Construction along 24th and Hamilton streets in North Omaha is creating short‑term hurdles for a handful of businesses, yet city officials and developers stress that the long‑term benefits outweigh the inconvenience. The North Omaha Trail, once completed, will stretch roughly eight miles, offering pedestrians and cyclists a safer, more accessible route that links neighborhoods, parks and downtown.
Local business perspective
Angel Starks, director of development for The Exchange, acknowledges the disruption but remains optimistic. “Even though it’s an inconvenience and it’s a necessary evil, I’m actually excited about the end result,” she said. Starks added that the trail will help create a more connected and welcoming community, which she believes is essential for expanding the area’s economic footprint. “We want people to feel welcome and able to walk freely,” she explained.
Addressing gentrification concerns
Some residents have voiced worries that new development could lead to gentrification and the displacement of longtime neighbors. Starks responded, “Gentrification means that we are displacing the individuals that have been historically in the area, and that is not the goal. We are trying to bring back the liveliness of what was in the corridor, especially for the people who have historically called North 24th home.” She emphasized that the project aims to revitalize the corridor without pushing out existing families.
Community benefits
As a North Omaha native, Starks has witnessed the neighborhood’s evolution and hopes the trail will draw more visitors to local businesses and cultural sites. “The fact that it starts just off 24th and now has the ability to go to a park westward and then to downtown eastward shows progress,” she said. “I will always be a proponent of something that makes our city more connected.” The trail is expected to encourage walking, cycling and outdoor recreation, fostering healthier lifestyles and reducing traffic congestion.
City‑government support
The project is part of Omaha’s broader public‑works plan to improve infrastructure and promote economic development in historically underserved areas. City officials have highlighted the trail as a key investment that aligns with the administration’s commitment to family‑friendly, faith‑centered neighborhoods and individual liberty through safe, open public spaces.
Looking ahead
While businesses continue to navigate construction impacts, the consensus among developers and city leaders is that the finished North Omaha Trail will bring new connections, opportunities and a stronger sense of community pride. The project underscores Omaha’s dedication to investing in projects that enhance quality of life for families while respecting the neighborhood’s heritage.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
