Before I begin let me state for the record that, in theory, I am a fan of the streetcar. 

The, “in theory” part is very important because, in theory, I can see how it will benefit Omaha’s urban core.  In theory, I can see how it’s a starter track that eventually will run to the airport, the zoo, and maybe even to Elkhorn and over the river to Council Bluffs. 

Yes, in theory, I can see the streetcar being a catalyst for great economic growth for Omaha. 

But in reality, I’m starting to have a few concerns.

Recently the mayor held a press conference to say that both the cost of the streetcar and the expectations for economic development have gone up. 

Initially, it was projected the streetcar would cost $306 Million. Now, they say the project will cost around $389 million.  Cost increases are to be expected, but the initial plans for the streetcar had it going to Nebraska Medicine. Shouldn’t that have helped curb the increase?  It now starts blocks away from Nebraska Medicine, an employer that would truly benefit from the project.

Even without the Nebraska Medicine stop, the mayor touts the streetcar will be the catalyst for almost 4 billion dollars in urban core development over the next 15 years.  That’s up from the 2 billion dollars projected just two years ago.  This sounds great but the 2 billion dollar figure was done by an independent firm while the 3.9 billion dollar figure was done by the city finance department. 

I’m not saying the city has a vested interest in making those numbers look good.  I’m not saying that the figures aren’t accurate.  I’m just saying that that’s quite a jump in a short time. This is especially true since interest rates have been going up and major investments have been trending down.

One of the projects the mayor is touting for all this downtown development is the 700 apartments planned by NuStyle to be a part of the renovated Central Park Plaza towers.  The mayor claims that the developers told her that these apartments would not be happening if not for the streetcar.  Mutual of Omaha said their new skyscraper wouldn’t be happening without the streetcar. 

So, it seems like there is already more downtown development happening thanks to the streetcar. 

But is it enough to achieve those lofty figures the mayor was announcing the other day?  I sure hope so. 

I asked Mayor Stothert if the residential growth she is projecting can happen without a downtown supermarket. She assured me that there were multiple food chains interested in investing downtown. I mentioned that I’ve heard that for at least the last eight years.  

Now I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer when it comes to all the plans for the Blackstone to the Old Market developments.  Indeed, there are already some very cool and exciting things happening in that region.  I believe adding a streetcar will only make things better in theory.

And even though I’m skeptical of some of these numbers I readily admit that I’m not an expert when it comes to Urban Planning, TIF financing, or citywide revenue projections.  I have to have faith that those who are experts know what they’re doing.

I do know that Kansas City has a similar streetcar, and it appears to be a success. I also know for Omaha to grow we must have a vibrant urban core with public transportation and amenities such as grocery stores and other shopping options. 

I also know that the streetcar is going to be a hot topic when it comes to the upcoming mayor’s race.  And if Mike McDonnel decides to run for mayor, as most people believe he will, he plans to try to get the streetcar approved by a vote of the people. 

But that train has left the station.  The mayor doesn’t need voter approval; the City Council has approved the bonds to get things going. And while the plans and figures might change from time to time, I believe a street car in some shape or form will happen in the next couple of years. 

Only time will tell if it delivers all that is being projected.  But I remember all the naysayers when the convention center and arena were being planned.  That turned out to be an incredible benefit to the city.  I hope that the streetcar will be as big if not bigger success than the CHI Health Center.

In reality and not just in theory.

Tom Becka is a long time Nebraska broadcaster who for over 30 years has been covering Omaha and Midwest issues on both radio and TV. He has been a guest on numerous national cable and news shows, filled in for nationally syndicated talk radio programs and Talkers Magazine has recognized him as one of the Top 100 talk show hosts in the country 10 times. Never afraid to ruffle some feathers, his ‘Becka’s Beat’ commentaries can be found online on Youtube and other digital platforms.

Opinions expressed by columnists in The Daily Record are not necessarily those of its management or staff, and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any errors or omissions should be called to our attention so that they may be corrected. Contact us at news@omahadailyrecord.com.