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Big plans for city

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By RICHARD PIERSOL / Lincoln Journal Star

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2006 - 08:29:03 am CDT

A group of business people is developing big ideas for the future of Lincoln and planning to bring their proposals to the public within three weeks.

One proposal: Move the State Fair to North 84th Street — home of the Lancaster County Event Center — to make room for a possible University of Nebraska-Lincoln expansion.

But that’s just one part of a broader set of ideas being developed for a public presentation the week of Nov 5, before a presentation to the State Fair Board Nov. 10, said Kent Seacrest, a development attorney representing the 2015 Visioning Group.

Story Photo
2006 fairgoers (LJS File)

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Some see ulterior motives in moving State Fair

Seacrest was the public advocate for the $238 million Antelope Valley Project, now opening public and private land for a range of uses by removing it from the Antelope Creek flood plain.

And he is leading the way again for this privately organized group, which includes Jim Abel, CEO of Nebco Inc., and Tonn Ostergard, CEO of Crete Carrier Corp.

Other parts of the larger picture were not revealed, but Seacrest’s description said they are based on plans already in the public domain: UNL Master Plan, Downtown Master Plan, Antelope Valley and the impending plan of the Mayor’s Arena Task Force.

Seacrest’s “pre-announcement” outline suggests a broad set of proposals for new employment, educational, residential and recreational development in downtown Lincoln, UNL and their environs, including an arena to replace Pershing Center.

The focus is to attract, employ, house and entertain as adults the 6,000 freshmen who attend UNL each year, he said.

They need quality jobs, housing and entertainment, which is what the Visioning Group wants them to get, Seacrest said.

Abel was the private business partner in developing Haymarket Park with the city and university. He and Ostergard are active in the University of Nebraska Foundation. The foundation’s chief executive, Terry Fairfield, was among those participating in the group’s recent presentation of the State Fair plan to Gerry Oligmueller, acting director of the state Department of Administrative Services.

Fairfield, Ostergard and Abel could not be reached for comment.

It is the Haymarket Park model of public and private investment that the group is exploring, Seacrest said.

It implies millions of dollars in what Seacrest called charitable and capital investment by the private sector in an initiative he said was long overdue.   

For too long, he said, government has taken the lead in community initiatives of this type, but now the private sector is stepping up.

He denied that implied impatience with Lincoln’s public processes.

“I’d phrase it the other way,” Seacrest said. “Compared to other communities, government has been leading. The private sector hasn’t been as active as it should. We need to get some balance back.”

To that end, Dick Campbell, chairman of the mayor’s arena task force and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, said he has tried to keep the Visioning group abreast of that project, which is scheduled to wind up its work within weeks, while maintaining his role’s impartiality.

“It’s not just State Fair Park,” Campbell said. “It’s a matter of pulling all the visions together and showing this community how all these things fit together. A lot of it’s already out there, it’s just a matter of packaging.”

Seacrest wouldn’t identify other members but said it is still growing and evolving.

“It’s not intended to be exclusive,” he said. “This is kind of a spearhead group at the moment.”

Seacrest defended the apparently independent group’s offering solutions outside the usual organizations, like the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development.

“Sometimes existing organizations have preconceptions,” he said. “This way, a variety of interests can get together, shake things up and ask: ‘Are we doing things right?’”

He said he has no fears of any appearance that an affluent group of business people might be imposing their good ideas on the public.

“That never flies in Lincoln,” he said. “Good ideas should be welcomed by anybody, wherever they come from, anytime you can increase private investment.

“We’ve always had capable private sector leadership,” Seacrest said. “But at times, we’ve missed their working in a team approach, to leverage their time and their money for the community.

“It’s gonna make sense,” he said.

 Reach Richard Piersol at 473-7241 or at dpiersol@journalstar.com.


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Dumbfounded wrote on October 24, 2006 12:46 am:
" Wow! This announcement is awesome! We have been clamoring for more economic development within the core of the city that does not restrict development to "downtown" south of Campus. There is a ton of space to work with in the existing fairgrounds area that isn't utilized for the majority of the year, plus it is still in close proximity to an already active area of commerce. Who cares if this was a well-plotted conspiracy to open up once publically owned lands to commerce if it creates an economic boon. Rumors have been flying that the State fair is better suited in a more rural setting like Eastern Lancaster or even Grand Island. The fact that private interests have expressed a desire to develop this area in a way that benefits the City should not be taken lightly or dismissed off-handedly. We NEED to keep the private sector involved to keep Lincoln healthy and growing. "

