Omaha’s downtown, Midtown and Blackstone neighborhoods have faced a challenging year as streetcar construction, road closures and a dip in sales forced several businesses to shutter. In response, a group of owners has formed the Streetcar Impact Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the area’s small, family‑run enterprises.
Family owners speak out
“Artemis Tea and Botanical is a family business. It is owned by my wife,” said Daniel Lawse, co‑owner of the shop. “We’re not corporate America with bailout money or deep bank accounts to tap into. If it doesn’t work, it has an extreme negative impact on my family and our home.”
Shannon Beck, who runs Nodest Home Plants, echoed the sentiment, noting how closely her livelihood is tied to her household. “Like Daniel said, my business is also very much connected to my house,” she said.
Alliance board expands
Beck has joined the Alliance’s board, joining fellow owners Daniel Lawse and Katie Mock, as well as other local entrepreneurs. The board’s mission is straightforward: increase shopper traffic along the streetcar route so that storefronts can thrive without relying on government handouts.
“We’re trying to save our businesses while we’re running our businesses,” Mock explained. “We don’t want a handout; we just want customers to be able to come in the door, buy the products and services, and enjoy the space we’ve created.”
Recent closures raise concerns
The Alliance’s urgency grew after the recent closure of Clark Ross’s downtown bar, Mercury, which was first reported by 3 News Now. “That’s a fear for many business owners,” Mock said, noting that each loss chips away at the neighborhood’s vitality.
Lawse added, “I hope that people who have given up on these neighborhoods can just make some time, come down, and support the businesses that are still here.” The Alliance believes that a steady stream of patrons will help prevent further closures and preserve the character of these historic districts.
Action plan
The group is focusing on three primary strategies:
- Community outreach: Hosting sidewalk events, pop‑up markets and local art displays to draw residents and visitors onto the streetcar corridor.
- Marketing partnership: Coordinating with the city’s transit authority to promote special discounts for riders who shop at Alliance member stores.
- Advocacy for smoother construction: Working with the Department of Transportation to minimize road closures and improve signage, ensuring that shoppers can navigate the area safely.
These efforts aim to turn the current construction challenges into an opportunity for community engagement and economic revitalization.
Looking ahead
While the streetcar project promises long‑term benefits for Omaha’s transit network, the Alliance stresses that immediate action is needed to keep the local economy afloat. By rallying residents, encouraging patronage and collaborating with city officials, the Streetcar Impact Alliance hopes to safeguard the future of downtown, Midtown and Blackstone’s family‑owned businesses.
For more information on upcoming events or how to support the Alliance’s members, visit their website or follow their social‑media channels.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
