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North 24th Street Business Improvement District Association
PO Box 11943, Omaha, NE 68111
www.north24thstreetbid.com
www.facebook.com/North24thStreetBID
LaVonya Goodwin
Executive Director
lavonya@north24thstreetbid.com
+1 (402) 575-8164
Yes
Consultants Confluence - Dolores Silkworth, Principal in Charge; Caitlin Bolte - Project Manager Erhart Griffin & Associates - Dan Dolezal. Confluence and Erhart Griffin lead the design, engineering and construction for the 2020 Creighton Streetscape Improvement Project. North 24th Street Business Improvement District Association Executive Committee Dr. Ralph Lassiter - A graduate of the charter Spark CDI Developers Academy, Lassiter currently serves as the president of Pisgah, Inc. which developed Concord Square, a 21-unit complex for low-income seniors; and is also the president of Moriah Services Corporation which has two mixed-use projects under development for the North Omaha area. Bentley Swan, CFA- Swan Development, LLC Signature completed projects include: ● Kellogg Place mixed use building at 2450 - 2452 Harney St. ● Wag/Felius pet friendly businesses at 522 / 522 1⁄2 S. 24th St. ● Historic Papillion Theater at 225 S. Washington St. ● Lodge No. 39 Historic commercial building at 233 S. Washington St. LaVonya Goodwin – real estate investor and a 2022 graduate of Spark Developer Academy; vice president of Goodwin Industries, LLC. The company has a real estate portfolio of commercial and residential properties. Goodwin Industries successfully completed a $350,000 CDBG renovation project of Goodwin’s Spencer Street Barbershop, 3116 North 24th Street, Omaha, NE 68110 in 2021.
The Nebraska State Legislature outlines the procedure for creating a BID in Statutes 19-4015 to 19-4038, otherwise known as the Business Improvement District Act. This state statute gives the BID the legal jurisdiction to plan, fund and facilitate infrastructure projects including: litter control, building façade improvements, enhanced streetscapes, area security, lighting, and marketing. On June 2, 2020, the Omaha City Council approved an ordinance establishing the North 24th Street Business Improvement District (BID No. 6878) by a vote of 6 to 0. The North 24th Street Business Improvement District is established “for the purpose of providing specified activities, work and improvements in the North 24th Street area (Meredith Avenue to the north, 25th Avenue to the west, Cuming Street to the south, and 23rd Street to 20th Street to the east) of Omaha, Nebraska.” In addition to the North 24th Street Business Improvement District, the North 24th Street Business Improvement District Association, a corresponding 501(c)(3) that serves as a philanthropic fiscal agent and provides operational support for the BID. The Executive Committee of the Association is as follows: Dr. Ralph Lassiter, Board President; Todd Defreece, Vice President; Ralph Kleinsmith, Secretary, and Bentley Swan, Treasurer. LaVonya Goodwin is the Executive Director of the Association and reports to the Executive Committee. The BID has several committees that incorporate a diversified group of stakeholders with expertise for specialized projects. See attached organizational chart.
2022 - Awarded $3.6M Federal Community Projects Grant (Earmark) for Phase 1 Zone 2 (Ohio to Lizzie Robinson) of the North 24th Street Streetscape Master Plan. 2021- Completed the research, planning and community engagement phase of the North 24th Street Streetscape Master Plan a $53M infrastructure project to improve walkability, multimodal transportation, and pedestrian safety along the North 24th Street BID area. 2020 – Implemented Litter Control and Beautification Program. Hired two part-time groundskeepers. Promotes the reduction of litter and commercial dumping through regular litter cleanup; neighborhood cleanup days; advocacy and communication between stakeholders and municipal departments. 2020 – Began Safety and Security Program. Established public service announcement and campaign to reduce loitering, nuisance behavior, and homicides, vandalism and theft. Promotes the implementation of 25 closed property signs and dusk to dawn lighting across the BID area. Advocates for safer neighborhoods and crime prevention through community correspondence and advocacy for equitable policies. In 2022, crime has been reduced by 12% in the BID area compared to 2021.
