February 10, 2010
If you’re interested in investing in Benson, now might be a good time to take action. The Omaha City Council approved the creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in downtown Benson at its Jan. 26 meeting.
“This provides another tool for job creation and infrastructure improvement in Benson,” said Omaha City Councilman Pete Festersen, who represents District #1. “It is a proactive indication to developers that Benson is open for business, and it provides financial benefits for current businesses considering major renovations.”
The creation of this district will enhance the Benson-Ames Alliance’s efforts to revitalize the area in conjunction with The Maple Street Corridor Project, said Lisa Dale, chair of the Benson-Ames Alliance Steering Council and principal at Benson High School. The project includes a new streetscape design for downtown Benson, a housing and retail marketing analysis, and www.bensonbeat.com – a community outreach initiative designed to spark civic pride and investment in redevelopment opportunities that match the local vision for the area.
Conceptual drawing of east gateway to downtown Benson.
The first component of the new streetscape design plan slated for implementation is the creation of an east gateway to the Benson business district where Maple Street diverges from Northwest Radial Highway. Work on the $500,000 project will begin in April 2011.
Funding for a second component of the streetscape design plan, a northwest gateway to the Benson business district where Northwest Radial Highway and 63rd Street converge, is included in the city’s Capital Improvement Program budget for 2014-15.
For more information about The Maple Street Corridor Project, call 402.554.4010 or email info@bensonbeat.com.
The Benson-Ames Alliance (B-AA), dedicated to revitalizing the city’s Benson-Ames sector, selected downtown Benson as its first priority area. Omaha by Design serves as the project manager for the B-AA. The Maple Street Corridor Project is a partnership of the Benson Business Association, the Benson Neighborhood Association, the Benson-Ames Alliance, Omaha by Design and the City of Omaha Departments of Planning and Public Works.