BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2025 January 8, Wednesday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
editor@blairtoday.com – Facebook
The Elk Ridge housing development in Blair, Nebraska, continues to spark discussion among residents and city officials as new details emerge about its timeline and challenges. The development, originally approved by the Blair City Council during a meeting on December 13, 2022, was projected to address Blair’s growing housing needs with homes priced between $275,000 and $325,000. Although originally slated for an 18-month construction timeline, development will now be delayed.
Approval and Initial Plans
The December 2022 City Council meeting minutes show that Elk Ridge was approved following a tied council vote, broken by Mayor Mindy Rump. The subdivision was planned to include lots for single-family homes and duplexes, with an emphasis on maintaining a “more inclusive environment” and providing “housing diversity.” The development was seen by supporters as an opportunity to meet the city’s housing goals, though many residents expressed concerns about increased traffic, environmental impact, and the overall cost of the homes.
The minutes detail plans for homes featuring three to four bedrooms, basements, and attached garages, with square footage varying based on market needs. Despite the project’s promise, several citizens voiced opposition during the public hearing, citing safety concerns, loss of green space, and skepticism about the affordability of the proposed housing. There was even a petition started at Change.org in opposition to the proposed development.
Delays in Construction
More than two years after the project’s approval, the site remains largely untouched, with construction materials and debris stored on the property. Phil Green, City Administrator for Blair, confirmed the delay, noting that the developer, Justin Von Loh of Von Loh Investments, LLC, decided to postpone construction until other projects are completed. Green emphasized the city’s role in ensuring the site is well-maintained, stating, “The site is to be completely cleared by Friday of this week. Generally, construction sites should be kept clear of obstacles and debris. That is a challenge on active construction sites.”
The delay has frustrated some residents, who see the stalled project as a missed opportunity to address Blair’s housing needs. On Facebook, community members debated the reasons behind the delay and the broader implications for housing affordability in the city. One commenter lamented, “These were going to be crazy expensive duplexes, now it’s been two years of dirt.” Others questioned the likelihood of the homes meeting the city’s affordable housing goals.
Housing Affordability Challenges
City officials have acknowledged the challenges of achieving affordable housing in the current economic climate. Green addressed the issue directly, saying, “The cost of housing is controlled by market forces, and new construction is especially expensive these days. Blair’s elected officials and staff are working hard to see the development of attainable housing across all socioeconomic levels. We are also striving to encourage housing diversity, including alternative construction processes such as modular housing.”
C.J. Heaton, Director of Public Works, echoed these sentiments, stating, “The housing committee recommended that Blair needed all types of housing, unfortunately with the costs of doing construction, these prices seem to be what a new basic house is costing.” Both officials highlighted the importance of exploring innovative approaches to reduce construction costs while balancing the demands of the housing market.
Ownership and Zoning
Both Green and Heaton confirmed that Von Loh Investments, LLC owns the Elk Ridge subdivision and the property at 1600 Washington Street, which houses Fernando’s restaurant. Green emphasized that all development must comply with Blair’s municipal code and zoning regulations, regardless of ownership overlaps.
Moving Forward
As the Elk Ridge development remains in limbo, city officials are working to ensure that the site is cleared and maintained. Green noted that the city will continue to enforce regulations to prevent negative impacts on neighboring properties.
Blair’s housing challenges persist, with officials striving to balance affordability, diversity, and market realities. As Green stated, “We will see if a new national administration is able to reduce the cost of energy and spur on domestic development to such a degree that housing construction costs go down or level off.”
For now, the Elk Ridge development remains a focal point of debate, reflecting the broader complexities of housing policy in Blair and beyond.
