$40 Million project aims to bring affordable housing and a new park to Haymarket

More construction could be coming to the Haymarket in the coming years. The city hopes to build brand new affordable housing as the city continues to grow, as well as a new neighborhood park.

The city has partnered with several private sector businesses to develop the new plan. The hope is to keep up with the Haymarket’s success and the city’s growth.

“As Lincoln grows, all people in our community need to share in the opportunities of that growth,” Darl Nuamann of the Lincoln Haymarket Development Corporation said.

The lots are located in south Haymarket near “n” and canopy streets right below and south of the Harris Overpass. Part of it currently sits as a parking lot, the other green space.

Lincoln is looking to keep up the momentum of the Haymarket and the city’s growth.

Thursday, Mayor Chris Beutler announced plans for a 40 million dollar affordable housing, economic, and park development project.

It’s almost entirely funded by the private sector. The city would put up $500,000 which would be leveraged into $14 million designated for low-income housing.

“Lincoln needs more affordable housing. Affordable housing supports working families and creates strong neighborhoods. Affordable housing is important to a community’s economic vitality, and helps business attract and maintain employees,” Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler said.

The plan is to build 194 market–rate apartments along with commercial, retail, and restaurant space. Approximately 40 units will be reserved for families earning 60 per cent or less of the median income. A new neighborhood park will be located across from the proposed apartments.

It would have space for a dog park, playground, and other outdoor activities. In a generous sign of support for the new park, Lincoln-based J.A. Woollam Company has pledged $1 million to the Lincoln Parks Foundation exclusively for the new park.

“The park will include a trail connection between N and J Streets providing a vital link between downtown and the extended trail system to the south,” Mayor Beutler said.

The city council will consider the project on April 29th with an expected vote on May 6th. If approved, the city parks and recreation department will seek public input for the new park during the upcoming summer.