Leave Your Feedback
To start it off, let’s hear your thoughts on anything relating to the downtown area… what you’d like to see changed, preserved, ideas, etc.
This site was made for you to communicate your thoughts about the Downtown Master Plan.
If you haven’t been to any meetings - or if you have and you want to share more thoughts, please leave them in the comments section.
Jeff Boynton said on March 18th, 2009
Skateparks.
More bike paths/trails.
Water fountains and restroom facilities.
daphne eck coppock said on March 18th, 2009
i’m so sad i can’t attend until friday night! i am really excited about the 30 year plan. thanks to all of you who are leading and investing in omaha now, it’s such an exciting time in the life of the city. i love all the good will that is flying around.
here are some things i think about for our beautiful city:
-we need bike paths/lanes/racks
-we need a prompt bus/public transportation system
-i would love to preserve the old buildings and unique, local flavor in the old market (no chains!). thanks mercers and others who have kept it lovely.
-we need a commuter train to connect lincoln and downtown omaha.
-let’s keep investing in the arts - and do it more.
-why not remove bad public art at the quest center?
-let’s keep being fresh, open to new ideas, and friendly.
-can we create open thoroughfares connecting north o to downtown
-any way to tear down the doubletree that cuts off 16th st?
-16th street feels scary now. why not allow parking and encourage more traffic?
-let’s invite more non-white participants into our city planning!
-plant trees and gardens. use the roofs.
shane b said on March 18th, 2009
- dedicated dog park in east omaha
- development of the gene leahy mall
- reiterate daphne’s point, no damn chains in the old market
Cody said on March 18th, 2009
This is small stuff but…
1. Recycle bins next to all trash cans downtown.
2. Make skateboarding as transportation legal downtown.
3. Hot dog stands and Taco Trucks.
More soon.
Zach O. said on March 18th, 2009
They should put in B-Cycle stations in key areas through out the downtown area. North in NoDo to South at the Zoo. West near the Midtown Crossing all the way East across the river in Council Bluffs. Learn more about B-Cycle at http://bcycle.com. We could be a healthier, fitter city while also being more green.
Drew Davies said on March 19th, 2009
I think one of the critical components for a vibrant Omaha downtown is the intentional creation of a large public plaza gathering area. At least a city block’s worth of space, ideally surrounded by street-level cafes, restaurants, and shops. Not a place that people move through, but instead an end destination. No streets, just a large space solely for pedestrians. Ideally with a beautiful giant fountain.
In all the thriving cities of Europe, they have at least one, if not several, public plazas. They’re gathering places for all the citizens of the city: young, old, rich, poor. They use them as a place to meet up, as a place to hold public rallies, as a place for outdoor entertainment, as a place to spread cafe tables and dine as a community. Omaha is in desperate need of this kind of plaza. Let’s take a cue from the Europeans and celebrate the gathering of community.
Mary said on March 19th, 2009
I second Drew’s point. I miss living in an area where there were areas where you could go out and be surrounded by others from the community - and not just people there for one purpose (i.e. shopping, or dog walking or whatever). The foot-bridge is the closest Omaha has gotten in that it brings people together in a common place to enjoy the community. Would be even better if there were cafes, coffee shops, book stores, near by that would encourage people to make it more of a destination and create more connections. Also would be good if it was located near high-density residential so that many people could walk or bike to it.
Matt McKenzie said on March 19th, 2009
Skatepark, Definitely a skatepark. Maybe an outdoor concert hall/performing arts centre.
doug kiser said on March 19th, 2009
skatepark
recycling
bike path
sculpture garden/public art (hopefully not competition art!)
public plaza-i’m thinking like in portland. it is full of life all the time.
save old buildings-tiptop is a good example!
bob said on March 19th, 2009
Retail space on the ground level of the new stadium!
No more parking lots!
Later bar closing time!
Light Rail Transit!
Dave Nelson said on March 19th, 2009
Skateparks
It can be part of the landscaping. With skateable art sculptures, greenery, etc.
Recycling bins
Next to trash cans.
Retail space at the new stadium.
Bike Lanes.
jara b said on March 19th, 2009
I agree with Drew’s suggestion. I do love cities that have a common area for people to interact. It makes the city dynamic, interactive and inviting. And I definitely agree with Daphne’s comment regarding the invitation for non-whites to participate in the city planning. I appreciate the investment of those who are currently participating, but I do wonder how we could be better at inviting those who wouldn’t naturally hear about these events. Diverse crowds bring unique reflections and comments to Omaha and our future. That’s it.
daphne eck coppock said on March 19th, 2009
thanks drew and others for mentioning the need for public plazas! a ‘third place’ (not home, not work) to gather is so key to making our city more vibrant. seems like omaha is ripe for it — even better would be two plazas with a bike trail connecting them.
Jeff Hug said on March 19th, 2009
I haven’t been able to attend, but here are my suggestions:
-relevant modern outdoor sculpture. this means no more quasi-realistic bronze sculptures!
-skate park!
