Since the summer of 2009, we have asked thousands of people who spend time in South Omaha, "What is the future of your community?" Input was gathered through a series of English and Spanish workshops, focus groups, community interviews and 1,500 surveys. Along with an extensive study on the current assets and issues in the area, results of this input will be presented as the South Omaha Development Project Master Plan.
"This type of collaboration is an essential part of the South Omaha Development Project Master Plan," said Karen Mavropoulos, project coordinator for the South Omaha Development Project. Mavropoulos also added, "It's what gives Omaha its vitality."
The master plan will identify public and private strategies for directing growth and investment opportunities that can attract and retain businesses and residents alike. Doug Bisson, community planning and urban design manager for HDR, Engineering said, "Policies, programs and projects will address mobility, housing, jobs and economic development in South Omaha."
"Community development is important to the Greater Omaha Chamber," said David G. Brown, president and CEO of the Chamber. "Our work over the last seven years in Midtown, North Omaha and now South Omaha is testament to our commitment. The results of this study come from the hard work of several partners like the city, Latino Center of the Midlands, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and others."
The next phase of this project is to begin implementing the plan, and getting the City Planning Board and City Council to adopt it.
Join the Greater Omaha Chamber in unveiling the South Omaha Development Project Master Plan. On Sunday, April 18, a Spanish and English open house luncheon will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church social hall at 5005 S. 23rd St. from noon - 2 p.m. A Spanish and English open house meeting and community showcase will follow on April 20, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Metropolitan Community College, South Omaha Campus, S. 27th and Q streets in the Industrial Training Center conference center.