Presenting a look at North Platte, NE through the eyes of our Visitors

Roger Brooks will provide a view of North Platte from the eyes of our visitors. Brooks will give a presentation on the findings of the Community Assessment conducted by  Destination Development, Inc. He will share his first impressions, lasting impressions, business mix, signage, local attitude, beautification, ease of getting around, things to see and do, how the area stacks up against the competition, and branding. Roger’s presentation will include suggestions, tips and tricks that can bring spending to the North Platte area.

Friday, September 10, 2010, 8:30 — 11:00 am
North Platte Community College Theater, South campus 601 W State Farm Road.
RSVP to the North Platte/Lincoln County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 308-532-4729, or the Chamber of Commerce: 308-532-4966, carol@nparea.com

Sponsored by: North Platte/Lincoln County Convention and Visitors Bureau, North Platte Area Chamber a nd Development Corp, Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center, Original Town Association, Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation, North Platte Community College.

Presented by Roger Brooks, President of Destination Development International.
Click here for the DDI Presentation Flyer

By rezoning this property the City will receive about twice the property tax it receives from this property zoned as residential. With a stroke of a pen the owner’s property tax will most likely go from $1,233 to $2,466 each year. The City’s revenue would increase about $3,800 over a 15-year period. I must assume the applicant is aware of and planned for the increased cost that a change in zoning will cause.

Relevant to this body is the policy issue. We agree that it is OK or acceptable to zone property for the good of the community. I own property but I can only use it in specific ways.

The principle used by the Council in deciding is, “What’s good for North Platte?” Is this action I’m about to vote on Good for North Platte? Is it good for the community? We’ve agreed it is possible for the good of the community to overshadow individual’s rights to use property they own in a specific way.

So when voting on the zoning question the issue is, how is this change in zoning good for North Platte? It’s clearly not enough to say the owner wants it. We have a higher standard.

• Do we need the jobs? Jobs are already here? No new jobs have been promised.
• Do we need more commercial property? If we do, is this the best place for the city? I’ve identified at least three vacant properties within a several blocks of this property. I know there are more.
• By increasing the pool of commercial, specifically B-2 Highway Commercial property we have in fact reduced the value of all commercial property in the Downtown area. It is simple supply and demand.

During our recent retreat we named as the second priority, “Revitalization of the downtown.” The action the body is about to take tonight is in direct opposition to the commitment we made at the retreat by increasing the supply of commercial property. Why revitalize downtown when we can simply increase the supply of commercial property with the stroke of a pen and increase a revenue stream as well.

The current Comprehensive plan says:

“Commercial land usage in North Platte totals an estimated 674.4 acres. This amount is 11 percent more than the planning standard for commercial land area; 2.4 acres per 100 people. (North Platte Community Comprehensive Plan- 2010 Chapter 4 4.18)”

If we have, and I know this report is old, an 11 percent glut in Commercial Property how is it in the best interest of North Platte to add more commercial property?

The argument has been put forth in the meeting agenda book before us the property is across the street from a dentist office and hotel. What precedents does this standard establish?

Consider for a moment: I own property on the South side of West A Street in the 1700 or 1800 block. I come to you for a change in the zoning. And I argue, There is a DR office and a Bank, grocery story and oh my, a liquor store across the street. What’s to stop us from rezoning this property? It was done on S Bailey, why is this property different.

We are creating a zoning patchwork that is not in the best interest of the community of North Platte.  With vacant commercial property in the Downtown area why would we act in a way to increase the glut of commercial property at the expense of residential property?

When is it enough?

B-2 HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT

§ 156.195 GENERALLY.

The B-2 Highway Commercial District is intended for the purpose of servicing highway travelers and local residents with automotive related uses or commercial uses at higher densities generally accessed by motor vehicles. The regulations set forth in this subchapter, or set forth elsewhere in this chapter when referred to in this subchapter are the regulations in the B-2 Business District. (Prior Code, § 56-301) (Am. Ord. of 12-4-2001)

The City of North Platte and Lincoln County recently signed contracts with Olsson Associates, including Marvin Planning Consultants and Billingsley Consultants to update both the City’s and County’s Comprehensive Development Plans and Regulations, as well as a new Traffic Model for the City.

As part of that process, the consulting team will be making their initial presentation called “Planning 101″. The public is invited to attend any of these presentations, as well as Questions and Answer session (All 3 presentations will be the same).

Where:  North Platte Community College Theater
601 West State Farm Road

When: Thursday, July 8th, 2010
10:00 am
2:00 pm
7:00 pm

If you have any questions, please contact Judv at 308.535.6724 ext 244

Make plans to participate in one of these presentations to learn more about the Comprehensive Planning process. These meetings provide an opportunity to get involved with setting the direction for North Platte and Lincoln County for the next 10years.

Chautauquans with local Co-Chairs

Media night provided a great kick off to the North Platte Chautauqua. FDR will be the featured speaker for the Thursday evening Program.  More information at the North Platte Chautauqua site.

Three generations of Kurres participated in the 2010 NLDs parade as part of the North Platte Chautuauqua entry. Don on the far left, Ben on the right and Robert’s presence was mark by the cane Ben carried. The Theme for the North Platte Chautauqua is “Bright Dreams, Hard Times: America in the Thirties. You will find more information about the North Platte Chautauqua and parade pictures on its web site here. Chautauqua will be in North Platte June 23 through June 27, 2010.

Take a step back in history. Attend Chautauqua 2010 in North Platte and meet Humorist Will Rogers, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, Author Zora Neale and Louisiana Sen. Huey Long who will entertain you with stories about the hard times in America after the stock market crash of 1929. Free evening performances nightly from June 23 to 27, at 7 p.m. at Cody Park.

