Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert is out with her plan to make Omaha bigger.
She is eyeing three neighborhoods to put under the city umbrella, through annexation. 3 News Now reporter Maya Saenz tells us which ones and how folks who live there will be affected.
Today I spoke to several city council members who say they believe the mayor's proposal will pass due to the fact the mayor decided to do a much smaller package this year.
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert proposed to expand Omaha by annexing three Sanitary and Improvement Districts. Her proposal, which is smaller from previous years, is what city council members are calling a *modest revenue-positive* annexation package. "It's very prudent as we're building up our police department and building the fifth precinct out in Elkhorn - I think it was appropriate to have a smaller package this year while we get these new officers on board and get that precinct open" says Councilwoman Aimee Melton. "Although we want to continue to grow, and be contiguous and do those things, it's important to slow down to make sure we are keeping up with our current needs with street maintenance and police force" added Councilman Pete Festerson.
The three areas include Lake Cunningham Hills, which is north of I-680 and West 72nd street, an area in Festersen's district."I think there's a great opportunity there to make that a special that a special place for all of our city and also to expand our trails around Lake Cunningham and hopefully that be a good connector for all citizens."
And two more on the west side: The Pacific Springs Village at 168th and Pacific, and West Dodge Place, a commercial area southeast of 180th and Dodge.
The mayor's proposal says projections show the city will collect over six million dollars in property tax revenue and more than three million in sales tax funds over the next ten years if approved. "It's going to be good for the city, I haven't heard the council members - any of them say they were going to object to it - I think we were all pleased and happy and I think it was a good move to go smaller this year."
Homeowners and businesses will start receiving information on the annexation proposal by mail this week. There will be an open house for residents June 28th. It will be at the Saddlebrook Community Center near 148th & Laurel from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.. The City Council is expected to vote on the annexation August 15
