Good Life District Master Plan Nearing Completion

Grand Island, Neb. — Just months removed from the implementation of a Good Life District Economic Development Program in Grand Island, a team of city officials and Woodsonia Real Estate, Inc. are already setting their focus on moving dirt in 2025.

A team made up of city stakeholders, developers and city officials have been crafting a master plan for the development of the city’s Good Life District. On Tuesday, January 28, that plan will be going to the Grand Island City Council for review since they are the property owner of the proposed planned area.

Upon approval, the plan will advance to the Regional Planning Commission for review before a recommendation is then returned to council. Meanwhile, city staff will continue working closely with Woodsonia to bring plans and a development incentive package for the actual construction of the project.

“The speed at which we are moving shows how eager all involved parties are in seeing growth in Grand Island,” Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele said. “From the master planning process to the first shovel breaking ground within the district’s boundaries, 2025 could be an historical year for our city.”

The City of Grand Island and Woodsonia are working with the architectural firm Confluence for the designing of the master plan, which features plans for commercial use, mixed use, school use as well as acreage for multi-family homes. A sports complex, fieldhouse and an aquatic community center are all also included in the plans.

“The Good Life District designation is the largest investment the State of Nebraska has ever made in our community,” said Mary Berlie, the president of the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation and Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. “This funding ensures that we can move quickly from planning to action, allowing us to capitalize on new, transformational opportunities within the Good Life District.”

Back in August, Grand Island voters overwhelmingly supported the creation of a Good Life District Economic Development Program, which is now helping facilitate the expected rapid growth in Grand Island. It’s that overwhelming support from the public in Grand Island, that has the team behind the Good Life District working quickly to bring their wishes to life.

“When Grow Grand Island led the Good Life for Grand Island campaign, we did so with confidence that our community would do all we could to be successful with this extraordinary opportunity,” Grow Grand Island Executive Director Tonja Brown said. “Our development efforts are underway, and we look forward to tangible process.”

Revenue is already pouring in, and as the Conestoga Marketplace continues to grow with additions like Target and Chick-Fil-A, so will the funding for the rapid growth and development of Grand Island. Woodsonia’s sales tax revenue projections show that millions of dollars in sales tax return are on the way at both the state and local levels.

“This is a win not only for Grand Island, but the entire state of Nebraska,” Grand Island City Administrator Laura McAloon said. “With all of our moving parts already moving in the right direction, it’s not out of the question to think we could see dirt moving within the Good Life District boundaries in 2025.”