If you build it…

By Veronica Clark

It seems as though the nightly news programs are filled with stories of violence coming from North Omaha. Alleged hate crimes, burning buildings, drugs and gunfire are the primary focus of what people in the metro area see as the “essence” of the northeastern edge of the city. If energy goes, where attention flows, then we will never see the progress that both civic leaders and private citizens are working towards to bring economic and housing development in what can arguably be called the Forbidden City. The good news is that progress is being made on all fronts.
In October of 2006 the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce along with North Omaha community and business leaders came together to announce the North Omaha Development Project. The main purpose of this project is to bring together business, capitol investment and the community as a whole to breathe life into an important and historic part of Omaha that has long been ignored.
The plan consists of compiling data and developing a strategy that can be given to people in the private sector so they can readily and easily understand what the area and the people can offer. This strategy combines recommendations to build an infrastructure to foster the economic progress and quality of life goals that the Chamber and the steering committee have set for this project.
Another group, the Omaha Economic Development Corporation is stepping in to fight the good fight by creating myriad projects in the North Omaha area. A few of the projects that OEDC have worked on is the Kellom Heights Redevelopment Program. This is a multi-phase program intended to develop a forty acre tract of land that’s boundaries are Cuming Street, 24th Street, the North Freeway and Hamilton street.
OEDC has raised $17 million dollars through private and public financing to complete the projects. This project consisted of affordable housing and a retail center.
Among other projects that OEDC is working on or have completed include the Ville De Sante Development Program, El Siglo de Oro Apartments, the Jensen building (which is a commercial property) and the Jewell Building. OEDC restored the building and it is registered as a historic landmark. It also serves as the headquarters for OEDC and is located at 2221 N. 24th Street. This organization hasn’t stopped at housing and commercial development. It also raised funds for an automotive repair and maintenance program to train interested people in developing a trade. (For more information on this organization, go to their website at www.omahaeconomic.com.)
There are many civic and private organizations within the community that work to bring the economic and property development that North Omaha deserves. This is a rich community of people, individuals who have deeply planted roots and are invested by staying and trying to draw attention to projects and needs that are met with seeming ease in other areas of Omaha, such as Destination Midtown and the commercial and housing explosion of West Omaha. These are the people who work “under the radar” and keep pushing to bring opportunity and equity to all in Omaha, no matter their geographic location within the city limits.
The president of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, David G. Brown made it clear in October that the North Omaha Development Project is “committed to creating an environment that promotes business and community growth…to create jobs, investment and business development.” This is an exciting prospect not only because of the need for such an initiative, but because it brings a flicker of hope that there is still a morsel of truth in Nebraska’s motto: “The Good Life”.

But will they come?

By Veronica Clark

All around the city of Omaha and the outlying Metro area are people in need of basic services ranging from healthcare clinics to public transport. If you are lucky enough to have your own mode of transportation, places such as a grocery store or your place of work is just a drive away. Hop in the car and go. However, not everyone is able to have a vehicle, own their own parcel of land or give generously to philanthropic groups who want to help in neighborhoods where services are needed. The question of the day is this: If you build it, will they come?
The North Omaha Development Program, Destination Midtown and various plans to spruce up parts of the city where the citizens have limited incomes and limited access to basic public services are hoping that by pouring in private sector money and funds from the federal, state and local levels that the answer will be a resounding “Yes”.
Perhaps the obstacle standing in the way of such growth and expansion on all levels is lack of services. Lack of funding for roads riddled with pot holes in South Omaha, lack of funding to demolish abandoned or condemned homes in Midtown and lack of funding to provide reliable and timely transport to those in North Omaha who rely on Metro Area Transit to get from point A to point B. Why would a corporation want to build their headquarters on 24th and Lake when the surroundings are less than those on 240th and Dodge?
The hope of private and public groups is once you bring in higher property values and commercial development corporations will be drawn to the area. This could mean a boost to basic city and retail services to areas where the nearest place to buy various sundries is a five mile round trip on the city bus and travel time of over 2 hours. (And considering the fickle nature of Nebraska weather, this would mean carrying your packages with you while you alight from the number 2 bus over a five foot snow drift in sub-zero temperatures.)
It’s a basic law of city and state government that when you have the money, you spend the money. Sometimes even when you haven’t the funds, you still spend because a cash cow is the anchor and would bring more revenue into the coffers. Therefore, the streets are fixed more expeditiously, the vacant lots sell rapidly for development and the unsightly condemned buildings are demolished and also sold to the highest bidder for whatever use.
Omaha is in the middle of this giant experiment to see if the plans brought forth by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and other economic groups will make these projects come to fruition. Not only the building of affordable housing and retail success, but also the improvement of the communities in the way of city services and other necessities that are important to the people who live and work in the areas affected. To be able to walk to the grocery store, no matter the weather or to make your way in less than an hour to the nearest big chain retailer is a matter most take for granted.
So, if they build it, will all the puzzle pieces fall into place? Let the grand experiment begin and let us all support the dream.

