Norfolk, Neb. -- A project designed to house 500 units in Norfolk has garnered widespread community support. The City Council held a public hearing to consider a declaration of blight and substandard conditions for the redevelopment area north of State Highway 35 and Benjamin Avenue.

“The common misunderstanding is that if a piece of ground is not developed or if it's just farm ground, there is no way it can be declared blighted,” said Community Planning & Economic Development Consultant five rule rural planning owner Bobbie Pettit. “In this case, that ground is not serving its highest and best use for the community. You can see how the community's going around it, and it's been undeveloped because the elevation is such an issue. It's so flat. Stormwater drainage is going to be an issue in order to get sanitary and water in there. It's going to be a lot more expensive than if the elevation was ideal.

“So, instead of saying blighted and substandard, I like to refer to it as underdeveloped. It just means that something is in the way of developing this property that's extremely expensive.”

With a six-to-one approval from the council, K Herman Development & Valley Drive Properties will discuss the housing structure, pricing, and estimated number of housing units needed with the city. Once that information is presented, the development owner, Kelby Herman said, “The community should be able to house an additional 1,200 to 1,400 people and create multiple job openings in the city of Norfolk.”