The Grand Island City Council voted 7-1 on Feb. 10 to approve development of an eight-stall RV park at 1333 E. Stolley Park Road. Council member Jack Sheard cast the lone dissenting vote, while members Mike Paulick and Mark Stelk were absent.
The proposed RV park, owned by Amye Webster of 2121 S. Stuhr Road, will be located on the northwest portion of her property, south of the southeast corner of Fonner Park. In a letter to the City Council, Webster described her background managing an equine event facility in Missouri and outlined her plans for the site.
“My goal is to create something quiet, respectful, and well-maintained – a place that blends into the surroundings rather than changes them,” she wrote in the letter.
“Significant attention would be given to landscaping trees and privacy. Along the western edge of the property, an elevated earth berm with tasteful plantings is planned to help buffer road noise and maintain privacy for both campers and neighbors.”
Webster said the RV park would serve short-term visitors attending events at Fonner Park, the Nebraska State Fair, and other livestock and community gatherings.
“I believe a small, carefully managed RV park can complement the existing landscape…while remaining unobtrusive to nearby homes,” Webster wrote. Plans call for each RV stall to include a water hydrant, electric hook-up, and septic connection, along with a mix of shade and evergreen trees.
Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity stated in a memo that no RVs may be stored on the property outside approved stalls and that no RV may remain parked for more than 180 days.
According to a report by Central Nebraska Today, some nearby residents expressed concerns during the meeting. Jeffrey Edwards of 2109 E. Stolley Park Road questioned why neighbors beyond 200 feet were not notified. Nabity responded that only property owners within 200 feet were required to be contacted.
Tosha Edwards of the same address said neighbors share safety concerns. “For me, it’s a safety concern,” Edwards said. “This is scary for us,” she said. Webster responded, “My values align with yours,” adding that safety was important and that she wanted the project to be something she could be proud of.
Several council members commented on the proposal. Council member Chuck Haase said, “It’s really nicely drawn out,” noting the land buffer between the site and nearby homes. Council member Mitch Nickerson said, “Change is inevitable,” adding, “I think the proposal is just fine.”
City Council President Ryan O’Neill said he understood neighbors’ concerns and noted he lives near an RV park himself. Sheard said, “I completely understand the comments you guys made,” adding that he wished there had been an opportunity for Webster to meet with neighbors beforehand.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, the approval highlights the role that small-scale RV developments can play in supporting event-driven demand, particularly in communities that host fairs, livestock shows, and regional gatherings. The 180-day parking limit and restrictions on storage reflect regulatory considerations operators may encounter when proposing similar projects in residential-adjacent areas.
In another action on Feb. 10, the council voted 8-0 to amend Chapter 15 of the City Code regarding electric utility commercial deposits.
Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz wrote, “Grand Island’s current operating procedure requires an entity to be deficient on two bills before they are disconnected for non-payment. At this time, with loads ever increasing, a large payment default can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars, potentially. With a deposit cap of $2,000, this creates a potential, unwarranted, financial exposure for the Utilities rate payers.”
The revised code will require deposits equal to two times estimated monthly usage without a cap, with refunds after two years of good payment standing, and alternatives such as surety bonds or irrevocable letters of credit.
The council also approved a Class “C” liquor license for Hampton Inn at 3441 Innate Lane, a conditional use permit for a telecommunications tower at 1231 Allen Drive, an interlocal agreement with the Nebraska State Fair designating the first Sunday of the 2026 fair as “Welcome to Grand Island Day,” and the purchase of two 2026 Chevy Tahoe police pursuit vehicles for $109,700.