By Marisa Dawson
The Bennington City Council and Bennington Community Development Agency approved a series of redevelopment, infrastructure, and community event items during their May 11 meetings, including amended Tax Increment Financing plans for a new townhome development, street closures for Bennington Daze, and adjustments to the city’s ASIP infrastructure funding program.
One of the evening’s largest discussion items centered on the proposed Prairie Ridge Townhomes redevelopment project, presented by BPW Smart Development, LLC. The project, planned east of North 160th Street and north of North Fourth Street, includes 54 townhomes featuring a mix of three- and four-bedroom ranch and two-story units with trail connections throughout the development.
Developers requested approximately $2.9 million in Tax Increment Financing assistance, representing a 5.8% incentive. During the presentation, developers described the project as an investment in Bennington that would bring jobs during construction while also contributing sales tax revenue and public improvements to the area. Officials noted the project is consistent with the city’s master plan and would not negatively impact existing property taxes.
Following a recommendation from the Community Development Agency, the city council approved Resolution No. 2026-04 adopting the amended redevelopment plan for the Prairie Ridge Townhomes project.
Council members also approved several annual community event requests tied to upcoming summer festivities.
The Douglas County Farm Bureau received approval for its annual tractor show, scheduled for Aug. 15 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Warehouse Street between 156th and Molley Streets. Officials noted the long-running event will not coincide with the farmer’s market this year because it falls on an off week.
Street closures and permits for Bennington Daze were also approved. The event will include a beer garden and street dance June 6-7 on South Second Street, along with the annual parade on June 6.
Council discussion included concerns regarding parade safety due to the size and location of the farmer’s market downtown. As a result, officials approved a temporary modified parade route for this year. Rather than continuing through the downtown district, the parade will end near the Papio Creek bridge just past the library on 156th Street. City officials indicated they hope to return to the traditional route next year.
Additional Bennington Daze-related liquor license applications were approved for the Bennington Jaycees, JDUB’s Hangout, Stumble Inn, Monolithic Brewing Company, and The Warehouse.
Council members also reviewed the city’s Annual Subdivision Infrastructure Program (ASIP) report, which showed the infrastructure fund has grown from approximately $793,000 to more than $1 million. The fund collects a percentage of building permit values outside city limits to help finance future infrastructure projects.
Officials discussed major anticipated projects including the Papio bridge replacement, estimated at approximately $900,000, and Molley Street improvements extending east to the city limits, estimated at $2.4 million. City staff projected that, at the current rate of growth, the fund may not fully cover those projects until approximately 2034 or 2035.
Following recommendations from the planning commission, the council supported increasing the residential ASIP rate from 0.75% to 0.825% of building permit values. However, council members opted not to raise commercial rates in an effort to maintain incentives for commercial development within the city. The city attorney will now draft a formal ordinance reflecting the change in the residential permit rate.
Department reports also highlighted several ongoing city initiatives and concerns.
The Bennington Public Library announced preparations for its upcoming summer reading program, with brochures expected to be distributed soon. The Friends of the Library annual book sale will also return during Bennington Daze and will be held in the library’s garage bays this year. Library officials additionally shared that children’s librarian Johnna Ware recently married. Congratulations!
Police reports included two search warrants last month, one of which resulted in felony arrests involving possession of a controlled substance and child abuse. Officers also responded to a report of a passed-out driver at Cubby’s, where the driver was allegedly found with a .396 blood alcohol content and arrested for a second-offense DUI.
The department also reported issuing 33 speeding citations during April and discussed growing concerns regarding e-bikes and scooters throughout the community. Police officials noted increasing complaints and encounters involving unsafe riding behavior, including riders ignoring traffic laws. Officers emphasized that citations may be issued to juveniles and/or parents when vehicles are operated illegally. City officials said they are researching ordinances and reviewing how other communities are addressing similar concerns.
During public comment, Bennington resident Larry Arp echoed those concerns, speaking about multiple near-accidents in his neighborhood involving children riding e-bikes and scooters without obeying traffic laws.
The public works department reported that seasonal maintenance operations are underway across the city, including mowing, tree trimming, sprinkler activation, and street patching. Officials also said line and crosswalk painting will be completed before Bennington Daze festivities begin.
Public works staff additionally received a quote totaling just under $18,000 for dust-control treatment near the baseball complex. The treatment involves applying seed oil and crushed rock to reduce dust concerns in the area. The department is also in the process of purchasing and installing a security system for the new public works building.