Do you want to know a (dirty little) secret

By Matt Volkman

Twenty-seven states have currently established criminal penalties for knowingly exposing or transmitting HIV to another person. With the success of these laws some have wondered if Nebraska will follow the same path.
In Nebraska, “A person seeking a human immunodeficiency virus test shall have the right to remain anonymous. A health care provider shall confidentially refer such person to a site which provides anonymous testing.” According to Nebraska Revised Statute 71-531, Section 3.
“This rule needs explaining,” said Tim Tague, councilor with Intervention for Douglas County Health Department, “this keeps the person status personal, there was so much negativity, insurance companies were rude with people when they were just getting tested and especially if you were positive. The state allows you to have the option of being anonymous and also confidential, but Nebraska does require you to report status.”
Both confidential testing, which is secured with a name and then given a number, and anonymous testing, without a name and only a number, are allowed at state-funded Counseling, Testing and Referral.
However, anonymous test results are not included in the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services Reports because the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention will not accept anonymous test results as cases. Physicians that have HIV testing in all other settings may offer confidential testing only but can refer patients to Partner Counseling and Referral Services sites for anonymous testing.
“We have made this the dirty little secret,” said Maria Adler Coordinator of Health Services at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, “we have different rules and tests for HIV, a doctor must jump through hoops and insurance companies would try and drop you, by finding a politically correct way to do it of course. If this were breast cancer we would move Heaven and Hell will the support system based by church or family. With HIV they back off.”
 “If someone is HIV Positive and not disclosing to their partner, it is a criminal action to me,” Tague said. “However, if someone is sleeping anonymously, positive or not, it is personal, what you got you took. In Nebraska, it is a matter of time before there is demand for a law like in New York.”
Currently, New York has established three options for Partner notification. First, to have the counselor from the Health Department’s Partner Assistance Program or Contact Notification Assistance Program tell your partners for you without ever revealing your identity, secondly, tell your partners with the help of your doctor or counselor or, lastly, tell your partners yourself, according to the New York Health Department’s Web site.
In other areas like California, the “Willful Exposure” law, makes exposing someone else to HIV, whether that person becomes infected or not, is a felony and punishable by up to eight years in prison. In Alabama, you can be prosecuted just for “Conducting yourself in manner likely to transmit the disease,“ according to thebody.com.
“We have the picture upside down, getting tested is more the key,” said Adler. “This is a disconnect from the services those people need. It will create barriers and drive disease rates up.”
In Tague’s point of view there are positives of partner notification, like possibly breaking the chain of infection, which to him, is key. He feels it is not a bad idea but difficult, like with anonymous sex partners, they don’t ask and don’t know.
“I don’t know if there is a positive to legally notifying someone,” said Adler. “People are genuinely concerned with people. There is a very compassionate and caring community and I believe partner conversation is extremely important. Before engaging in sexual activity you should personally have a conversation previously.
“You must protect yourself at the end of the day,” said Tague. “This would be great but you can’t legislate morality.”

Sports

Hillside and Memorial Presidents expand vision

By Tristan Thomas

Hillside and Memorial Little League Presidents, Paul Jokela and Doug Carter, would play ball under a dome and lights all year round if they had their way, but that will have to wait.  In the meantime, Jokela, in his fourth year as President, and Carter, in his second year as President, will build upon the success they already have. 
Hillside and Memorial Little Leagues have been “joined at the hip” since 1972 providing baseball and softball programs for kids ages 5-18 at the Hillside Field Complex on 80th and Western.  2007 will include the continuation of features well received by parents and players: Friday Night Clinics at development levels will be offered at no additional charge to Hillside/Memorial families during April and May.  The “Night Out with the Omaha Royals” is set for June 8th with reduced ticket prices. There will be more champions crowned and activities added to Championship Day on June 23rd. 
But There’s Even Bigger News.  A Hillside-Memorial partnership comprised of the City of Omaha, the Peter Kiewit Foundation, District 66 and private contributors has generated $100,000 for a Field Renovation Initiative.  Improvements include field expansion, infield resurfacing, permanent pitching mound, wheelchair accessibility to all fields, picnic pavilions, additional safety netting, batting cage improvements, expanded parking and Snack Shack redesign to better serve patrons.  Work began last fall and will continue through 2007 making the Hillside Field Complex one of the finest youth baseball/softball complexes in Omaha; a vision shared by both league Presidents.
But Carter and Jokela also measure progress through participation and results. “Ultimately, it’s about the kids”, says Carter. “If they are having fun, learning and experiencing success on the field, then it’s a win-win for everyone: the kids, the coaches, the parents, and the fans.”  In 2006, nearly 800 players participated in both leagues.  Teams comprised of Hillside and Memorial players claimed two State Championships in Girls Softball at the Junior and Senior divisions.  Hillside Boys Baseball Minor Division also claimed a District Championship.  In addition, 150 players participated in baseball and softball clinics.
Continuing to be “family friendly” is essential for both leagues.  Registration fees start as low as $45.  Scholarships are available for families who need financial assistance during a time of transition.  Scholarship requests are handled confidentially by the league Presidents.  Through the “New Player Referral” program, families receive $10 discounts for each player(s) referred.  And of course, there are never mandatory fund-raising projects required of Hillside and Memorial families.
With Spring right around the corner, families can still register.  For Memorial Little League contact Doug Carter at 553-3936.  For Hillside Little League contact Paul Jokela at 894-1645 or visit the Hillside website www.hillsidelittleleague.org.  Opening Day is April 14th.
“We’re both 100% volunteer organizations.  Snack shack parents to coaches to board members are to be credited for the success of Hillside and Memorial”, says Jokela.  With the Field Renovation Initiative, the only thing left will be the dome and lights… a pretty solid “vision” for this year and beyond.