The Benson Business District renovation project could begin next spring.
The $1.3 million in funding needed for the renovation has been secured from both public and private sources. Omaha City Council president Pete Festersen says the renovation ensures that Benson’s business district will continue to thrive.
"It’ll replace all sidewalks and widen them, add new curbs and new plazas, traffic calming to make it better for pedestrians, increase public safety, and of course landscaping, benching, and bike racks from 59th Street to 63rd and Maple. It'll also give some attention to an event space for the farmers’ markets and the outdoor concerts we like to do there on Military Avenue."
Festersen says additional public meetings will be held later this month about the renovation project. If construction begins next spring, Festersen says the goal is for the renovation to be complete in the summer of 2015.
Similar business district renovations have been done in Dundee and Florence.