-buses like they have in Denver: hybrid biofuel/electric
-a gathering place, like Millennium Park in Chicago
-NO chains
-affordable downtown housing. Enough with the 450K lofts.
-a decent grocery store
-a dog park
-quit tearing down buildings that have style and flavor to erect architectural abortions.
-later bar closings
-open containers in the old market like the french quarter
-events for younger people
-legal ability to ride bikes/skateboards downtown
-more art
-busing for major events to reduce traffic, say, from crossroads
Lance Hiatt said on March 19th, 2009
Art, art and more art
Preserve old builings and invest in restoring
Safe public gathering places
More outdoor cafes and eateries
Specialties stores that do not cost and arm and a leg
Build and expand on the existing character
Kevin Flatowicz-Farmer said on March 19th, 2009
It’s important that the transit and pedestrian elements of the plan include input from pedestrians and transit users. Sometimes the aesthetic sense of a design is in stark contrast to the practical usage (SEE: Westroads Transit Center).
I would like to see an emphasis on inter-modal transportation, as well as accessibility. No more Double Trees or Landmark Centers that cut the community access to areas of the community. Include more thoroughfares and street-level retail.
We’re hardy Nebraskans! Even in winter we can be a walking city!
Matt Helt said on March 19th, 2009
- Wifi coverage for all of Downtown
- Tax incentives for businesses who decide to who start up in, or relocate to, Downtown Omaha
- Downtown recreation area with basketball courts, tennis courts, skatepark
- Bike lanes
- Incorporate art into every new project
- Aesthetically pleasing design incorporated into public works projects
- Plant more trees outside existing properties
- Develop urban vegetable gardens/greenhouses, lease plots (at low cost) to local growers who will maintain these plots and sell produce to the public and/or donate a portion to local food kitchens
Leanne Prewitt said on March 19th, 2009
I love the ideas of a public plaza, recreational/sporting areas and a dog park. But if we do not solve the access/parking problem, all of these things will be useless. Space is somewhat limited, and ugly, multi-level parking garages don’t seem to be the solution.
We need a park-n-ride bus/light rail system that could actually get people to and from all of these great new destinations.
I also strongly agree with the need for recycle bins next to EVERY trash can, preservation of current old buildings and WiFi for the entire area.
Andrew Schwab said on March 19th, 2009
There are some great ideas listed so far.
- A dog park on the east side.
- Bike lanes.
- more parks in general.
- an outdoor place for live music.
- Better public transportation.
- It would be great if there was some for of public transportation that connected Benson, Dundee, UNO, Creighton, Aksarben Village, Midtown Crossing, The Zoo, The Old Market, North Downtown.
Teresa Sloboth said on March 19th, 2009
I would love a light rail from Westroads, to midtown, to downtown, to the zoo. You could do a park and ride. The drivers from out west park at the Westroads and ride downtown. Save on gas and on parking downtown. Those parking facilities can be leveraged further for event parking.
Also, including areas around town to park your bike would be helpful. Public bike racks, especially around the businesses in mid-downtown (16th street). I would also like to see a bike lane on Cumming Street as the curbs are not up to ADA standards and the traffic is too chaotic to ride in the street at this point.
Also, it would be nice to have recycling containers around the parks and sidewalks. One for trash and one for plastic bottles. As a runner, I am always carrying a water bottle, but looking to ditch it mid-run, it would be nice if I had the option to recycle it.
Minneapolis does a nice job of having maps for the running and bike trails posted along the paths. Shows you where trails meet up and how far you can go when you are on them. Many of the areas being developed are new for most people and maps provide a since of security when encouraging exploration of new areas.
Art projects that don’t involve O! or wagon trains. I love Lincoln’s bikes or even Omaha’s downtown geese. Maybe more bronzed kids playing or shapes floating like in front of the Qwest. The mural on the downtown build across from the Qwest is beautiful. More stuff like that.
More public gardens and dog parks. Think of Boston Commons and the attached Public Garden. Memorial park has that great Rose Garden that people photograph their wedding pictures in. It would be pretty to have a flower garden or community garden area downtown too. Similar to the Omaha zoo’s sculpture garden that is so picture perfect.
Wireless City. We would like to have public assess to the internet anywhere we are. This will help retain and attract young people to Omaha. Think 3G, think iPhone.
Lastly, a science museum. Most metropolitan cities have a museum totally dedicated to science. Physics, chemistry, property of matter, rocks, space, etc. I think we should turn one of the older buildings, or more specifically the Civic into a science museum.
Those are my thoughts. I have been in this city for 15 years and the cultural landscape of the city shows small changes. Many coming in the last 4 years. Smaller cities have been more progressive with development, including Des Moines. I am excited with the many efforts moving forward at this time, as the ultimate result will move our city forward as well.
Thanks for listening,
Teresa
Matt Secoske said on March 19th, 2009
1. More Green Spaces
2. Bike Paths Bike Paths Bike Paths
3. Muni Wi-Fi
John Fowler said on March 19th, 2009
I have to say that they seem to have hit all of the high points. With the exception of keeping the meetings quiet, and perhaps a study area that was too small (the small size doesn’t adequately address the Downtown/North O. relationship), I was happy with the results from the charrette I attended.
