The surge in new businesses and apartments in Omaha’s historic Little Bohemia neighborhood is leading to increased traffic, causing concerns for local businesses like Dave Hempel’s Sheet Metal Works. With trucks arriving frequently throughout the day, accessibility and safety are becoming major issues.
Hempel, who has been located along 13th Street for years, emphasized the importance of addressing these issues quickly. The recently approved Business Improvement District (BID) focuses on development, but Hempel is hopeful that a new board will prioritize safety and other improvements for the neighborhood.
The new board aims to enhance lighting, parking, and streetscapes in the area to better control traffic and create a more welcoming environment for residents and businesses. Rick Hullinger, the owner of Chicago Lumber, views the BID as a way to ensure that the neighborhood keeps pace with its growth and remains a safe and attractive destination for visitors.
City councilmembers are set to consider the approval of the BID at their next meeting, indicating a commitment to supporting the development and revitalization of the Little Bohemia neighborhood. The community looks forward to the potential improvements that the BID could bring in terms of safety, accessibility, and overall quality of life for those who call the area home.