North 24th Street BID Infrastructure Improvement Plan
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Combination of capital project and service/program
The North 24th Street Infrastructure Improvement Plan is transformational for North 24th Street in function and appearance because it focuses on renovating, repairing, and revitalizing the physical and build environment. This proposal requests funding for façade improvement, streetscape upgrade, broadband implementation and technical assistance for businesses within the North 24th Street Streetscape area. Phase I of the Façade Improvement Program will begin in October of 2023 to preserve 5 to 10 iconic buildings on the front footage of North 24th Street. Technical project assistance will be provided to applicants of the Façade Improvement Program. The North 24th Street Master Streetscape Plan is a plan implemented in phases and organized by zones. Zone 1 is from Patrick Ave. to Cuming St; Zone 2 is from Ohio St. to Patrick Ave; Zone 3 is from Ohio St. to Spencer St.; Zone 4 is form Spencer St. to Meredith Ave. The Streetscape Master Plan will address: sidewalk and curb repair, traffic speed control, signaling infrastructure, pedestrian safety, lighting, sustainable landscaping, historical theming, parking, and multimodal transit. A $3.6M earmark has been secured to begin Phase I and will focus on Zone 2 from Ohio Street to Lizzie Robinson. See the attached project timeline which shows a completed streetscape plan by July of 2026. North 24th Street Broadband Implementation is designed to provide a fiber-optic upgrade of 1 gigabyte to an underserved area. The broadband implementation will provide increased upload and download speeds to users at an affordable rate. The timeline for broadband implementation would follow the streetscape construction timeline closely.
I. North 24th Street Streetscape Master Plan Jan 2023 to August 2023 Design Zone 2 improvements August 2023 LB1024 funds approved and released September 2023 Bid/Award construction contract for Zone 2 October 2023 to October 2024 Construct Zone 2 August 2023 to February 2024 Design Zones 1b,3 and 4a (remaining areas between the roundabouts) February 2024 Bid/Award construction contract for Zones 1b, 3, and 4a March 2024 to March 2025 Construct zones 1b, 3, and 4a February 2024 to August 2024 Design Zones 1a and 4b (north and south including the roundabouts) August 2024 to August 2025 Construct Zones 1a and 4b August 2025 to July 2026 Construct gateway elements/art installation Finish plantings, streetscape banners II. Façade Improvement Program October of 2023 to November 2024 Phase I of the Façade Improvement Program will open to applicants III. Broadband Implementation October of 2023 to July 2026 Broadband Implementation will coincide with streetscape construction
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Fundamental Change (i.e., a proposal that will continue to elevate North or South Omaha's presence and perception within the region, significantly improving the lives of area residents through physical development) Long-Lasting Economic Growth (i.e., a proposal that will foster gainful employment opportunities and financial investment in the area, leading to the creation of generational wealth and widespread economic vitality in North and South Omaha) Transformational (i.e., a proposal that will help energize, recharge, or spur significant and favorable advancements in North or South Omaha's function or appearance)
Multimodal Transportation (i.e., enable connectivity through driving, biking, taking transit, walking, and rolling) Other Infrastructure (i.e., develop or improve broadband, business districts, roadways, sewer, etc.) Quality of Life (i.e., create or enhance natural spaces, mixed uses, parks, safety, etc.) Sustainable Community (i.e., create or enhance housing, services, education, civic uses, recreation, etc.)
Located in the heart of Omaha's African American community, the North 24th Street Business Improvement District advocates for social justice and economic equality by implementing strategies that seek to undo the effects of redlining; infrastructural loss; depopulation and disinvestment. It is with this historic purview that the stakeholders of North 24th Street formed the North 24th Street Business Improvement District (BID) as a critical component to the revitalization of one of Omaha’s main arteries. The outcomes of the BID Infrastructure Improvement Plan are in alignment with the Forever North Strategy https://planninghcd.cityofomaha.org/forevernorth. The BID seeks funding to provide a Façade Improvement Program to assist building owners in renovating and sustaining the existing building stock within the BID area. There are 37 buildings that contribute to the 24th and Lake Historic District on the National Historic Register. Qualifying projects (project do not have to be historically designated to apply) will utilize funding to restore and replace exterior elements including: doors, windows, lighting, security, masonry and roofing and must show the ability to successfully complete work in a timely manner. This application is a request for funding to cover project costs, provide gap financing and technical assistance for building owners in the area. Program guidelines will follow similar requirements as the Community Block Development Grant application.