Thanks for this website as well - my man Nader would be proud!
Forest Jones said on March 19th, 2009
I’m from Omaha but have lived in Portland Oregon for the last 10 years. I keep up on Omaha issues though and I’m happy that Omaha is finally thinking about smart planning. I think this is great because I see my family moving back to the area in the future.
While living in Portland I have come to realize just how a well planned city and livable environment can effect your life in a positive way. I think there is a revolution happening right now with urban planning and pedestrian friendly design. Here in Portland they have been a champion on this issue since the 70’s and it has paid off tremendously. They have worked hard to preserve older neighborhoods in the city core and put a stop to urban sprawl back in the 70’s. Years ago they fought off major freeway expansion realizing more roads and freeways would cut up the cities neighborhoods making it a less livable city. Portland has also decided not to make the car the first priority in the city. A city should be about people. The day you realize your life doesn’t evolve around a car your never be happier. All great cities have things in common, they are people friendly and have great neighborhoods where you don’t have to walk far from home to get what you need or go to that “third place”
There’s lots of things Omaha needs to do but just starting the conversation and getting people to change their behavior is the biggest thing in my opinion. Because just putting a bike lane on a road isn’t going to make people hop on their bikes, most of these issues require a total lifestyle change for people.
Good Luck
Todd Boswell said on March 19th, 2009
Great ideas! Reminds me of a site I recently stumbled across which says it best when it comes to creativity. http://www.zombo.com
“The only limit is yourself…”
“The infinite is possible…”
“You can do anything…”
julie c said on March 22nd, 2009
I would like to see a mercado like the “Reading Market” in Philadelphia, or Pike Place in Seattle. FRESH food, and flowers and artisan wares. Right next to the convention center in Philly they have a market to buy Fresh food in many different kiosks from local vendors. If you are attending a conference or working downtown, you can go to the market with a group of people and grab sushi, kabobs, sandwiches, BBQ or noodles, or salads, whatever! All people are happy– it is quick, various and FRESH!
We have more than explored mediocre fried bar snacks in the downtown area.. please allow for more choices!
Justin Ptacnik said on March 24th, 2009
Lots of great ideas and comments already posted. I agree with everything that has already been said and believe implementing any of the ideas would be beneficial.
Omaha could benefit from a defined night life and entertainment district. While the Old Market is a great place to gather, it is very spread out. The re-development of downtown Kansas City is outstanding and has truly created a “buzz”, even 100+ miles away in Omaha. I believe a large part of their success comes from the proximity of their establishments. 16th street, with wide side walks, a defined ethos, and vacant street level space, could be a perfect place to develop a night life and entertainment district.
Kansas City has followed Omaha as of late in several areas of development (downtown arena, zoo, etc.); now I think Omaha could benefit from one of their recent ideas. Young professionals and tourists want a place to congregate on the weekends that offers access public transportation, downtown amenities, and night life without having to walk several blocks between establishments.
*******
Also, someone made a great point about affordable housing downtown. Why build so many condos and price such a powerful demographic, young professionals, almost completely out?
Ryan Miller said on April 4th, 2009
It would be nice to see a long term plan that would consider a light rail along the I-80/I-680 corridor for people out west to have a way downtown on public transp. This could link up at some point with a downtown street car system. Eliminating having to drive downtown and driving back out west would draw a lot of people from the western area of the metro.
Jeff Moore said on April 6th, 2009
I think Omaha has an identity crisis. It is known for the CWS, Warren Buffet and steakhouses. There are so many great ideas that people have come up with, but the problem with that is you can only do so many because of resources. At what point does the committee start to narrow these decisions down so that people can then send in comments on how to make those choices better? Who are we and what are we about needs to be a priority.
I am not a biker or runner, but I think those two areas should get a lot of attention and it should be coordinated with green space. We are a fat city. Changes to trails and green space could lead to lifestyle changes. A healthier Omaha. I know that there is a Wabash trail that people ride in Council Bluffs. Is there the possibility of developing something like that here?
Also, we need to do a better job of having recycling containers everywhere in Omaha.Maybe the city of Omaha would allow the containers to be decorated/painted so as to encourage having a container on a business property and at the same time draw attention to recycling. As a business owner, I would rather have a recycling container on my property then to constantly have to pick up trash from the property.
I would like to see us get a name for the whole downtown area. The old market, nodo, little Italy, etc. I believe is confusing for people not use to going downtown or are from out of town. Something that sums up the whole area.The city could have a naming contest. It would be a more unifying advertising front, a better draw to the area. I belive we need kiosks that are in all areas to show people choices on where they can go and how they can get there.
I am not in favor of a streetcar proposal. To spend 50 million dollars (or whatever it costs) on the limited area that it would serve can’t be justified. Better bike trails, better parking and possibly small buses (20 passenger) would be a better use of money. Small buses would be able to change the route as dictated by use and would probably be able to run more frequently. Have a bus lane only or a bus/bike lane so that it would not get stuck in traffic taking people to local attractions.
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