City project update

There are around $200 million in projects going on in the Sidney area this year. Here are some updates based on the city's 2013-2014 first quarter report. The city's fiscal year begins in October.

Housing shortage relief is on the way. There are around $4 million in proposed housing projects in the Sidney area, in addition to the Cabela's projects. The biggest of these is a 12 unit apartment building in the Cottonwood Addition. Project construction will begin as soon as assistance funds are released and the state contract is finalized. Of the 12 units in this complex, eight will be market rate.

This project will utilize the second half of the money from the city’s New Neighborhoods Initiative. Four of the 12 units will be income restricted for residents who make 80 percent or less of the average median income. The first half of the $1 million grant was spend on workforce housing in the form of duplexes on Daily Drive.

City staff and developers are also working together on many downtown upper floor apartments, a couple of which will begin work this year.

The Lodgepole Creek Apartment project on Fort Sidney Road is currently three weeks behind schedule because of weather and other issues. Work should be completed some time this summer. Potential occupancy is at two-thirds capacity.

Within the city's two mile zone of influence there are currently nine homes under construction. The city and building owner are working together to get the 9th Street Apartments, located on Jackson and 9th Ave. back into acceptable condition to house residents. The apartments were damaged in the Sept. 9 storm. Out of the 18 apartments in the 100 year old building, eight were recently given the go-ahead to accept tenants.

Other projects in the works include the $2 million golf course irrigation project, which began in the fall. Construction work will reconvene this spring when weather allows. It's scheduled to be complete in mid-June although the city hopes that it will be done before that point. According to Staples Golf, the pond and building should be complete by April 14, while the irrigation system is slated for finish in mid-June.

The $900,000 hiking, biking and walking trail expansion is scheduled to be bid out this spring with construction slated to begin in late summer. The city recently entered into a supplemental agreement wherein the state agreed to pay 80 percent of the cost with no ceiling. This might free up some funds originally slated for this project. If the bid is near the estimated cost, a pledge from Cabela's for $200,000 to be collected through an occupational tax for public trails and storm water projects won't be needed for this project.

The trail expansion starts at Western Nebraska Community College and continues to the Interstate 80 area near Comfort Inn.

Other upcoming projects include a $650,000 Sonic Drive-In, which will open in April and is still looking for a franchise owner. Additional improvements to the Hickory Street Square are in the design stage. A redevelopment plan is in the initial stages for the former Sioux Army Depot area.

In addition to the $4 million Fairfield Marriott slated for the I-80 area another $3 million motel will begin construction in 2014 in the same general area.