Farmer Keith Ostermeier, who lives a quarter mile south of a proposed housing project near Highway 281 and One-R Road, talked to Hall County Commissioners Sept. 9 about why he opposes development of the Sycamores by Prairie Creek project north of Grand Island, (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND – Hall County Commissioners again discussed Sept. 9 the proposed Sycamores at Prairie Creek project north of Grand Island.
Hall County Commissioners voted 4-3 Aug. 26 to approve rezoning from A2 to planned unit development for the Sycamores at Prairie Creek subdivision east of Highway 281 and north of One-R Road.
Hall County Clerk Marla Conley said after the meeting that the issue will be on the Commissioners’ Oct. 21 agenda for final approval.
At the meeting Aug. 12 when the subdivision was discussed, farmers whose land borders the subdivision were opposed to taking agricultural land out of production.
Michael Stanton of 3831 Meadow Road is a co-developer of the project. Stanton said that seven lots will be available at the 42.7 acre site, with lots ranging in size from 3 acres to 7 acres. A pond will be on the east side of the subdivision, close to Highway 281.
Farmer Keith Ostermeier, 5701 N. Highway 281, appeared at the Sept. 9 meeting to discuss the proposed subdivision with Commissioners.
An email dated July 24 from Ostermeier to Commissioner Pam Lancaster was included in the county board packet.
In his email, Ostermeier said he and his wife live a quarter mile south of the Proposed Sycamores by Prairie Creek. Ostermeier is a fourth-generation farmer.
“My primary concern is taking prime farm ground out of production to build houses in a flood zone and the negative economic impact that inflated land prices will have on production agriculture,” Ostermeier wrote.
Ostermeier wrote that the proposed project is approximately 42 acres, with 32 acres of crop ground and 10 acres of Prairie Creek and its bank. Ostermeier made numerous references in his email to the Hall County Comprehensive Development Plan (2024).
He made reference to the plan that “new development should be located within existing cities and villages, where urban services are available.” It continued, “New development should be contiguous to existing developed areas and avoid ‘leapfrog’ patterns inefficient for public services.’” The proposed development would have wells and septic tanks.
Ostermeier wrote that the land was sold at a public auction on April 11, 2025. Three tracts of land were sold that day.
“This 42-acre property sold for $8,400 per acre. The adjacent tract of pivot irrigated farmland sold for $6,400,” he wrote.
“Competing against developers for crop grounds will inflate purchase prices,” he wrote.
Another concern that Ostermeier has is the only access for the proposed project is Highway 281. “My concern is the increased number of cars entering/exiting the highway that is not at a major intersection.”
“In conclusion, it does not seem logical to take 240 bushel per acre prime farmland out of production to build houses on dirt pads in a flood zone,” Ostermeier wrote.
Hall County Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity was at the meeting. It was discussed having rural representation on the Regional Planning Commission. Nabity said there is rural representation on the Regional Planning Commission. It has been suggested that Ostermeier become a member of the Regional Planning Commission.
In other action, Jerad Reimers, District Coordinator for U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith’s office, gave an update to the Commissioners. He said that two main issues where Smith’s office provides services concern veterans’ issues and citizenship issues. Trade agreements with Brazil and China are being pursued.
Commissioner Gary Quandt wanted to recognize the late Tom Oshlo, who was Chief Facility Officer for Stuhr Museum and a long-time employee of the musem. Oshlo died Aug. 26. Oshlo’s wife, Myra, and daughter, Joanna, were at the Sept. 9 meeting. Commissioner Chairman Ron Peterson read a letter from the Commissioners to Oshlo’s wife and daughter and gave them a certificate of appreciation from the Commissioners.
Andy Marsh of Grand Island served on the museum’s Foundation Board and also on its Operating Board. Marsh said he had known Oshlo for more than 30 years. Marsh described Oshlo as an icon at the museum.
“I don’t have the words to express what Tom has done for the museum,” Marsh said.
Commissioner Jane Richardson said she served on the museum’s Operating Board for 10 years.
“This will be a great loss for Stuhr Museum,” she said.
Commissioner Pam Lancaster described Oshlo as irreplaceable.
