The Omaha Planning Board approved the development of a 23-acre RV park along the Elkhorn River, located southeast of 234th Street and Highway 92. The proposal now advances to the city council for final approval.
The proposal, which met all planning requirements, has stirred concerns among local residents about potential flooding and traffic.
According to an article published by KETV Omaha, the area experienced two 100-year flood events in May and June, raising concerns about the safety of the proposed RV park, which sits within a floodplain.
John Walvoord, co-owner of the land, assured the planning board that warning systems would be in place to manage any potential evacuations. “Yes, there’s not a lot of time, but there’s enough time to do what we’ve planned,” Walvoord explained.
Despite these assurances, the proposal met local opposition. The nearby Sanctuary Home Owners Association submitted a petition with 63 signatures from residents, citing concerns about the park’s location in a floodplain and the potential danger to visitors during flood events.
John Winkler, general manager of the Papio Missouri River Natural Resources District, warned of the risks posed by floods, explaining that evacuations in such conditions can be “dangerous.”
“Very little to no notice. We’ve had several other parks, they’re evacuating in the middle of the night. Trying to get everybody out of there. So, it’s a very dangerous situation” Winkler said.
Traffic was another issue raised during the hearing. Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson expressed concerns about the influx of “slow-moving campers” entering and exiting the highways. “We’re probably going to see more fatalities along that stretch,” Hanson stated.
Despite these objections, a representative from public works acknowledged that while traffic would increase, it would not necessitate a formal study.
The proposed RV park highlights the importance of communication with local residents to avoid delays and potential opposition during the planning process. By providing detailed information on mitigation strategies, such as flood evacuation plans and traffic management, developers can address concerns about safety, environmental risks, and infrastructure impacts.