 Private sector money in Lincoln? wrote on October 24, 2006 12:56 am:
" That seems like a far stretch to me. It took decades to get the Antelope Valley project going, and nobody still knows how to pay for it. With private firms pulling workers and money out of Lincoln faster than it is coming in, the idea of attracting private investment is laughable. And as for developing recreational facilities in downtown -- you'll have to fight the bar owners to create competition. If the University is worried about attracting and retaining students, perhaps they should worry more about improving their programs. For the size and cost of UNL's research institutions they rarely make good on our investment. Money is better spent ensuring that students are attracted to UNMC where the state's tax money and private investments come together to produce profitable research. In all honesty, UNL does not need to expand, it should be kept at its current size. Expansion should be built upon success, not to attract success. "

 Not working in Lincoln wrote on October 24, 2006 1:28 am:
" Just move the Fair to Omaha and get it out of our hair. "

 PL wrote on October 24, 2006 7:06 am:
" You don't want the fair out of Lincoln. It brings $$ in. Also There is NO WAY it will ever move!!! Do they plan on building a new Horse Race track and Grandstand out at the event center? "

 Larry wrote on October 24, 2006 7:24 am:
" It's the fox guarding the hen house with Pearlman on the fair board. He should resign from that board! "

 Mike in DC wrote on October 24, 2006 7:29 am:
" Its an idea that is long overdue (to move the fair). Had the foresight been there before plans finalized for Antelope Valley, I think the costs could have been reduced and major roadways extended via the "big t" directly to Cornhusker (and beyond?). Face it, the development in South Lincoln in an anomoly explained by the multiple arteries that lead down to it; major one-way streets are a huge upgrade over 27th street (no matter how much people hate them at first--travelling down the 9th/10th pair is much faster than 27th street either way). As far as the comment about UNL ("Privat sector..."); UNL has several fine programs, but the fact is, if you visit other major research Universities, they have significant direct and indirect support from private entities. Students not only want a positive academic and social experience, they want to be able to attend school AND build their resume's; and many students at major research universities do not have to go very far from their campus to accomplish that. UNLs research programs will be able to better return the investment (and both UNMC and UN-L have been collaborating more). Other than the University itself, there are few opportunities (during the summer or otherwise); (relatively speaking) and even ISU has a comparably larger/robust Tech Park in tiny little Ames. UNL has made large strides in the 8 years since I was an undergrad. I think this idea may prove to be good; but lets hear the whole story. "

 Finally, wrote on October 24, 2006 7:52 am:
" the private sector in Lincoln is waking up. My opinion of government is it shouldn't be the leader, private industry should be. But this city is just backwards at times. I have few complaints on local and state government...they can only do so much. (and people still complain no matter what they do) Omaha is vibrant because the private sector runs the city. It's time Lincoln's "big boys (and girls)" step up and take control. As the old saying goes..."JUST DO IT". "

 Not New wrote on October 24, 2006 8:06 am:
" State Taxpayers own this ground not the city and not the University. It was proposed 25 years ago fot the city to build a hotel and convention center on the Fair ground property. But it is State land supported by taxpayer money. Will the City pay the State the asscessed value for the ground and buildings? They will want it give to them for a dollar. Then the State will have to come with the money to build new buildings. There are private business's already using State Fair property to make money. The Star's hockey team is not non profit but they use a building on state property maintained by State Funds and use the Parking lots for their business that Taxpayers paid for Walmart and Cabela's would like to get a deal like this. You build me building and a parking lot for my buisness. I wonder if I can make any money this way. "

 hmmm wrote on October 24, 2006 8:20 am:
" Sounds to me like Lincoln doesn't want anything anymore. Move the State Fair, no drag strip..... Pretty soon it will be no churches, no schools, no shopping malls, no nothing...... I'm sure Omaha would be delighted to take what you don't want or even Grand Island. If I'm not mistaken they were contemplating moving the State Fair out there a while back. Truthfully, I look forward to coming to the State Fair right where it's at each year and I know how much money my family leaves in Lincoln for lodging, food, gas, etc. while we are there! I also think UNL's size is just fine. Maybe they should buy up the troublesome areas of Lincoln and expand in that direction! "

 Sean1 wrote on October 24, 2006 8:23 am:
" I've got a bad feeling about this. "

 Jenn wrote on October 24, 2006 8:25 am:
" The State Fair should be kept where it is at. there is history there for as long as people of this state can remember. They tried to move it to Grand Island and that didnt work. why mess with a good thing. i think if they move the fair they will lose alot of exhibitors and that is what the fair is about. alot of hard work has gone into improving the grounds since i showed there 20 years ago. why throw all that away to move it somewhere that doesnt have the buildings and the equipment to accomodate the exhibitors. Unless the people of Lincoln are ready to spend more money to make those accomodations for the state fair. "

 kjs wrote on October 24, 2006 8:37 am:
" We just put lottery monies into the State Fair property to improve the buildings and other parts of the Fair and now they are going to move it? That sounds like something the leaders of the city would do and of course UNL would be very pleased with that idea as well, waste more money. "

