A rendering of "O" Street between 13th and 14th Streets with improvements made by Project "O" Street. (Courtesy of City of Lincoln/LTU)LINCOLN–(News Release Apr. 16)–Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and community representatives today encouraged Lincoln residents to support downtown businesses while s ignificant and historic renovations take place during Project “O” Street. “This generational investment will enhance quality of life and grow economic opportunity for the people of Lincoln far into the future,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said. “As the City of Lincoln makes this major investment to strengthen our downtown, we are calling on our community members to invest in the downtown businesses that strengthen our economy, enrich our quality of life, and make Lincoln a wonderful place to live, work, play and shop.” Work on “O” Street began in early April, with the latest closure being on 14th Street between “N” and “P” streets for Boehmer Street Music District improvements. Crews will make street improvements, upgrade stormwater and water mains and install sidewalks, new lighting, brick pavers, tree grates, and more. To coincide with the improvements being made to the Boehmer Street Music District, the City invites residents to the Project NO Street Block Party – a free concert from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30. Local bands AM/FM and the Church of Blues, featuring “The Voice” competitors Jadyn Cree Olesen and Josh Hoyer respectively, will perform in the 14th and “O” streets intersection. For more information, visit lincoln.ne.gov/ProjectNOStreet. Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird at the news conference were Liz Elliott, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Director; Todd Odgen, Downtown Lincoln Association President and CEO; and Omar Attaie, Pita and Naan Restaurant Owner. Elliott said that when possible, full closures will be employed to allow crews to work more safely and efficiently when using large construction equipment. “We’re getting in, doing the work, and getting out. This (14th Street full closure) is just one way we are actively reducing the overall construction timeline for the project,” Elliott said. “These improvements will create a safer, more welcoming, and more durable streetscape for everyone who spends time downtown.” Elliott said that during the project, access to businesses will be maintained and signs will be posted to safely guide pedestrians. Additional efforts by the City to support downtown businesses and their customers during Project “O” Street, include: Free 1-hour parking vouchers that businesses can provide to customers using City parking garages Brochures and maps to help customers, residents, and visitors find parking and visit local businesses Promotions such as billboards, street signs, coasters, banners, and sidewalk stickers to help remind customers to buy local Allowance of additional signs in front of businesses and booths in Tower Square, 13th and “P” streets, to help businesses advertise In addition to continued virtual and in-person open houses, Elliott invited businesses and residents to weekly “Coffee with a Contractor” events at 9 a.m. Wednesdays, at the Music Box, 1330 “N” St., Suite C. These events will offer downtown businesses, employees, and residents updates on how improvements may impact their week. Referring to orange cones and barricades residents will see during Project “O” Street, Odgen emphasized that downtown businesses will remain open and continue to be eager to serve the community during the construction work. “Orange is going to mean something new downtown over the next couple of years,” Ogden said. “Orange is going to mean excitement. Orange is going to mean progress, and orange, most importantly, is going to mean ‘open’.” Attaie said downtown businesses are excited about the future of downtown and what Project “O” Street will bring to Lincoln. “Please continue to come downtown, where hopefully you’ll support all of the local businesses that work so hard to make this community special,” Attaie said. Digital signs will alert traffic to upcoming work and closures. Drivers and pedestrians should follow signage, allow extra travel time, and stay alert near work zones. LTU appreciates the public’s patience during this work and reminds residents that project dates are subject to change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances. Current information on street closures is available at lincoln.ne.gov/closures or through the Waze mobile app. For additional information about the “O” Street project or the open house event, visit ProjectOStreet.com. Residents can receive future project updates through TextLNK. To sign up, text PROJECTOSTREET to 91896. To learn more about TextLNK, visit lincoln.ne.gov/TextLNK. ...read more read less