HASTINGS, Neb. – The city council in Hastings took a significant step forward for a major housing project on Monday night, which could bring hundreds of new housing units to the city.
The development is planned for a 43-acre plot of agricultural land at the intersection of E 26th St. and N Elm Ave. Developers propose creating 19 multi-family lots, 55 single-family lots, and 5 outlots, expected to accommodate over 300 people.
Hastings has long faced concerns about a shortage of housing, a topic frequently discussed in city council and board meetings. Despite being the eighth largest city in Nebraska, Hastings has seen minimal population growth, increasing by only 400 residents from 2000 to 2020, according to the United States Census Bureau. Chad Bunger, Director of Development Services in Hastings, believes that these new housing units could help fill job vacancies and boost the city’s stagnant population growth.
The proposed project is planned in three phases, with the first phase aiming to build 126 units beginning this fall. The developers, Innate Concepts, have previously undertaken housing projects in other cities such as Grand Island. They noted a significant number of residents from their Grand Island properties commute to Hastings for work, highlighting the need for additional housing in Hastings.
At the city council meeting, public opinions were heard, with more than a dozen speakers in favor of the development and only three against it. Following more than an hour of discussion, the city council approved the resolutions and ordinance related to the proposal with a 5-3 vote. However, the ordinance requires three full readings for final approval, and the council was one vote short of bypassing the last two readings. This means two additional city council meetings may be required before the project can fully proceed.
Council members Jennifer Beahm, Butch Eley, Shawn Hartmann, Matt Fong, and Mayor Corey Stutte voted in favor of the project, while Steve Huntley, Brad Consbruck, and Marc Rowan voted against it. Joy Huffaker was absent from the meeting.
*stock photo
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