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Neighbors debate development at North Forty golf course

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By MATT OLBERDING / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Jun 30, 2006 - 12:11:53 am CDT

As golfers swung away Thursday evening at the North Forty golf course, a group of about 80 neighbors, developers and city officials gathered just up the street to discuss the course’s future.

Jim Tomasek, who plans to buy the property at 84th and Adams streets for nearly $2.5 million, is proposing 66 homes on about 30 acres of the existing course and surrounding areas, while the other 18 acres would be developed with a large grocery store, restaurants, a bank and other retail uses.

Tomasek and developers Bennie McCombs and Bill Langdon presented their plans to residents of the nearby Regent Heights neighborhood during a meeting at Faith Lutheran Church, 87th and Adams.

Most neighbors said they do not want the golf course to be developed. They suggested that the new owners continue to keep the course open or sell it to someone who will, including perhaps the city.

Some of the neighbors have even started a Web site, www.preservenorth40.org.

But Peter Katt, an attorney for the developers, said that’s not going to happen.

“This will be developed,” he said. “It will not be a golf course.”

The developers have not yet applied to the city, but plans at Thursday night’s meeting show about 143,000 square feet of commercial space, anchored by an 82,500-square-foot grocery store.

At that size, the store would be about the size of the Super Saver at 27th and Pine Lake Road and slightly larger than the Hy-Vee proposed for 50th and O streets.

Katt said the developers have had discussions with potential tenants, but he declined to name them.

Tomasek said the home prices would range from about $190,000 to $300,000.

Beyond not wanting the site developed at all, neighbors brought up concerns about drainage, traffic and the potential effect on property values the development might bring.

Some neighbors said they paid a premium to live near a golf course and worry about their ability to sell.

Bob Michl said he’s had his house on the market since April and had to lower the price after the sale of the golf course was announced.

David Kohrell, who is one of the neighbors spearheading the opposition to the project, questioned the need to develop that corner, when the two corners to the east already are zoned for commercial development.

He said the golf course is one of the few enjoyable sights for drivers entering Lincoln on 84th Street.

“Let’s not recreate 27th Street,” he said.

Not everyone at the meeting opposed the development. Several said northeast Lincoln needs to grow and needs a grocery store.

Alan Mitchell agreed, saying he wished the proposed Wal-Mart had been approved.

Mitchell said he’d like to see the golf course remain, but feels it is the property owner’s right to sell it and it is the new owner’s right to attempt to develop it.

The development is by no means a done deal.

The land is currently zoned agricultural and would need a zoning change for the residential portion.

The commercial part, in addition to needing a zoning change, also will require an amendment to Lincoln’s land use plan. Failure to get such an amendment played a role in the downfall of the nearby Wal-Mart proposal.

Katt, the attorney, said his clients hope to file an application by mid- to -late July.

Reach Matt Olberding at 473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com.


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Mike wrote on June 30, 2006 8:01 am:
" These homeowners need to grow up. They did not purchase homes on a golf course. They were adjacent to it. None of their homes are part of the north 40 golf course. These plans have been talked about for 11 years. "

 Jan wrote on June 30, 2006 8:22 am:
" I say kill the project. Lincoln doesn't want to grow. They don't want to increase their tax base. Anyone who bought a house thinking that land would remain a golf course forever doesn't have very good foresight. That's the problem no long range plans or thoughts. Just keep making exceptions to short sighted plans and hope for best. I say kill it. "

 NEGRAD wrote on June 30, 2006 9:19 am:
" Let's look at the total situtation: Walmart and it's developer were goning to pay for the streets,sewers,watermains,electricity,sidewalks,stoplights,and the landscaping on the oppsite corner but the Mayor fought it tooth and nail. Now an mold Northeast grad and former player for the Mayor's husband at Northeast High want to develop the land and the taxpayers can pick up the cost for everything Walmarts developers were goning to and now it's a great growth oppertunity??? It smells,noo REEKS of insider backroom deals between the Mayor and Tomasek developement and the taxpayers pay for it! What is the Mayor's cut in this deal??? If this paper and or media in this city truly believes the public has a right to know...then investigate this mess or we will end up spending 30 million to get 100 jobs like the mess at 48'th & O with the Everett family...Runza anyone..it will only cost 30 million!!! "

