A proposed residential project of duplexes and quadplexes in southeast Gering will be able to move forward after the City Council approved a change in zoning for the land owned by Oikos Development Corporation.
City engineer Annie Folck explained an adjacent property owner to the north was willing to have a Street Improvement District through his property, which would allow 2nd Street to be extended from M Street and provide direct access to the new neighborhood.
She said in addition, Oikos had an offer on the table to purchase land immediately east of McClellan Park owned by Western Nebraska Housing Opportunities that was contingent on the zoning change. “That would allow them to put in a street that would feed directly into D Street. They’re showing it only going to the edge of private property there, it would be the city’s responsibility to cross the property that’s currently our own right of way. With that private property, we would be able to give them access, ultimately, from D Street directly into this neighborhood,” said Folck. “So, if we were able to do that, or with the ability to do that I should say, it will make sure we have two direct accesses to city arterials.”
Folck said staff was still recommending approval of the zoning change, despite the developer’s rejection of adding a covenant that would restrict more dense housing like apartments.
The council voted six to one in favor changing the zoning from medium- to high-density residential, with Cody Bohl voting against. Michael Gillen was absent.
