corridor that includes Vala's Pumpkin Patch and Sapp Brothers.

The idea has some residents in the Lake Ridge Estates neighborhood wondering why this particular area has been eyed for a land grab. 

“Totally surprised me because we are pretty far from Gretna,” resident Steve Gustafson said. “It's almost like they created this shape that's like a boomerang, which I’ve never seen. That just doesn't make any sense to me, logically.”

Snow and trash removal is already perfect, according to Gustafson, who said he hopes the services won't be impacted. “I literally don't see any value that's being added.”

RELATED: ANNEXATION PLANS WON'T AFFECT SCHOOL BOUNDARIES

But some residents say they believe the interest in this neighborhood, one of the oldest SIDs in the area, is financial as most have paid off their debt.

“I know one of the rules by annexation is you're not supposed to profit for it, but they'll make money on this one,” said Rich Caruso, who lives in the proposed annexation area.