Benson-Ames Alliance
Community Spirit in Action
The Benson-Ames Alliance (B-AA) is a grassroots group of community leaders formed to guide the revitalization of the Benson-Ames area in northwest Omaha. Its borders are Western Avenue on the south, Sorensen Parkway on the north, Saddle Creek Road/Fontenelle Boulevard on the east and 72nd Street on the west. The group is striving to become a sustainable community that actively seeks a balance between its built and natural environments. Omaha by Design serves as the project manager.
The B-AA is home to an active group of neighborhood associations – Benson, Clairmont Heights, Cole Creek, Country Club Community Council, Fontenelle View, Fort Redman, Hartman Avenue and Metcalfe-Harrison. Some are large and some are small, some have history and others are brand new, but all are committed to making their corner of the city a better place.
The B-AA has identified downtown Benson as its first priority for revitalization. August 2008 marked the launch of the Maple Street Corridor Project, which includes a new streetscape design, a housing and retail market analysis, and a community branding initiative designed to spark civic pride and investment in redevelopment opportunities. You can keep tabs on the project’s progress at www.BensonBeat.com.
The B-AA has also launched The Cole Creek Project, a $1.6 million urban stream restoration initiative in the Ames sector of the alliance. Its goals are to stabilize the creek, improve its water quality and enhance the recreational use of nearby Orchard Park. The community outreach component of the project is designed to engage homeowners, neighborhood associations, business associations and students in understanding their role in the local water cycle and incorporating green solutions into their daily routines. You can keep tabs on the project’s process by subscribing to the Cole Creek blog.
Do you want to invest in the Benson-Ames Alliance or get involved in a volunteer capacity? Call 402.554.4010 or email baalliance@omahabydesign.org.