By Scott Carlson-North Platte Post
NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The future of the new North Platte Mall became two steps closer to reality on Tuesday night.
At their regular meeting, the Council had two agenda items relating to the North Platte Mall project.
The first was a second reading approving the creation of an Employment Enhancement Area which would allow for the creation of an occupation tax. The developers are asking the city to set this rate at 1.95%. This tax would be applied only when making purchases within the EEA.
After some questions and concerns from Councilman Ed Reiker that were answered by Gothenburg attorney Mike Bacon, the council passed the second reading with a 4-3 vote. Reiker, Donna Tryon and Mark Woods voted against the measure.
A third reading is still required.
Next up was a single reading to approve the redevelopment plan for the mall provided by the investors, Rev Development, of Lincoln.
During a public hearing on the measure, Bacon advised the council that they were voting to approve the redevelopment plan, however, the plan depends on the passage of the EEA, which still requires a third reading.
Bacon said the council could approve the plan, but kill the project by not passing the third reading of the EEA.
North Platte Chamber and Economic Development President Gary Person addresses the council and reiterated the importance of this project to the community. Not only with increased retail, but also the beautification of a blighted and substandard property, the mall, right in the middle of our city.
Person also noted that the Chamber Board approved the redevelopment plan with a 14-0 vote and reminded the council that at the May 4 council meeting, 41 residents testified in favor of the mall project.
Resident Ivan Mitchell asked the council to tap into the "practical side of their personality" when deciding how to vote.
Mitchell noted that many businesses in the state and region are operating using the same financing tools being sought by Rev Development for the mall project, EEA and Tax Incremented Financing.
Mitchell stated that a council member can be personally opposed to the project and still vote for the project.
Sheila Bigelow, who manages a mall business said the entire mall community is behind the project. She said most of the managers and owners were in the mall when it had more tenants and the competition made businesses like hers stronger.
After some further comments from residents and minimal discussion from the council, the redevelopment plan was passed with a 4-3 vote. Reiker, Woods and Tryon again voted against approval.
Watch tonight's meeting: