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McCook on the move: City council names new streets; approves option for new development
McCOOK, Neb. - At Monday night’s meeting of the McCook City Council, the council approved both an option agreement for a multi-unit housing development and renamed newly created streets in the Four Corners Addition.
Guided by the introductory comments of MEDC Director of Housing Development, Amanda Engell, the Project Development Manager for Hoppe Development, Evan Clark, described the proposed development of a mixed‑income, multi‑unit housing complex near the sports complex, called “Prairie Run.”
The project would create a small neighborhood of 34 units, with 27 characterized as “attainable” and seven as market‑rate. The housing types are a combination of row homes and “stacked flats,” where a two‑story building contains a two‑bedroom unit on the ground floor and another separate two‑bedroom unit above, each with its own entrance.
The development would be available to renters without age restrictions.
Evan outlined approximate income thresholds necessary to qualify, for example, around $43,000 for a one‑person household, $49,000 for two people and $60,000 for a four‑person household—as well as rent ranges of roughly $500 to just over $1,000 for two‑bedroom units and about $1,100 to $1,350 for four‑bedroom units. The plan includes shared amenities such as a clubhouse, dog run and green space, with an emphasis on high‑quality materials
The option agreement was characterized as a critical procedural step that allows the developer to demonstrate control of the property for a specific low‑income housing tax credit (LIHTC) application.
In her remarks, Engell told the council, “One of the threshold items for a project to be able to apply is either proof of ownership or proof of intent for ownership, whether that be a purchase agreement or an option to purchase in place at the time of application.”
The council approved the measure on a 5-0 vote.
The council also approved the renaming of newly created streets in the Four Corners/Walters Addition. The city manager’s notes read, “Beforrecording of the Walters First Addition Final Plat it is necessary for us to rename these streets in Four Corners Addition to coincide with the street names in Walters First Addition. 16th Street West and “S” Street will be renamed “Gerald Victory Circle” and “R” Street will be renamed “Michelle Way.”
Since the renaming of the streets is clearing up the recorded plat, city staff recommended approval of the ordinance under suspension of the three-reading rule. The council approved both the naming and the suspension of the rules on a 5-0 vote.
Earlier, in the announcements and recognitions portion of the meeting, City Manager Nate Schneider announced an upcoming meeting of the Planning Commission on Monday, May 11, at 5:15, and Police Chief Kevin Hodgson welcomed a new employee to the McCook Police Department, Officer Jason Kloepping.
A public hearing was opened to receive a report from the Economic Development Plan Citizens’ Advisory Review Committee regarding its April 27, 2026, meeting. In brief comments, MEDC Director Charlie McPherson reported that the LB840 program had a second-quarter balance of just over $1 million, noted ongoing work at the business park and that approximately $1,800 in incentives had been disbursed to child care providers during the quarter.
Under proclamations, the council approved a measure designating May 11 through May 16, 2026, as National Police Week and May 15 as Police Officer Memorial Day. Chief Hodgson reminded the council that the upcoming week was an opportunity to pay homage to officers who died in the line of duty and quoted statistics regarding those losses.
The council then considered the consent agenda, which, in addition to routine items, included:
-Confirmation of a change order for a Federal Aviation Administration-funded project at McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport, reflecting minor electrical modifications.
-Approval of two applications from Nebraska Public Power District to occupy the city right-of-way along West “Q” Street for underground electrical infrastructure improvements.
-Acceptance of the city’s April 2026 Tax Increment Financing annual report
-Adoption of a resolution approving an agreement with McCook Keno, LLC, for the operation of a keno-type lottery in the City of McCook for a period of five years.
Those issues were passed on a 5-0 vote.
Removed from the agenda for further discussion by Mayor Linda Taylor was the requested authorization for the temporary placement of a camper in the East First and “D” Street parking lot to support a community mural project, including access to a nearby hydrant for cleanup purposes.
After discussion with petitioner Karrie Steely, who clarified the need for authorization, the request was granted on a 5-0 vote.
In an update on the youth sports complex project, Schneider reported that much of the underground and infrastructure work is now in place. A new street on the northwest side has been completed, along with utilities.
The championship softball field is nearing completion, with turf currently being installed. Concrete work is expected to follow.
Schneider added that Nebraska Public Power District crews are scheduled to be on site within the next couple of weeks. Overall, he described the pace of progress as fast and exciting.
When Mayor Taylor called for council comments, Councilman Jerry Calvin acknowledged that Karrer Park had reopened and thanked staff for their efforts.
Councilman Gene Weedin then said, “It’s come to my attention that there’s been some questions about the consent agenda.” Then, asking rhetorically, Weedin said, “How do items get on the Consent Agenda? Why doesn’t the council debate every issue?”
Weedin then read a prepared statement, saying “Consent items on a city council agenda are used to streamline meetings by grouping routine, non-controversial and administrative items into a single collective motion and vote. This allows the council to save time, avoid repetitive discussion and focus on more substantial, complex policy matters by approving multiple items with one vote. Meetings are shortened significantly, up to 30 minutes or more per meeting, by avoiding separate motions and debates for every minor administrative task, it prevents wasting time discussing routine issues that do not need debate by clearing routine business quickly.
“Councils can dedicate more attention to critical matters like strategic planning, major legislation or public hearings. Any council member can request to have an item be removed from the consent agenda to the regular agenda for separate discussion and a separate vote. And any citizen can request that a consent item be removed for public discussion also.”
Weedin then praised city staff for their responsiveness to questions, and councilmembers collectively agreed.
With no further business before the body, the meeting was adjourned.