Zoning change opens opportunities for businesses and apartments downtown

NORFOLK, Neb. --The Norfolk City Council passed a pair of ordinances that it says will allow for new renovations to take place downtown.

 

Properties located east of 3rd Street near Winter Avenue were changed to a central business district as well as a mixed-use overlay. The changes were requested by Daniel and Connie Geary, who said they hope to make the area a mix of apartments and businesses in the downtown area. According to Daniel Geary, phased construction of his plan will include five condominiums, two multifamily apartment buildings, and five, two-story commercial structures. 

 

Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning was in favor of the zoning change. He said the proposed project would bring in new life to an area of Norfolk not often used.

 

"I think moving these policies forward helped kick start the redevelopment of that particular area, on the downtown district," He said. "I think it creates new opportunities for economic growth and development in the community and helps re-utilize...a space and area of the community that hasn't seen a lot of activity in the last few years, so I think that's good news in all regards."

 

The project also has support from Wayne State College, which agreed to a partnership to promote economic development in Norfolk, where Wayne State seniors would live work, and study in downtown Norfolk. Twenty-five students will be participating in the agreement by the fall, with up to 75 students coming in the future. 

 

The zoning change was passed on all readings unanimously.