 JT wrote on October 24, 2006 8:53 am:
" The taxpayers do not own the fairground. How sad it would be to move that history away from Lincoln. "

 Please move forward wrote on October 24, 2006 8:58 am:
" Finally, a big picture idea that turns existing resources into a home run. Face it Lincoln, the best thing we have going for us is the University. The University needs to expand its research base to be competitive and attract the best and brightest. In order to keep those best and brightest we need to have them connected to a part of the city that has some interest. Downtown is the ONLY area (sorry South Lincoln) that has the amenities that young people and other creative people want to be near. The State Fair park is a dinosaur that will take many years to revive at its present location. Building a new race track out near the current County Fair site might work, but the bottom line is that at the current location it is a drag for all the time except the fair period. If we can trade that site for a good arena - lets do it. One last word - finally the private sector is taking the lead on something! Lets not put them off and, like the groundhog, watch them go underground again for another long escape. We MUST have more private sector leadership pushing this type of big thinking that fits within plans that have been developed through public processes. Gov. will follow, as it should. The problem in Lincoln is getting over the naysayers that feel they should be able to stop anything that smacks of progress. Good luck "

 Buff wrote on October 24, 2006 9:05 am:
" That's it? These are the "big plans for the city," a "broad set of proposals?" It's a step in the right direction, but I'll believe it when I see it. How about closing the Lincoln and Omaha airports and building a national/international airport half way between the cities? Nebraska needs to be "put on the map" globally in order to get the kind of dollars people are longing for. "

 tim wrote on October 24, 2006 9:23 am:
" pearlmam is on the fair board by legistative directive. he could remove himself if he wanted. "

 Lara wrote on October 24, 2006 9:42 am:
" Tell me more about this Tonn Ostergard guy. Based on his political donations alone, his political stripes aren't clearly distinguishable. Yet he's a UNL grad, he studied at Harvard for three years, he was a CEO in his early 30s, he's incredibly handsome (if a bit short), and now he's interested in central city redevelopment efforts. Everything suggests a future in politics. Has his name ever been floated around in local or state political circles? His financial connections would have to make him an attractive candidate for either party. I bet he would make a fine junior Senator from Nebraska should the honorable Sen. Hagel be appointed to a high level cabinet position in a future Obama administration. And don't think for a minute such a cross-aisle possibility is unlikely. Hagel's reputation for independece, along with his private sector background and service in Vietnam would be an asset to any administration. But I digress. These efforts sound quite honorable. Focusing economic and physical development efforts on UNL makes a lot more sense than focusing on more unstable private sector firms. The University has been around for a century plus and it's not going anywhere. It is imperative that the city do everything possible to accomodate those students during their five years in the city. It may seem unorthodox, but forget the private sector and focus on te stability of the public sector, including state employment. "

 Long Time Lincolnite wrote on October 24, 2006 9:53 am:
" I commend these private investors for taking some necessary steps to address several major issues facing Lincoln. As others have posted, the University needs more research space and the only direction to expand is to the north, into the fair grounds. The Fair would be wise to move to a location adjacent to the Event Center and combine resources (get over your snit, guys). Having rented facilities at the fairground for several years, I know that most of the buildings are in poor shape, due to age rather than the Fair's efforts to maintain them; the additional funds went toward crucial repairs like replacing leaky roofs and broken windows. Furthermore, the layout of the fairgrounds is inefficient and there is no easy way to change that. The most logical site downtown for a convention center is the current fairgrounds, although I would prefer to see it somewhere near the Event Center (easier access from the interstate (that out-of-town money!) and sufficient room for parking and outdoor events). Downtown is already overcrowded and the economic future of the city, according to the Angelou (sp?) evaluation, demands that other locations be developed. And finally, I am thrilled to see private money earmarked for these changes so that Lincoln taxpayers don't shoulder yet another financial burden. "

 Hummmm wrote on October 24, 2006 10:51 am:
" You don't think these visionary's are doing this out of the goodness of thier hearts do you? What will they want from the City? How much did Haymarket Park really cost the City, many road repairs? Who is profiting from this Public/Private partnership? "

 Cartoony, Kerkman wrote on October 24, 2006 11:05 am:
" It makes no sense to have a swath of land that is so valuable due to its centralized location be used for semi-regular events. Its productive capacity is much greater than what is currently harnessed from it. Move the fair to the edge and let's really add some economic value to the City. "

 RK wrote on October 24, 2006 11:31 am:
" As usual the cart before the horse. I never had this feeling in the city in the state I came from, because I always knew that when something was going to be built our taxes were never involved. Not in Lincoln, its always a sneaky way and ends up in the already over taxed citizens. My former city was built on industry for jobs that brought in money to sustain the fun things on down the road. Here its get the fun things and dump the costs on the taxpayers. Spending the money on fair ground buildings and then want to move!!?? Have seen places where I've driven or parked that were absolutely good concrete, only to go back the same route a few days later and a whole big area the concrete had been torn out and replaced. To value property in this city for the maximum amount is criminal. It also is saying to the citizens, I'm holding the gun, and you PAY!!!! Yeh, I'm in the process of obtaining property in my former state and moving before my last dime is stolen by Lincoln. "

