I’m Molly Hudson, your central and downtown Omaha neighborhood reporter. This year, each community has had unique experiences.
I’ve witnessed a lot of development and growth, but most importantly, neighbors coming together in times of need and joy.
Broadcast transcript:
The development of Omaha’s future streetcar was moving very quickly.
From utility work to the closure of the Harney Street bikeway and plans for bridge restoration. Cones and work zones are scattered around the metropolitan core.
However, while some projects are moving forward, others have raised concerns, nearly a year after the initial announcement of a business park near the airport.
“The attitude I got is I don’t even want them to talk to me, you know, because I don’t want to move and they are not going to pay me for what I need, you know,” said Abraham Lincoln, an east Omaha neighbor.
And, of course, residents near 72nd and Dodge are cautiously excited about new development plans at Crossroads, with a new developer taking the lead.
“I don’t have a lot of hope; you know it won’t happen anytime soon, but I’m hoping,” said Micheal Pirruccello, owner of West Lanes Bowling.
Public safety
In 2024, there were fatalities on Omaha’s roads, raising concerns about the city’s objective of achieving zero deaths by 2045.
“My son is in second grade, is he going to ever be able to walk to school, by himself,” asked Rosser.
People in the Field Club community are hoping for change after a neighbor was hit and murdered while walking to church.
“We don’t want to see this; we’re working hard to eliminate this type of roadway activity, and we’re doing everything we can to build infrastructure that will keep everyone safe,” said Jeff Sobczyk, the city’s Vision Zero coordinator.
Other neighborhoods share the worry, with some seeing infrastructure installed and tested, such as this pedestrian island and a 4-way stop.
As winter approaches, we can’t help but reflect on the challenging weather conditions in our communities.
FROM THE STORMS OF JUNE AND JULY.
“Mother nature is cruel,” stated Melissa Youngblood, vice president of Home Trailer Park.
“It was like bam,” said Steve Brown, a homeowner in Dundee. “You could just hear it happening, and it was like crack.”
To yet another flood at NP Dodge Park.
In the midst of the chaos, neighbors banded together to help restore order to our neighborhoods.
“We had so many people that came out and helped, the outpouring is just amazing,” according to Youngblood.
EVENTS DOWNTOWN: The downtown neighborhood served as a focus for celebration and connection, as well as a place for community transformation and support during times of need.
“I am just super excited to have professional sports in Omaha,” Madison Z. told me.
As the Supernovas began their inaugural season, they provided a glimpse into the future for young girls and women.
And back at the CHI Health Center Arena, the NCAA tournament kicked off with a delicious buffet.
“Mhm, there are no words,” reporter Molly Hudson exclaimed as she sampled the pretzel bits from the menu.
Of course, we’ll show all of our visitors why downtown continues to be the home of the College World Series.
“I love the City of Omaha, they bring the best 8 teams here, we see great baseball, listen, it’s not broken so don’t change it,” Dalfonso told the crowd.
Despite the hurdles, I am grateful to have been able to share the experiences of so many of our neighbors this year.