Design Notes
June 01, 2009
Beltway Study Online
The Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) is conducting a beltway feasibility study for the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area. The executive summary and study report are available online at www.mapabeltwaystudy.com.
The public is encouraged to review these items and share feedback with the study team. Comments can be directed to Matt Tondl, HDR Engineering, at 402.399.1070 or beltwaystudy@hdrinc.com and Paul Mullen, MAPA, at 402.444.6866 or Paul_mullen@mapacog.org.
Transportation Survey Online
The Metropolitan Area Planning Agency is in the process of updating its long range transportation plan to the year 2035 and is seeking input from the public. Residents are encouraged to complete a 15-question online survey. To access the survey, visit www.mapacog.org and click on the “Please take our long range transportation plan survey” link at the top of the page.
Led by Example
Omaha by Design marks the recent passing of Kathleen Turner Jeffries, a champion of urban design principles who approached her volunteer interests with passion, preparedness and a sense of what’s possible when excellence is the target. “Kathie was an example of the impact one person can make on her community by identifying a problem and then becoming part of the solution,” said Connie Spellman, director of Omaha by Design. “She dedicated her life to affecting change through public policy.”
Jeffries was a recipient of Omaha by Design’s Laurels Award, its highest honor. She was an early advocate for the organization, volunteering her time and talents as a member of the Working Review Committee that helped create the city’s Urban Design Element. After the Urban Design Element was approved by the Omaha City Council and adopted as part of the city’s master plan, Jeffries served as a member of the Technical Advisory Group that helped create a groundbreaking package of revisions and additions to the city’s zoning and subdivision codes. The package, which reflects the Urban Design Element’s 73 recommendations, was approved by the Omaha City Council in 2007. She most recently served as chair of the city’s urban design review board, which was created as a result of an Urban Design Element recommendation.
Her son, Rick, currently serves as a member of the Omaha by Design Advisory Committee.
Summer Solstice Lecture
Guy Sternberg, founding member and past president of the International Oak Society, will present “Majesty and Diversity of Bur Oak” Tuesday, June 23, at Lauritzen Gardens. The lecture, which begins at 7:00pm, celebrates Summer Solstice – the first day of the summer and the longest day of the year.
The cost is $10 for members and $14 for non-members. Space is limited. For more information or to register, call 402.346.4002, ext. 201, or e-mail m.sears@omahabotanicalgardens.org.
Florence Farmers Market
The Florence Mill is hosting a weekly farmers market starting Sunday, June 14, from 11:00am to 3:00pm. The market runs through Aug. 30. The mill, open daily from 1:00 to 5:00pm except Mondays and holidays, is located at 9102 N. 30th Street in Florence. For more information, contact Linda Meigs at 402.551.1233.
Living in Omaha
Why do you live in Omaha? You can leave your answer – and find out what others are saying – at www.iliveinomaha.com. The site was created by What Cheer, a local web design studio.