Open House for Natural Environment Element

OMAHA - How can Omaha improve the sustainability of its natural
environment? The City of Omaha and Omaha by Design are seeking the public's
input on this issue at a public information open house set for Thursday,
Dec. 11. The event, which is free and open to all interested members of the
Omaha community, will be held at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., from
6:30 to 8 p.m.

On Nov. 6, city officials and Omaha by Design announced plans to create an
Environmental Element (EE) for Omaha's master plan to address the
sustainability of the city in a comprehensive manner. The EE will cover
five major topics: the natural environment, urban form/transportation,
building construction, resource conservation and community health.

The Dec. 11 event is an opportunity for the public to share their thoughts
on what should be included in the EE' natural environment component, said
Connie Spellman, director of Omaha by Design.

The evening will include a brief overview of issues associated with the
natural environment, followed by a public information open house. An
information station for each of the natural environment's strategic goal
areas will be set up. Members of the Natural Environment Advisory Committee
and city staff will be available at each station to answer questions and
record comments.

Funding for the initiative, which will receive significant city staff and
resource support, is provided by grants from the Papio-Missouri River
Natural Resources District, the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency and the
City of Omaha's Stormwater Management Plan Program Grant from the Nebraska
Department of Environmental Quality. Communications support is provided by
HDR.

Metro Area Transit Route 10 stops at 6th and Bancroft near Lauritzen
Gardens. For those who drive to the meeting, carpooling is encouraged.

For more information, contact Omaha by Design at 402.554.4010 or email info@omahabydesign.org.