Lincoln City Council
Aldermen hear request for a zoning change and eventual annexation of property for new senior living apartment complex

 

[January 12, 2023] 

At the Tuesday night Committee of the Whole meeting of the Lincoln City Council aldermen heard from city Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall regarding a request for a change of zone for property facing St. Clara’s Rehab and Senior Center on Castle Manor Drive in Lincoln. In addition, the city heard that a request to annex the property into city limits will be coming when the sale of the land is completed.

The property will be used for a new apartment complex for income qualifying adults aged 55 and older who do not require medical care or assistance.

Woodhall said the request to zone the property as "R3 District Residential Planned Unit Development" was reviewed by the city Plan Commission and by unanimous vote, the commission is recommending that the city approve the request.
 

Willis Mann with the Pivotal GP Holding Group was asked by alderman Steve Parrott to explain the timeline for the completion of the complex. Mann answered that the groundbreaking looks to be in the spring of 2024 with completion of the complex in 2025. He said the timeline was subject to the availability of building materials, but the group is hopeful that the timeline is realistic.

The property where the apartments are being building is currently owned by the Lincoln Industrial Park. Mann said the current owners have requested that the annexation of the property not occur until after the sale is completed. Mann believes that will all be ready for the council to review and act upon in about six months.

Alderman Rick Hoefle asked about the income restrictions placed on occupancy. Mann said that the restrictions were subject to multiple factors including the applicant’s annual income and type of income, i.e. earned wages, retirement benefits and/or social security benefits. There will also be a consideration for the local median income figures.

Alderman Kevin Bateman said he had no questions, but a comment. He said there is a great need for safe affordable housing for the older populations in the city. He noted that the proposed apartment building will be 60 one or two-bedroom apartments. He said he wished it was more.

The description of the proposed property notes the land being utilized will be five acres, with a three-story apartment building with 60 apartments, a community space, and outdoor space for residents. There will also be 90 parking spaces for residents and their guests.

The approval of the zoning request is expected to be on the Tuesday, January 17th voting agenda.

The regular voting meeting of the Lincoln City Council will be held on January 17th due to the Monday Martin Luther King holiday.

[Nila Smith]