NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Mayor Brandon Kelliher joined Paxton Gordon Tuesday morning to recap key takeaways from the latest North Platte City Council meeting, which addressed traffic safety improvements, economic development, zoning clarifications and pending redevelopment projects.
At the top of the meeting was a presentation on the city’s Transportation Safety Action Plan, developed through the “Safe Streets for All” federal grant received over a year ago. The city contracted Felsburg Holt & Ullevig (FHU) to study accident and fatality data across North Platte and identify high-risk intersections.
“Highway 83 is one of our most accident-prone areas, which isn’t surprising,” said Kelliher. “But areas like the corner of B and Oak Street also showed significant accident patterns.”
The data-driven report will guide the city in making long-term safety improvements to intersections and corridors over the next two decades, in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
McNew Appointed to Chamber Board
The council also approved the appointment of Councilman Nick McNew to serve as the city’s representative on the North Platte Area Chamber & Development Corporation Board.
“I believe it’s important to give our younger leaders a chance to get involved,” Kelliher said. “Nick’s energy and work ethic will be valuable as he learns the ins and outs of economic development.”
Mall Redevelopment Update Delayed
A resolution regarding District 177 redevelopment efforts at the North Platte Mall was tabled following legal questions. Developers had requested an amendment to remove a drainage requirement tied to a building project that is no longer moving forward due to the loss of investors.
“If they’re not going to build the new structure, it doesn’t make sense to enforce the original May 1 deadline,” said Kelliher, who added the item would likely return to the agenda at later date.
Ramada Apartment Plan Withdrawn
Plans to convert the former Ramada Inn into apartment housing were pulled by the applicant following a unanimous recommendation of denial from the Planning Commission. The city had received significant concern over the visual impact of such a conversion at a key entrance to the community.
“We certainly want any redevelopment there to be something that uplifts the neighborhood,” Kelliher said. “The applicants are reconsidering their options.”
Micro-TIF Zone Approved for Rodeo Road
Council members approved a blight and substandard designation for properties at 1404 and 1420 Rodeo Road—motels near the intersection of Adams Avenue—paving the way for a future Micro-TIF (Tax Increment Financing) application.
The redevelopment plan includes converting the properties into apartment units, with an expected Micro-TIF request of approximately $256,000 to be brought to the council for formal review at a future meeting.
“The process requires upfront investment and comes with some risk,” Kelliher said. “But if done right, it can significantly improve both property values and livability.”
The next city council meeting is scheduled for mid-July.