Grand Island City Council approves Fourth Street business improvement district

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- Fourth St. in Grand Island will be classified as a business improvement district.

At Tuesday's City Council meeting, the council unanimously approved the district to run on Fourth St. from Edy St. to Kimball St.

City Council member Mitchell Nickerson said he was happy that people showed up to voice their opinions. 

“Two weeks ago, I was not for this,“ Nickerson said. "I want some excitement. I want to know that people want the business improvement district in Fourth St., I want to hear it from them and that’s what you’ve done tonight. You come and let us know, you let me know, I didn’t hear that two weeks ago."

Conversations about the project started in December and involved creating a plan and defining the boundary for the district. The main goals are to beautify Fourth St., attract and support businesses, enhance safety, security, marketing, and promotion. 

Last meeting, the council asked for more information regarding a survey and data indicating that owners and people were for it. 

More than 10 people showed up to voice their opinions and let the council know they supported the creation of the business district. 

The next step is to assess every property on Fourth St.