‘Clean zone' stalls project

Worried that its plans for a “clean zone” might get tainted, College World Series Inc. has won a delay in a private developer's plans for an event space one block from the new north downtown home of the series.

Wednesday, the Omaha Planning Board granted a 30-day delay in considering the plans, but not before one board member got an assurance that CWS officials were not trying to constrain free enterprise.

“The intent was never to constrain private development,” said Kathryn Morrissey, executive vice president of CWS Inc.

But Morrissey said she was concerned about the temporary nature of NewStreet LLC's plans, which call for an enclosed private park and event space at 15th and Cuming Streets.

Morrissey revealed that CWS Inc., the City of Omaha and the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority, which will run TD Ameritrade Park, have been discussing rules for the “clean zone” since January. She said NCAA officials plan to come to Omaha next week in hopes of finalizing the rules, which could restrict where vendors' tents are located, who sells beer and where people park.

Developer Jerry Banks, the portfolio director for NewStreet, a company associated with the Lozier Corp., said he has not been involved in those meetings and was not asked to provide input. All owners of private property in the area, he said, should be concerned about that.

“We just want to be dealt with openly, frankly and have a voice at the table,” Banks said.

To give weight to her request for a delay, Morrissey cited the city's 2008 agreement with the NCAA and CWS Inc. that will keep the series in Omaha for the next 25 years. Part of that agreement, she said, calls for a “clean zone” and says the city should keep the NCAA informed about private development within one mile of TD Ameritrade Park.

“We saw a better future and a different future for this space,” Morrissey said, referring to the move from Rosenblatt Stadium to north downtown.

Whatever occurs on the 15th and Cuming Streets property, Morrissey said, should be measured according to the new rules. She said CWS Inc. received notice about the development plans just last week.

“I think we need to know more,” said Morrissey, who sat next to MECA President Roger Dixon at the meeting. “We haven't had time to discuss this.”

NewStreet, which bought its two square blocks for nearly $2 million, is proposing to spend about $1 million for an event space that would also serve as a placeholder for a bigger development to come later. Banks said now is not the time for a full commercial or residential development because the economy is uncertain and north downtown has not matured enough.

In the interim, the space would hold College World Series parties, corporate picnics, concerts and other events. It would be open year-round.

Although the Planning Board endorsed a rezoning request — which now goes to the City Council — it delayed a vote on a conditional-use permit that would allow outdoor entertainment on the property. Had the Planning Board signed off on the permit, it would not have needed to go before the council.

Jerry Slusky, a development lawyer representing NewStreet, said the developer brought forth the plans in good faith and doesn't want to be legislated out of business by the as-yet-unfinished rules.

Banks told the board that he believes in north downtown's future and the city's plans for the neighborhood. “We want to be part of that vision.”

Planning Board member Arnold Nesbitt asked Morrissey whether the rules were meant to restrict private enterprise. When asked what the “clean zone” rules will mean, Morrissey said they still were being finalized.

But some of the draft rules obtained by the developer call for all parking to be on hard-surface lots and for vendors' tents to stay within 1,000 feet of the stadium. All tents must be at least 10 feet from any public right of way. Alcohol permits could go to only those businesses that have permanent facilities and existing liquor licenses.

“We're just saying that we need to complete our work,” Morrissey said.

Contact the writer:

444-1128, jeff.robb@owh.com

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