North Platte’s own stories of the Great Depression era will come alive when actors portray well-known local figures from the 1930s at the Dirty Thirties Cemetery Tours. Tickets are on sale now at the North Platte Public Library, 120 West Fourth, Downtown North Platte. Tours scheduled June 21, 22 and 26.

Clothing reminiscent of the 1930s will be featured at the Chautauqua Style Show and Luncheon  on June 26 at Margie’s Bar and Grill at River’s Edge Golf Course. Tickets are available at Westfield Pharmacy, Miss Connie’s Connections, and North Platte Convention and Visitors Bureau. The cost is $15. Proceeds will support Creativity Unlimited Arts Council.

The Chautauqua Dust Bowl Exhibit will tell a story of strength and triumph in the face of despair, with photographs of the people and landscape from the 1930s.

The story of how legendary World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle was associated with North Platte during the 1930s will be featured during Chautauqua week at an Ernie Pyle Exhibit from June 21 through June 27 at Lincoln County Historical Museum. Free admission to the museum on June 23.

Chautauqua Workshops offer an in-depth look at life in the 1930s. From June 24 to June 27 Chautauqua Adult Workshops will be offered free to the public at North Platte Community College Theater, 601 W. State Farm Road. No registration required.

As a reminder of the hard times that many endured during the Great Depression, Hobo Sack Suppers will be available prior to evening Chautauqua performances from June 24 – June 27 at the Chautauqua Big Tent in Cody Park   Proceeds will be used to promote community projects of Creativity Unlimited Arts Council.

Get an up-close look at the 1930’s memorabilia at the Platte River Mall during Chautauqua week, June 21 – 24. Vicky McCarty will be on hand to talk about her collection of movie memorabilia, history, fashion and fiction books, toys and dolls from the 1930s era.

The community of North Platte has planned a five-day schedule of events surrounding the visit June 23-27 of “Bright Dreams, Hard Times: America in the Thirties,” the Nebraska Humanities Council’s 2010 Chautauqua program.

The schedule includes a “Dust Bowl” exhibit of photographs, a youth day camp and youth workshops. Among the opening-day events is a 6 p.m. social at Cody Park to meet the Chautauquans with local entertainment beginning at 5 p.m.

Main events will be held each evening June 23-27 at Cody Park, located at 1400 N. Jeffers St. Evening stage performances offer local entertainment and first-person interpretations of historical figures from the era of the Great Depression. Evening Chautauqua sessions begin at 7 p.m. Daytime workshops will be held for adults and youth of all ages. All events are free and open to the public.

Scholars will portray five historical characters who helped shape America’s response to the Great Depression. The scholars are Doug Watson as humorist Will Rogers, Patrick McGinnis as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Fred Krebs as Louisiana governor and U.S. Sen. Huey Long, Tonia M. Compton as evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson and Wanda Schell as WPA folklorist Zora Neale Hurston.

A collaboration of the Nebraska Humanities Council and the Kansas Humanities Council, the Chautauqua also visits Columbus June 16-20, with additional visits in Colby, Kan., June 2-6, and Belleville, Kan., June 9-13.

The “Bright Dreams, Hard Times” Chautauqua is funded, in part, by a major three-year grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the NEH’s special “We The People” initiative.

For additional information on this summer’s Chautauqua, go to the North Platte Chautauqua web site at:  www.chautauquanorthplatte.com or the Kansas-Nebraska Chautauqua website, www.knchautauqua.org, or contact Kristi Hayek at (402) 474-2131 ext. 108 kristi@nebraskahumanities.org or local co-coordinators Don Kurre and Ann Milton.

The North Platte City Council will hold a work session on Tuesday, June 1st at 6:30 pm. There are three items on the agenda. We will hear an update from Nancy Strieble of the Lincoln County Community Development Corporation. I’m looking forward to Nancy’s report. The LCCDC provides and excellent service to this community and I look forward to continuing to support the work of the LCCDC. Nancy and the LCCDC board are committed to providing affordable housing in North Platte.

We will be provided information on the Quality Growth Fund. I look forward to learning what’s in store for the fund. The Quality Growth Fund provides resources for businesses in our community that provide jobs and increased levels of revenue for the City. I assume we will be talking about what proposal to bring before the voters on this important resource.

We will receive an update on the Police Chief search. I’ve heard the Civil Service Commission began advertising for the position that will become available when the current police chief retires. No proposals have reach the Council for appointing an interim Chief. I had hoped such a proposal would be on the June 1^st Council Agenda, but it is not.

The Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 7:30 pm following the work session.

Live variety show – music, entertainment, comedy, poetry.
Downtown North Platte – corner of 5th and Dewey.
Enjoy great local entertainment and relax in North Platte’s historic downtown.

3-7 p.m. Saturday, June 5

12 acts, including:
Bre Steinmeyer, Levi Most & the Skeptics, Matt Bobo, The Flatrock Irregulars, Andie Foster, Rob Martinson II, Steve and Riley Barger (of Sandy River Boys), Jordan Camp and Harvest Youth, Stu Meesenberger, Scott Lucas & emcee George Lauby.

Merchandise, sundries, food, drinks.
Admission $5 per adult, kids free.
Bring a lawn chair.
In case of bad weather, will move to nearby storefront.

Sound by Kittle’s Music
Hosted by the North Platte Bulletin, A to Z Books and the Downtown Association.

I am grateful for the support I received in today’s election. I am honored to be moving on to the November election. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Ward 3 and North Platte. I look forward to an energetic campaign. I pledge to continue supporting responsible government. I pledge to continue supporting efforts to nurture an environment of growth for North Platte. I pledge to listen to and work hard for the people of Ward 3 and the city of North Platte.

Thank you!