“30% of corridor workers walk, bicycle, carpool, or use transit to get to work; only 13% of City workers overall use the same means. » 21.7% of occupied housing units in the corridor have no car compared to 8.2% in the City.” (Forever North Housing and Multimodal Strategy). Transportation: The North 24th Street Streetscape Master Plan, https://confluence.mysocialpinpoint.com/north24, outlines the need for improved walkability, slower traffic speeds, bus shelters and transit amenities. It is also a supporting document for MetroNext, https://www.ometro.com/metronext/a transit plan to improve connectivity and transit access in Omaha. This plan calls for the implementation of transit amenities for the North 24th Street transit route, including 14 bus shelters and 38, 3-seat benches across the 2.3-mile corridor (which currently has the highest ridership in Omaha, but no bus shelters). This plan also calls for better connectivity of transit with the Greater Omaha area to connect households to jobs and other services and amenities. There are 4 phases to the Streetscape Master Plan.
The financial crisis brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic exposed the lack of access to capital and banking relationships for Black-owned businesses. “According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, about 58 percent of Black-owned businesses were at risk of financial distress before the pandemic, compared with about 27 percent of white-owned businesses.” (Forbes.com). This proposal focuses on infrastructure projects (streetscapes, facades and broadband) that will revitalize the built environment and provide state-of-the-art technology, to encourage economic growth in an area that is historically significant to the great State of Nebraska.
Summary for Omaha CSA • The $41.6 million in construction activity adds a total of $81.7 million to the local economy. o Includes activity directly related to the construction and associated “spillover” activity. • During the construction of North 24th Street, the construction activity helps support 230 jobs in the construction industry (Direct Employment) and an additional 237 jobs in the community based on the increased economic activity (Indirect/Induced Employment). o Additional workers include real estate, restaurants, engineering services, etc. • The Omaha economy sees a boost to earnings of over $26.8 million for jobs directly related to the construction of the project, additional business-to-business spending, and additional household spending.
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North 24th Street BID Infrastructure Improvement Plan intends to pay at or above market rate and Davis Bacon wages to ensure that workers are fairly compensated with a livable, industry rate wages.
Construction job opportunities can be aligned with Metropolitan Community College and other industry trade organization to ensure that there are ready, qualified workers for various industries. Partnership with the Omaha Chamber of Commerce's REACH program is also a method of alignment.
There are approximately 4,150 residents within the North 24th Street BID and surrounding area: Meredith Ave to Cuming Street from HWY 75 to 20th Street. There are approximately 240 property owners within the BID area from Meredith Ave to Cuming Street. There are five schools within the area with approximately 375 students per school = 1,875. There are approximately seven churches within the North 24th Street Corridor with approximately 100 members per congregation. The communities surrounding North 24th Street along with the greater Omaha metropolitan area will be served by reaping the benefits of: improved infrastructure, better access to transit, increased services and amenities through business development and a reduction in violence and crime.
The BID's primary projects encompass several of the priorities such as: Neighborhoods- promoting safety and security for public spaces and reducing the homicide rate within BIPOC communities; litter control - beautifying the area through regular groundskeeping and advocacy against commercial dumping. Economic Opportunity: improving the physical infrastructure to attract viable businesses and restore the storefronts where small business owners operate; Vibrant Communities: The North 24th Street BID is the first BID in North Omaha, amplifying the voices of Black business leaders and residents who are working to keep pace with the revitalization and investments of Midtown, Downtown and North Downtown.
