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84th and Adams development approved

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BY MATT OLBERDING / Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Dec 21, 2006 - 12:15:29 am CST

A redesigned shopping center at 84th and Adams streets got a green light Wednesday from the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission.

Commissioners unanimously approved Prairie Village North, which calls for 600,000 square feet of mostly retail space on the northeast corner of the intersection and another 285,000 square feet of mostly office on the southeast corner. It also includes more than 1,000 dwelling units.

Retail space would include two big box stores bookending smaller retail uses in a town center concept.

Developer Steve Champoux hired a nationally known planning consultant to help redesign the center after an earlier design that included a Wal-Mart Supercenter was threatened with a mayoral veto.

Champoux has agreed to voluntarily limit the size of the big box stores to 175,000 square feet, a size Wal-Mart has said is too small for a supercenter.

Champoux, who said he plans to submit a formal site plan later, said  construction won’t start until he lands an anchor tenant.

He said he has talked with several national retailers but has not signed any contracts.

“We’re hoping to attract some good tenants,” said Champoux.

Despite much controversy surrounding Champoux’s earlier version of the project, the only person who showed up to oppose Prairie Village North Wednesday was Assistant City Engineer Randy Hoskins.

Hoskins said the Public Works Department is opposed to two “right in, right out” driveways along 84th because they will slow northbound traffic and present hazards.

But Mike Eckert, a planner with Civil Design Group, said the driveway accesses are needed to help traffic flow through the center. He also pointed out that several other major shopping areas, including 27th Street and Pine Lake Road, 27th and Superior streets and 48th and O streets, have similar access.

The Planning Commission agreed with Eckert and approved an amendment granting the request.

The plan now goes to the City Council for final approval.

