Shown here is a 160-acre site west of Eppley Airfield and north of Carter Lake that was identified as the priority site for the business and industrial park fueled by a $90 million state grant. The development team creating the park has decided to no longer pursue the purchase of residential properties, which had caused controversy early on. (Courtesy of Lamp Rynearson)
OMAHA — After more than two years of study and often controversial neighborhood meetings, developers of a planned North Omaha area business park fueled by a $90 million state grant have announced a major pivot: No longer will they pursue the purchase of residential properties to make way for the project.
The possibility of homeowner dislocation ignited public backlash early on. Controversy calmed over time as public officials and developers assured property owners they would not be forced out and that any move would be voluntary and compensated…