January 5, 2012 – Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle commended the Dundee Merchants Association and Councilman Pete Festersen today for their efforts to move forward on a $2.5 million dollar streetscape renovation project in Downtown Dundee. “I am proud of the drive and determination by Dundee businesses to continually cultivate and improve their neighborhood,” said Mayor Suttle. “This grassroots streetscape project demonstrates the effectiveness of public-private partnerships and their impact on economic development for the city as a whole.”
The Omaha Planning Board approved a request yesterday by Dundee business representatives for a new business district to expand capital improvements on Underwood Avenue between 49th and 51st as well as another block and a half along 50th street.
This fall, Dundee was named one of nation’s top 10 neighborhoods by the American Planning Association. The Dundee Merchants Association, the Dundee Business Improvement District and the City of Omaha were also awarded a challenge grant to help fund the neighborhood’s streetscape renovation project.
A year and a half ago, community members, merchants and business leaders began working with RDG Design, a local design firm, to develop a conceptual plan for the redevelopment of Dundee’s aging streetscape which revitalizes the intersections deteriorated sidewalks and trees. “The Kiewit Foundation, the Dundee business community, and Councilman Pete Festersen deserve much praise for their collaborative efforts to revitalize this cornerstone of Omaha history,” said Mayor Suttle.