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


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Rick C wrote on December 21, 2006 12:31 am:
" Is it just me or did this latest vote fly in under the radar? I still think it doesn't make sense to limit square footage unless you have very specific tenants in mind.. "
AL wrote on December 21, 2006 6:36 am:
" We veto'd the mayor let Wal-mart in. "
Tammy wrote on December 21, 2006 8:01 am:
" Just what we need...more retail space. How many strip malls in this town are sitting with vacant space? How many of these shiny new apartment buildings are mostly empty? "
a reader from NE Lincoln wrote on December 21, 2006 8:02 am:
" Give it up, people! Let Wal-Mart in northeast Lincoln--it's awful to try to get down aisles on N 27 and I don't enjoy driving to S 87. We need something there--especially grocery. "
Roger wrote on December 21, 2006 8:18 am:
" Suppose another Hy-Vee is on the way. When is the Mayor's term up? "
Confused citizen wrote on December 21, 2006 8:23 am:
" I don't see how two 175,000 s.f. big boxes is better than one 200,000 s.f. big box from a traffic stand point? Wasn't that the reason the Wal-mart got voted down? I just don't see how Wal-mart is any better or worse than any other big box retailer. Roger Larson and Mayor Seng are way off base when the start judging which retailer is okay for Lincoln. The people decide with their wallets which retailer they shop at, not the government. I plan on shopping at whatever store goes into that location. I don't care what name is on the front of the big box and neither should the tax collectors! "
WALMART!!!! wrote on December 21, 2006 8:26 am:
" WALMART! WALMART! WALMART!! PLEEEEEEAAAASE! "
Classism! wrote on December 21, 2006 8:55 am:
" confused, see, you're missing the point. The people in this neighborhood just don't want Walmart because they think the people that shop there are too "low class" to be in their neighborhood. They're actually going to get MORE traffic from this plan, but since it isn't a "Walmart" you didn't see any opposition. Classism at its finest! "
TJ wrote on December 21, 2006 9:06 am:
" Why do we keep getting more and more of the same stores? Just how many Walgreens and Walmarts do we need? Isn't it about time we got more variety? Super Target, Burlington Coat Factory, anything but more of the same old, same old. "
From the Wrong Side of the Tracks wrote on December 21, 2006 9:08 am:
" Right on with the "I'm better than you attitude." Look what the neighborhood has had an influence on - stopping Wal-Mart, and forcing the redesign of the soon to be demolished golf course on the SW corner (including strong arming the developer into giving them more land for their properties). Geez, we can't even get potholes filled in our part of town. Hmmm...we don't have the money or sophistication though like these people. Hopefully, SupreTarget will be "classy enough." "
Chef wrote on December 21, 2006 9:19 am:
" Negotiations were open to all retailers presenting a 175 footprint. For those following Retail this is the current store/concept size. Wally World has even followed suit and tried out the concept. The mayor and Lincoln is ahead of the times in this respect. The critics are not. "
NS wrote on December 21, 2006 9:22 am:
" as a resident of Meadowlane, in which I don't recall seeing any McMansions or anything, I take offense to the to fact that we think people that shop at Walmart are too low class to be in our neighborhood. While there are new houses in the area, it's also very close to an older neighborhood with a lot of small owned homes that we take pride in. I personally don't care where they put a Walmart as long as it's not on my front lawn. People took offense to it being there because they wanted right across from the cemetary. This newly passed thing doesn't sound any better, but I didn't have any idea this was being considered again. We need development on that side of town, and I welcome anything that comes in over there. "
right in, right out wrote on December 21, 2006 9:28 am:
" Mike Eckert says, "...the driveway access is needed to help traffic flow through the center." Hey Mike, I'd rather have traffic flow along 84th street than have you pleasing the developer that's giving you your paycheck. "
what? think bigger picture wrote on December 21, 2006 9:42 am:
" Did you ever stop to think that perhaps people are opposed to Walmart because of their unethical business practices? Maybe there are children in China that are making $1.00 a week to assemble the items in the aisles that you are trying to purchase. Maybe...they are unethical by not offering benefits to the employees who really need them...and suggesting NOT to turn in insurance claims when they get injured - and just let that employee go having to sign a contract to keep the incident under wraps. Maybe, it isn't classism at all, and there is a bigger picture controversy at hand.??? but then again, your right - we just don't want rif raff in this here town....well guess what they are already here - there is no research or evidence that the presence of a walmart creates "bad neighborhoods." "
Wonderful wrote on December 21, 2006 9:55 am:
" I hope they put a Walgreens up there. "
hummmmm wrote on December 21, 2006 10:16 am:
" Cann't believe something is finally APPROVED, no wonder we cann't attract business unless we give them tif. "
Jackson wrote on December 21, 2006 10:49 am:
" Hmm, I smell a Runza, bank, HyVee and Walgreens coming soon and it stinks. "
Interesting wrote on December 21, 2006 10:58 am:
" Any of you that are against walmart, do you not realize that once the super target is built in south Lincoln, that there will be more Target's than Walmarts in town! Maybe Target is trying to take over this town! "
Jeremy wrote on December 21, 2006 11:21 am:
" There is a Walgreen's about 5 blocks south of 84th and Adams, Hy-Vee has plans to build right next to Walgreen's, and Runza is across the street from that location. So I don't think any of those stores would choose to build again right down the street. I would predict perhaps a home building store (maybe Lowe's), and perhaps a discounter (maybe Target), with maybe a nice sit-down restaurant or two (probably Applebee's). "
Russ wrote on December 21, 2006 11:31 am:
" How about a good local retailer like Super Saver! "
Un wrote on December 21, 2006 12:48 pm:
" The original "concept" was for a single big-box retailer of 250 (Walmart) to be put in there, along with housing. As far as I know, and I live in that neighborhood, there was very little opposition to the Walmart except from the whiny church across the intersection. Opposition came from Seng, who limited the size to 175 with threat of veto. That's were we are today. There was none of this "classism" going on, according to someone's over-active imagination. So now we'll get stuck with something tired and useless, and still have to go far to shop. And frankly, I don't know anyone who cares what a kid in China is making or is concerned about the "evils" of Walmart. Give me a break. "
Bobby wrote on December 21, 2006 12:59 pm:
