BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2025 January 31, Friday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
editor@blairtoday.com – Facebook
The recently completed Hollow Road Bypass could soon see commercial development along its southern edge. Three parcels of land near the crest of the hill were rezoned in January as part of a larger rezoning action affecting multiple parcels along the bypass.
“It was an agenda item for the Planning Commission & City Council earlier this January to rezone the land on either side of the new bypass,” explained Jeff Beiermann, Community Development Director for the City of Blair. “I’m sure the Council minute will be published soon, but, in short, most of the annexed tax lots in the city were rezoned to Traditional Ag, but three tax lots adjacent to the bypass were rezoned to Commercial.”
While no specific developments are currently proposed for Tax Lots 282, 283 & 285, there has been commercial interest. “The owner has not shared any information with me, but the city knows from inquiries that there is interest commercially. But, there are no pending proposals of which I am aware,” Beiermann said.
Any future development would require significant infrastructure improvements. “Like any subdivision: streets, water, sewer, stormwater, gas & electricity. Whomever is developing the property would work with the city on infrastructure needs,” Beiermann explained.
The rezoning aligns with long-term city planning strategies. “The 2015 Comprehensive Plan indicated commercial use for the future-land use, which makes sense since it will have quick access from the main roads and the fact that the owner is marketing the land for that purpose. Plus, with housing on the north side of the bypass, keeping businesses on the south side also makes sense,” Beiermann noted.
Under the A/CH (Agriculture/Highway Commercial) zoning regulations, permitted uses include retail stores, restaurants (including drive-ins), hotels and motels, medical clinics, convenience stores with gas stations, and various auto-related services. These businesses would primarily serve highway travelers, aligning with the bypass’s purpose.
The zoning regulations specify that buildings must be set back at least 100 feet from the centerline of Federal Aid-Primary or Federal Aid-Secondary designated highways. Buildings are limited to 45 feet in height, and the minimum lot size is 8,000 square feet. All parking areas must be hard-surfaced, and specific landscaping and screening requirements apply, especially when commercial properties adjoin residential areas.
The change in zoning represents a significant step toward realizing the bypass’s economic development potential while maintaining controlled access to the highway for the convenience of travelers.
