Connie Spellman, director, Omaha by Design

2008 Director’s Outlook
Looking Back to Look Ahead

It would be easy for Omaha by Design to view 2007 as a series of accomplishments – the unanimous city council approval of a groundbreaking package of revisions and additions to Omaha’s zoning code, the publication of the inaugural Omaha Catalogue of Urban Design Philanthropy in conjunction with the Omaha Community Foundation, the development of the volunteer leadership team formed to guide the revitalization of the Benson-Ames Alliance.

Upon deeper reflection, however, another picture emerges, one that sums up the past 12 months in a single word: conviction. Throughout the city, growing numbers of citizens are beginning to believe that Omaha can and should be a better place, a community that respects its natural environment, fosters civic pride and celebrates the diversity of its neighborhoods. They’re also beginning to realize that how a city looks and feels and how its many parts connect with one another relate directly to its potential for transformation.

Our work agenda for 2008, while building upon the successes of 2007, moves the city’s potential for transformation forward.  

Streetscape Handbook
This spring, the Streetscape Handbook will make its citywide debut. The publication is the result of a 27-month collaboration involving Omaha by Design, city departments, the design community, the Omaha Public Power District and the Nebraska Department of Roads to create guidelines for the placement of street furnishings in the public right of way. A public input session will be held Feb. 5 (see article elsewhere in this issue). A “complete street” may be the single most effective way to convey a high quality of life within our city.

Maple Street Corridor Project/Benson-Ames Alliance
Omaha by Design will continue its role as manager and administrator of the Benson-Ames Alliance. This volunteer group will focus its energies on the Maple Street Corridor, which runs through downtown Benson, in 2008. The Maple Street Corridor Project – a partnership of Omaha by Design, the Benson-Ames Alliance, the Benson Business Association, the Benson Neighborhood Association and the City of Omaha Departments of Planning and Public Works – includes a streetscape component as well as a housing and retail market analysis. The development of a thematic design for landscaping, pedestrian-scale streetlights, signage, pavement and traffic control is set for completion in March. The market analysis, intended to augment the entrepreneurial growth under way in Benson, will be completed in February.

Cole Creek Restoration Project/Benson-Ames Alliance
Cole Creek, which meanders through the Benson-Ames Alliance, is the site of a demonstration project that will showcase how Omaha’s creeks and streams can be used for more than erosion and flood control purposes. This collaborative effort involving Omaha by Design, the city, the county, the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, landscape architects and a consultant will employ a variety of best management practices for stream stabilization and water quality improvement while exploring the feasibility of enhancing the creek for recreational and educational use. Funding for the first two stages of analysis and design has been secured. The best management practices have been funded and will be implemented during the third quarter of 2008.

Other items include:

• Partnering with the city to create an Environmental Element for Omaha’s master plan (patterned after the creation of the Urban Design Element)
  
  
• Fostering the development of the newly formed Green Omaha Coalition
  
  
• Beginning a phased renovation of Gene Leahy Mall
  
  
• Administering a review process for the zoning code revisions package in conjunction with the Technical Advisory Group
  
  
• Administering a quarterly review process for recommendations in the Streetscape Handbook in conjunction with the Streetscape Handbook Committee
  
  
• Assisting the City of Omaha Department of Planning with the mapping of Areas of Civic Importance (ACI)
  
  
• Attracting targeted retail and housing developers to the Benson-Ames Alliance
  
  
• Adding a sustainability component to our Place Making services
  
  
• Educating the community on the connection between public health and urban design

Yet other projects may result from the funding of entries in the Omaha Catalogue of Urban Design Philanthropy, such as the development of an Omaha Parks and Landscape Conservancy and the creation of a public art master plan for the city.

As we begin to tackle this organizational “to do” list for 2008, I’m reminded that none of it would be possible without two indispensable groups – our volunteers and our donors. Some have been with us from the beginning; others have recently signed on to do their part. They give generously and advocate endlessly. They allow us to dream big yet remind us that slow and steady wins the race. They are helping us create systemic change in the life of our city.

We invite you to do the same. Best wishes for a successful 2008.