 Late O'Day wrote on October 24, 2006 11:43 am:
" When I hear things like: "public and private investment" I move my wallet to my front pocket, because I know it's about to be picked again. (By the way, isn't this EXACTLY how noted business failure, George Bush Jr., along with several of his bazillionaire pals scammed Arlington Texas into building Ranger stadium for them? As I recall, they even stole land for the parking lot through eminent domain; paying 1/7th of the price. Is that what we get to look forward to?) Are we to believe that the same mindset that gutted downtown with their fusspot nannying are now going to save us? Puh-leaze. Either move the State Fair completely out of Lincoln or leave it alone. Putting it on North 84th is like putting it in another time zone. "

 Amazed wrote on October 24, 2006 12:54 pm:
" I have an idea, let Seacrest and Abel pay for Antelope Valley and then when they have that paid off do what they want. HMMMM!!! silence. anyone "

 Pitiful wrote on October 24, 2006 2:11 pm:
" I'm consistently amazed, yet unfortunately unsurprised, at the negativism that comes out over the blogosphere on announcements such as these. The do nothing Lincolnites clearly have nothing better to do than post their ideas about how to keep anything positive from happening in the fair Capitol City. Heaven forbid that anyone should profit from a private sector led redevelopment of yet another property that the various public sector groups that RUN our city have managed poorly. Private sector - keep the ideas coming and ignore the rants that you see all to frequently on these pages "

 Matt Poulsen wrote on October 24, 2006 2:23 pm:
" I don't really care how it gets done, but an overhaul of the state fair park area is much needed. Moving it completely out of that area of town does make some logistical sense to me. But i agree that it isn't being done out of the goodness of their hearts. But I would ask do you go to work out of the goodness of your heart or is there a financial reward to it?? Why does everyone expect "those guys" not to seek financial gain? "

 Sam wrote on October 24, 2006 2:36 pm:
" What puzzels me is, all these blighted areas they come up with, and most of what is on both sides of "O" from the old Miller & Paine bldg. east for blocks and blocks has been blighted for years and years. Gee when I lived here in the 1950's I was afraid to walk in that area. "

 Hummmm Hummm wrote on October 24, 2006 3:10 pm:
" downtown over crowded?! You could shoot a cannon through down town and never hit a soul except for the students in the bars. You could do a lot with down town. Ostergard -- future in politics?! In real towns creative people find their outlet in the private sector, not the public. One day Lincoln might grow up to the point that goverment is just a lacky for capitalists and free enterprise as in Washington and most big cities like New York, Boston, L.A. and San Diego. Then on to the next stage. "

 Amazed wrote on October 24, 2006 3:50 pm:
" Hey pitiful: You probably are one of the ones that supports the use of tax dollars to further private enterprize, I am not. However, the Lincoln way is to put Private interest in front of public and then sock it to em., that is the tax payers, as soon as you can. Secrest works for the city and Abel has connections that foster his business as well. His main business is located right in the middle of the University and the downtown areas as well as antelope valley. I wish them all well, but have a feeling that most if not all of this will eventually be placed in the laps of some tax payer. Also, the State has ownership of the fair grounds and that would take an act of the State and its representatives to move the fair grounds. But, even that is not impossible with these guys. They have power and they also have persuasive ways with the local and State officials. Anyone can be bought for a price. HANG ON TO YOUR WALLET as the SPENDING is just about the BE TOTALLY RISEN TO a NEW HIGH. Get ready for a long ride. I hope I am wrong, but lately with all that has happened and is happening, I have my doubts. Hi, ho silver away, and who was that masked man anyway. Oh, you know he controls the city, and has pockets of change to prove it. Get out of the way the big one is coming. "

 Lincolnite wrote on October 24, 2006 4:59 pm:
" Won't work. No interest. Too expensive. Too loud. Immoral. Will wreck existing atmosphere. Will use too much tax money. Too much private money. Not big enough. Too big. Will cause traffic jams. Not enough parking. Too much paved concrete. Too much government involvement. Not enough government oversight. Great idea but not applicable to Lincoln. Am I close yet? "

 Drag racer wrote on October 24, 2006 7:03 pm:
" We need a Drag strip. If we can't even get a drag strip how can anything happen in Lancaster county? Good luck. "

 NE Resident wrote on October 24, 2006 9:45 pm:
" I have no problem with moving the Fair grounds, excited about expanding/improving UNL and downtown Lincoln. My question is: we didn't have room for a Wal-Mart at North 84th, but now we have room for the fair grounds??? "

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