" So, if someone is suggesting that a Target be built in this location, wouldn't that mean that there would be 4 Target's in town. Lincoln needs another Walmart right next to the 27th st. one in my opinion. You could have two there, and it still would't be enough to handle the demand at that location. Go to a Walmart, well you look at the mass of people occupying that building at 27th and Superior, and you can see why we need more Walmarts. If you don't like Walmart, don't support them. It's as simple as that. Regardless, this subject isn't about Walmart, but the developement that is so desperately needed in this corner of town. I for one, am glad it passed. "
CP wrote on December 21, 2006 1:40 pm:
" I would take another Target over Walmart anyday! Haven't we had enough of Walmart? "
NE resident wrote on December 21, 2006 1:50 pm:
" The whiny church had NO POSITION on placing a Wal Mart on the North side of Adams. The only objection was it being placed within 500 feet right next door. Wal Mart decided themselves that that first location was not suitable. "
Jim L. wrote on December 21, 2006 2:37 pm:
" I thought walmart's 200.000 sq ft was to big for this area and would generate to much traffic for the residents and the church. Well unkess my addition is wrong 175,000 x 2 equals 350.000 sq ft. Now common sence tells me thats will generate much more traffic. Wake up folks.. "
Bobby wrote on December 21, 2006 3:23 pm:
" What I'd really like to see is a Target out north, say by maybe north of Walmart & Toys R Us. "
Uh..... wrote on December 21, 2006 3:29 pm:
" complaining about placing the walmart 500 feet right next door IS complaining about walmart. Why aren't they raising a stink about having 2 big box stores 500 feet away. I think it's because they have a problem with walmart. "
CJ wrote on December 21, 2006 3:38 pm:
" Quit obvious Lincoln leaders have never heard the word "competition". If Target, Hy-Vee and the same ole stuff goes in there, then there's no hope for this town. With Lincoln's reputation, I realize theres not much choice. How depressing!! "
NE wrote on December 21, 2006 4:04 pm:
" It didn't matter who the big box was. If it had been a Super Target or other name brand (you decide), it would have been too close directly west of the church and south of Adams "
Big E wrote on December 21, 2006 4:12 pm:
" Just what Lincoln needs, more things to snarl traffic on 84th. Now I work in construction, so I'm all for development. But this city does such a horrible job of urban planning it's a joke. When is the east-bypass going to ever get done. Till then 84th will still be clogged with people trying to get out to the interstate in the morining, and back home in the evening. Lincoln has more big city traffic problems than it should. Just wait, this development will make it even worse. "
p o'd wrote on December 21, 2006 4:36 pm:
" I don't see any difference trafic wise between a walmart and a target. I think walmart should build in airpark us PO folk will not complain we would be over joyed at the fact we wouldn't have to drive east of 27th st to go to the store since there is no retail west of 27 except the dead down town and there is no grocery store downtown. If walmart is so bad why are they growing as fast as they are and last I checked no one there had a gun to their head forcing them to be mistreated minimum wage jobs in Lincoln are a dime a dozen. "
DP wrote on December 21, 2006 5:52 pm:
" I don't understand why people hate wal-mart. Wal-mart offers consumers cheap products. Maybe I'm unusual but I'm always looking for the best prices on things. Why pay more at Target, Shopko, etc? And usually the mom and pop stores don't go out of business because of wal-mart. Usually they try to offer something Wal-mart doesn't provide which is also good for the consumer. "
shopko wrote on December 21, 2006 7:54 pm:
" shopko already has this town...target would have to build 2 more so that they can compete and 3 more to take it over. and i dont see that happening any time soon! "
karen wrote on December 21, 2006 8:37 pm:
" When you complain about who is making Walmarts products take a look the the labels on Target and Shopko... I would like to see another Walmart store. Maybe then the one on 27th street wouldn't be so busy all the time. If you don't like Walmart don't shop there. Pay more at Target, HyVee, and Russ's stores, that includes Super Savers. "
Walgreen's? wrote on December 21, 2006 10:10 pm:
" Now why in the world would they need another Walgreen's on 84th street? There are more Walgreen's in Lincoln Nebraska than almost any other town in the US! How about a nice DISCOUNT grocery store? I sure miss food now that Bag n Save is gone! "
Sarah wrote on December 21, 2006 10:34 pm:
" It's funny. The mayor has this grudge against Wal-Mart. She fights them no matter where they try to go. I work at the Wal-Mart on 27th street. And guess who was in there shopping last week? "
Roger wrote on December 21, 2006 11:05 pm:
" Why is it so darn wrong for NE Lincolnites to ask for reasonable shopping? If you don't live in NE Lincoln, then you have no steak in this, so don't comment on it. I don't care if we have Walmart, Super Target, whatever, but we need some shopping in this area that is at least a little different and varied then the HyVee and crap 7 miles away. Is that too much to ask? Those who are philosophically against Walmart, take your fight elsewhere, if you don't live in this area. I, for one, will be thrilled when the current Mayor and City Council are changed so we can get some reasonable shopping in this area without bias. Those of you who are just arguing for fun, go away! "
Kathy wrote on December 22, 2006 7:58 am:
" This plan still has to be approved by the City Council. That is where things went down the drain last time. "
Uh..... wrote on December 22, 2006 11:50 am:
" isn't this development right where the walmart was supposed to go? it's still 500ft from the church and I have yet to hear them complain about it. I'm telling you, the church doesn't like walmart. yea, the NE corner of 84th and Adams, that's where walmart was going to build and the church pitched a fit. "
sp wrote on December 22, 2006 4:34 pm:
" I drove to Omaha recently and was shocked to see all the new business and development since the last time I visited there. Lincoln needs to "attract" business, not stiffle it. Lincoln is going to dry up and blow away if this hostility toward growth continues. "
Not another Walgreens wrote on December 22, 2006 5:59 pm:
" I don't really care what they build but if I had my preference I would like some variety. How about something new like Lowes? One thing that does blow my mind is that someone on here actually thinks we need another Walgreens there when there is already one within walking distance to the south. "
lolly wrote on December 22, 2006 6:18 pm:
" I want a Krispy Kreme in that area. "
Frustrated wrote on January 3, 2007 10:21 pm:
" I listed as a representative from the church said on television, "Our parents just want to know that their children are safe." As a parent myself, I don't disagree with wanting my children to be safe, but come on! Were they so naive to think that 84th street wouldn't eventually develop? It's a major street that takes a ton of people into and out of our city every day! Don't make the people of northeast Lincoln suffer just because you decided to build right off 84th! Yes, like many of you I am afraid that once again nothing new or different will be brought in! How about some restaurants that there aren't already a dozen of in this town?!! How about a Mr. Goodcents or a nice coffee and bagel shop like Big Apple Bagels or Starbucks? I'm crossing my fingers. . . . "

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