Ex-Mayor Stothert Takes Blame for Streetcar
Construction on the OSCAR streetcar in Omaha is expected to continue for two more years as local business owners voice concerns about the delays and costs.
By Austin Reed ·
Former Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert has accepted full responsibility for the city's streetcar project, which is now facing an extended two-year construction timeline. Stothert made these remarks during her KFAB radio show, acknowledging that the infrastructure work has pushed the completion date well beyond the original end-of-year target.
The project, known as OSCAR, has transformed downtown streets with construction barriers and road closures. Stothert noted that the idea had been discussed for three decades, referencing former mayor Hal Daub's earlier proposals. She stated that she moved the plan forward based on recommendations from the urban core committee, with the City Council approving each step of the process.
Clark Ross, co-founder of the Omaha Streetcar Impact Alliance and owner of the Mercury bar at 16th and Harney streets, joined Stothert on the broadcast. Ross announced that his business will close in January due to the financial strain caused by the project. He argued that the streetcar plan failed to account for the impact on small businesses.
"What we need more than anything is money. What we could have used is a little bit of a better plan. We could have been prepared more," Ross said. He added that communication from the start could have been stronger, allowing owners to better understand the challenges they faced.
Stothert countered that the project has attracted billions of dollars in new business investment. She pointed to thousands of employees moving into the Mutual of Omaha tower and residents moving into new apartment conversions. Ross responded that this growth would drive up rents, potentially pricing out family-owned and independent businesses in favor of larger corporations.
Stothert maintained that the current hardship was not anticipated, stating, "But to say that we knew this was going to happen and we’re just going to go ahead and let it happen, that these businesses are suffering such hardship, that is not anything we anticipated."
The current city administration responded by saying it is escalating business concerns to the contractors handling utilities and streetcar construction. The city stated that the mayor increased funding to expedite the schedule and lowered garage parking rates for employees and customers. Officials are also planning Small Business Saturday and other holiday events with local business input.
