Grand Island officials approved a zoning change Tuesday for farmland on the city’s north side, clearing a regulatory step for a planned development that would include a sports complex, housing, hotels and businesses.
The Grand Island City Council approved Ordinance 10,096, changing the property’s zoning from large-lot residential to B-2 general business. The land is north of the BNSF Railway main line near U.S. Highway 281 and Broadwell Avenue and is currently undeveloped farm ground.
Development plans
Woodsonia plans to anchor the project with a sports complex, an expected new YMCA and an aquatic center. The broader development is also expected to include homes and additional businesses.
Chad Nabity, community development director for the city, said the previous zoning did not permit many of the uses planned for the property. The general business designation allows housing, hotels and the sports complex.
“Within the general business zone, housing is allowed, the sports complex is allowed, hotels are allowed.”
Nabity said the zoning change gives the developer assurance that the planned uses can proceed as the project moves through additional approvals.
Sales-tax district
The project is part of Grand Island’s Good Life District, a program created by the state of Nebraska. Under the program, a portion of state sales tax collected within a designated district is returned to the community to help pay for development in that area.
Grand Island’s district extends along both sides of U.S. 281 from Capital Avenue south to 13th Street. It includes Menards, Walmart, Target and Tractor Supply. Nabity said the development is expected to bring new jobs and sales-tax revenue, although officials did not provide a projected dollar amount in the announcement.
- Approved: Ordinance 10,096 and the change to B-2 general business zoning.
- Planned uses: A sports complex, an expected YMCA, an aquatic center, housing, hotels and businesses.
- Funding structure: A portion of state sales tax collected in the Good Life District can be returned to the community for development.
Infrastructure work must be completed before construction can begin. The city hopes to finish the remaining Good Life District approvals before the end of the year so work can start next spring.
Nabity said construction of the sports complex could take 18 to 24 months. He said the complex could be operating in three to four years, while the full development is expected to take 15 to 20 years to complete.
“Things are moving forward with the Good Life District approvals. Hopefully we’ll have those done before the end of the year and be in a position that they’ll be ready to get started next spring.”
Nabity said.
