Lincoln looking to revive 33rd and A business district

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A revitalized community could be on the horizon in central Lincoln.

District 33 is the name of a proposed rezoning plan near the area of 33rd and A streets.

It will stretch about 12.78 acres, from just south of Mohawk Street to Normal Boulevard and from 32nd Street to slightly west of 35th Street.

This plan has been in the works for months, due to concern that several businesses have been leaving the area and some properties are empty or poorly maintained.

All property owners within 200 feet of the projected boundary were sent a letter notifying them of the proposed changes, including Derek Baumfalk, who likes that it will make the area more pedestrian-friendly.

“It’s always nice to be able to walk somewhere,” he said. “It’s good to have things right next to you that you don’t have to worry about driving.”

Thursday night, members of the city’s planning group presented their blueprint to the Woods Park Neighborhood Association at its annual meeting.

The main focus of the plan is to bring life back to the business district near 33rd and A.

Courtesy: Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission

The city wants to install a mix of commercial and residential spaces and make the whole area more walkable.

Ayden Johnson, one of the city planners leading this design, said creating a walkable community can be beneficial for many reasons.

“The weather in Nebraska can be very unpredictable, especially in Lincoln,” Johnson said, so driving is not always possible in the winter.

He said it will also reduce traffic and simply be more convenient for those who live nearby.

“The idea of creating more of those neighborhoods, that central core would be really beneficial,” Johnson said. “Personally, I think it would just be awesome to walk down the street and grab a bite to eat. In a lot of places, especially the Midwest neighborhoods, kind of lack that.”

This plan is just the first step. Developers expect to add more changes throughout the process.

The rezoning has already been approved by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission.

Next, the city council has a public hearing scheduled for June 9. People will be free to share any thoughts or concerns.