October 01, 2009
This rendering of Maple Street at Military in downtown Benson is part of The Maple Street Corridor Project.
The Maple Street Corridor Project partnership is exploring the possibility of using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to assist in funding the revitalization of downtown Benson. A community meeting on the subject will be held Monday, Oct. 26, at 7:00pm at Benson Baptist Church, 6319 Maple St. All those interested are encouraged to attend.
In August 2008, the Benson-Ames Alliance, the Benson Business Association, the Benson Neighborhood Association, city officials and Omaha by Design launched The Maple Street Corridor Project. It focuses on three components: a new streetscape design for Maple Street, a housing and retail market analysis, and a community branding initiative designed to spark civic pride and investment in redevelopment opportunities.
“The time is right to explore TIF to help move the project forward,” said Troy Arthur, vice chair of the Benson-Ames Alliance Steering Council and president of the Benson Business Association.
TIF is a special financing process used to promote commercial and industrial development. It provides financing for public improvements and other TIF eligible redevelopment activities using new tax revenue created by new, expanded or renovated commercial property in a TIF district, which is defined by the community.
The Oct. 26 meeting coincides with the regular monthly meeting of the Benson Neighborhood Association. Omaha City Council member Pete Festersen and Ken Johnson, economic development manager with the City of Omaha Planning Department, will be on hand to discuss the TIF process and answer questions.
For more information about the meeting, call 402.554.4010 or email info@omahabydesign.org. For more information about the Maple Street Corridor Project, visit www.bensonbeat.com and click on the Benson-Ames Alliance link at the top of the page.