 JW wrote on June 30, 2006 9:31 am:
" I love the North 40 golf course and am sad and disappointed that it is being sold for commercial development. There are plenty of other spaces already zoned for commerical use that could be explored - why destroy an established recreational space that is used and enjoyed by many Lincoln residents when there is zoned space ACROSS THE STREET?!? "

 Nan wrote on June 30, 2006 9:47 am:
" That neighborhood complains about a not having a grocery store; but when the city tries to give them one, they don't want it. Now they think that they can tell a developer (who rightfully and LEGALLY bought the land) what he can do with it. Who are these people? Or should I say who do they think they are? "

 Wants to enjoy Lincoln wrote on June 30, 2006 10:10 am:
" I am sad to see yet another North Lincoln place of entertainment be shoved out to housing and commercial development. I frequent the miniature golf course...absolutely love going there. Now, let's see, I need to drive all the way to 56th & Highway 2 for a mini golf course. Yep, more houses...more commercial buildings that will probably end up vacant...I really think that is what we need! "

 NEGAL wrote on June 30, 2006 10:26 am:
" I am also a resident of Northeast Lincoln, and someone who appreciates the serenity of the North Forty. Although I REALLY hate to see it developed. I agree, we need another grocery store out here. I was very disappointed in our community when Wal-Mart got shot down..Thank you Mayor Seng. I don't want another north 27th street, but I believe that this area can be developed tastefully. "

 Will wrote on June 30, 2006 12:39 pm:
" That is one of the problems with this town. When someone wanted to build a theatre on Highway 2 the mayor shot that down cause apparently she's in cohoots with the Douglas theatre owner who owns most of the theatres in this town. This mayor needs to be thrown as far as one can see OUT. This world is one of competiveness but a few own business in this town and that is why the mayor doesn't want industry. How many filling stations are owned by the same person, guess??? If three fourths of the people either work for the state or city, little wonder why financially the city doesn't grow except for robbing property owners. If the people don't get up and march on this town it deserves to go down the drain. This whole town not only REEKS of insider backroom deals with the mayor and council, THAT IS ALL THERE IS, IS UNDERHANDED BACKROOM DEALING FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL WANTS. Having been in finance in a top industry in another state, the growth and use of finances in this town stinks to high heaven. "

 BContent wrote on June 30, 2006 2:02 pm:
" Green space is an asset to the community; preserving and developing public parks has been a part of the maypr's agenda...but a recent bond issue was not approved. Private developers do have some constraints placed on them, but their rights to develop their property are a part of the American way...what did David Byrne sing about "paradise and parking lots"? residents have complained "there is no grocery store," and when opportunity is developed to have one they moan..."but its not in the right spot or the right flavor". The failure to realize good is the soul of pessimists....the glass if half full, enjoy the quality of life Lincoln has created! "

 Galvanize wrote on June 30, 2006 2:26 pm:
" To arouse to awareness or action; neighbors take an opportunity and petition for design standards that include a green space buffer zone! Be political and assure the development creates a more pleasing site and helps raise value/wealth of adjacent neigborhoods! The phones od the developer and Mayor's office...especially city council members should hear what you want and how the development should enhance your community! "

 Jason wrote on June 30, 2006 2:44 pm:
" I'm sure Grandma Mayor will use the recent economic evaluation and suggestion that Lincoln provide space as justification for THIS project and escape the claims of hypocrisy. If she allows this to go through unlike the Wal-Mart proposal then it is: a reflection of her elitist anti-Wal-Mart attitudes, collusion between the government and the old-money Lincoln legacy, and if the city funds this then it is out-and-out corruption, and will be in my opinion grounds to call for her resignation. "

 NUGRAD wrote on June 30, 2006 3:49 pm:
" This is bad policy and a bad idea. This one of the few golf courses for the average golfer; beginning golfer and a lot of leagues. Why is this developer trying to shove this in, bulldoze the trees and provide what -- empty lots for 10 years? We can do better Lincoln "

 Old UNLGrad wrote on June 30, 2006 9:12 pm:
" A great idea, with merit! There are great public golf courses in Lincoln and private developers and land owners both seek return on investment. The mayor should continue to encourage change and progress! You got it girl! "

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