The North Platte City Council reviewed a wide range of agenda items during its June 3 meeting, with Mayor Brandon Kelliher addressing property rehabilitation efforts, rezoning proposals and infrastructure agreements.
Among the first major topics discussed were the approvals of agreements to purchase deteriorated properties at 504 and 506 North Bryan Avenue. Using state grant funds, the city aims to acquire and potentially rehabilitate blighted properties through a program designed to address urban decay.
“These properties have sat empty for years, and in many cases are beyond private repair,” Kelliher said. “But we’ll inspect them after purchase. If structurally sound, we’ll fix and sell them for rehab. Otherwise, we tear them down.”
He added that these acquisitions bring the total to seven properties under the city’s blight remediation efforts, with plans to auction or solicit bids on cleared lots later this summer.
Council members also approved the third readings of Ordinances 4209 and 4210. The former rezones land at 3001 West 9th Street from highway commercial to R3 dwelling district to allow a homeowner to build an additional residence. The latter rezones land on East Philip Avenue for a new mobile home park development.
Another item on the agenda involved the beginning phase of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) process for a property just west of Adams and Rodeo Road. A new ownership group plans to redevelop a former motel into efficiency apartments. A blight and substandard declaration will first go before the city planning commission before returning to the council for approval.
The council then voted against a proposed zoning change for properties located at 801–807 South Elm Street. Jason and Kayla Jensen, owners of Enzo Athletic Performance, a local fitness business, had proposed expanding into the area.
“This is one of the toughest decisions a council makes,” said Kelliher. “There’s no right or wrong here—it’s about what’s the best use for the land.”
Kelliher noted that the lots have remained undeveloped for decades despite multiple home-building cycles, likely due to high costs. While the votes had more nays, he expressed hope the city could assist the Jensen's in finding a location to help with their expansion search.
“These are good problems to have,” Kelliher said. “We’d rather have successful businesses looking to expand than vacant buildings with no plans.”
As the meeting concluded, Kelliher encouraged residents to take part in upcoming community events, including the Miss Nebraska Pageant, Grape and Sizzle fundraiser, and Miss Rodeo Nebraska, all leading into Nebraskaland Days and the Buffalo Bill Rodeo.
“If you can’t find something to do in June in North Platte, you’re not looking hard enough,” Kelliher said with a laugh.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for June 18.