The City of Omaha is increasing Transit Oriented Development within urban spaces. Improving the current built environment will encourage new, infill building development which will increase the building density and therefore the requirements for TOD. TOD designed spaces will attract people to the area who design more walkable communities and also serve the existing population that relies heavily on transit.
NORTH 24TH STREET MASTER STREETSCAPE PLAN MEASURABLE OUTCOMES ▪ Improve pedestrian safety by eliminating sidewalk gaps and hazards. ▪ Increase walkability by widening sidewalks and removing over-sized tree wells. ▪ Enhance multimodal transportation amenities by installing bike lanes and bus shelters. ▪ 467 construction and spillover jobs BROADBAND MEASURABLE OUTCOMES ▪ 971 business and residential units provided with faster internet access. ▪ Five schools serving approximately 1,875 students will have higher internet speeds and reliable service. ▪ 4,100 customers will experience reliable network support provided by onsite retail location. ▪ Residents may have training and job opportunities provided by provider and onsite contractors. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOMES ▪ Modernize 5 to 10 buildings and upgrade energy efficiency. ▪ Preserve and enhance buildings that contribute to the 24th and Lake Historic District to increase tourism. ▪ Increase visibility and grow repeat business for small businesses.
Outcomes might be measured by North 24th Street BID Association staff, consultants and partners through surveys and quantitative and qualitative reporting and analysis.
The North 24th Street BID Infrastructure Improvement Plan acts as a catalyst for co-investment in that commercial property owners pay an assessment fee that will contribute to this project. Property owners can also co-invest in façade improvement through owner’s equity and matching funds.
Yes
The City of Omaha is a co-applicant for all federal earmark requests. This streetscape project will be coordinated with City Planning and Public Works departments. HUD is the distributing organization for the federal earmarks. MAPA, Omaha Chamber of Commerce are research partners for infrastructure and transit iniatives. The residents, organizations, and businesses within the BID area are all strategic partners in this endeavor.
The City of Omaha, Confluence
No
The North 24th Street Business Improvement District (BID) area is Meredith Avenue to the north, 25th Avenue to the west, Cuming Street to the south, and 23rd Street to 20th Street to the east in Omaha, Nebraska.
Within one or more QCTs
Concept Designs; Economic Impact Analysis; Letters of support
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Cost were determined by Confluence and Erhart Griffin using similar projects.
No
Rationale for project costs for the North 24th Streetscape Plan were determined by detailed analysis by Confluence Landscape Architecture Firm and Erhart Griffin, Civil Engineering firm. Broadband Implementation cost analysis was provided by PinPoint Communications. Facade Improvement costs were based upon similar projects completed in the area.
LB1024 grant funds will be used to cover $47,892,307 in gap funding. The BID Association anticipates raising $11M in funds towards this $58M project. LB1024 will provide gap financing and ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner.
Yes
The North 24th Street Business Improvement District will work in conjunction with the City of Omaha and other municipal partners to ensure the maintence and upkeep of this project.
North 24th Street Infrastructure Entity Amount Status Expected Decision Date Federal Community Projects FY22 $3,000,000.00 Approved Q2 2022 City of Omaha Federal CP FY22 Match $600,000.00 Approved Q2 2022 BID Special Assessment 2023 $21,500.00 Approved Q2 2022 Subtotal Approved $3,621,500.00 Federal Community Projects FY23 $5,236,800.00 Pending Q2 2023 City of Omaha Federal CP FY23 Match $1,309,200.00 Pending Q2 2023 City of Omaha BID ARPA $250,000.00 Pending
Lozier Foundation $600,000.00 Pending Q1 2023 Q1 2023 OPPD Greener Together $50,000.00 Pending Q4 2022
Yes. The project is organized in Zones to potentially implement the project in phases.
Please see Cost Asumptions Sheet
The North 2th Street Business Improvement District Association is committed to raising $11M for this proposal through public and private funding opportunities. Maintenance and upkeep of this project will be arranged through agreements with the City of Omaha and other municipalities.
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Organizational Chart Plans and detailed descriptions, including pictures and a map of the site location/surrounding area Pro Forma Proposal Budget/Sources and Uses Schedule