KEARNEY — The Kearney City Council considered the rezoning and platting for a large area along Talmage St. and 3rd Ave. in the Younes Center Tenth Addition, as well as tax increment financing for a 24 unit apartment complex in the area.
The items considered regarding the Younes Center Addition, generally located north of Talmadge St. and east of 10th Ave. or smaller parcels contained within included:
- A rezone from District RR-1, rural residential to District C-2 Community Commercial District for the Gealy’s Addition.
- Future land use map amendment for government lots north of Talmadge St., between 10th and 15th Ave.
- A rezone from District Ag, agricultural district to District C-2, Community Commercial District for mentioned government lots
- A subdivision vacation for Lot 1 of the Gealy’s Addition
- A preliminary plat for the Younes Center Tenth Addition, east of 15th Ave., between Talmage St. and the north channel of the Platte River
- A final plat for the Younes Center Tenth Addition
- An annexation of the Younes Center Tenth Addition to the City of Kearney
Craig Bennett with Miller & Associates Consulting presented all of the items to the planning commission representing Talmage JAM, LLC and Peanut Butter & Jelly, LLC, which are connected with Younes Hospitality.
Bennett noted that the Younes Center Tenth Addition is 73 acres located near a heavy commercial district, he said roughly 3,000 people pass through the Yones properties on the southwest side of town every day.
He noted these various rezones, vacations and land use amendments needed to be made prepare the land for the development that is planned in the future.
Bennett mentioned a few projects the landowners planned to undertake, including a 24-room apartment complex on Lot 8 and a new business to be added on Lot 10.
“The western portion of the subject property is located within the two mile extra territorial jurisdiction and located adjacent to City limits. The remaining portion of the subject property to the east is located within City limits,” per the Planning Commission memo.
“The preliminary and final plats for Younes Center Tenth Addition contain 73.17 acres to be
divided into 15-lots with four outlots. The lots range in size from 1.16 acres to 24.62 acres,” the memo stated.
The proposed area to be annexed is 49.30 acres.
Bennett noted the northward extent of development will end at the Hike/Bike trail and maintain this area as a green space and recreational area for the community.
The city staff’s findings of fact included that the proposed land use amendment is consistent with the development trend in the area, that the rezones are compatible with the adjacent areas, the lots can be served by city water and sanitary sewer services, the subdivision layout is compatible with the surrounding area, the annexation is consistent with city policy and development is consistent with the 2016 Comprehensive plan.
The Kearney Planning Commission had given the nod to the actions and the city council followed suit.
The council also approved TIF for a 24-unit apartment complex that will be located in the area. The project will receive $750,000 in state funds and TIF funding up to $960,000 was approved.
In another development, the council rezoned and platted a development in northeast Kearney, east of 65th St. and N Ave.
Council member Jonathan Nikkila noted that this rezone was not supported last year, voted down 4-1 with Nikkila the lone vote in support.
“The primary reason the zoning was voted down at that time is that neighbors to the north objected to the potential density, with part of the development being slated to be R-2 (which includes duplexes and triplexes),” Nikkila noted.
Recently the council approved a new zoning designation, R1-D, which only allows for single family and duplexes.
With that change, the council voted in support and when completed, the subdivision will have 142 lots.
The council also approved a household hazardous waste disposal contract with Tradebe. The center is behind the sanitation and recycling center on E. 39th St.
In personnel matters, Brenda Jensn was named the new City Manager, after holding an interim tag after prior City Manager Mike Morgan Retired.
“I appreciate that Brenda is responsive, fair, community-minded and is willing to think creatively about solutions for the city, much like Mike was before her,” Nikkila said.
A swearing-in ceremony was also hosted for new Kearney Police Department officer, Jaco Henning.
