BEATRICE - The Beatrice City Council has approved the plat of Homestead Junction, helping to clear the way for development on part of the former Store Kraft Manufacturing property.

Monday night’s action included rezoning an area south of the former Irving Street from general industrial, to a light commercial classification.

City Administrator Tobias Tempelmeyer says the remainder of the land remains zoned industrial, until specific plans for use of the property are determined. Plans are to construct apartments on the south part of the property.

Irving Street was previously a private drive for the former Store Kraft and its offices and not platted as a street. 

The Store Kraft company, along the west edge of U.S. Highway 77, went out of business in October, of 2014.   The closing of the store fixtures manufacturer idled about 100 workers. 

Tempelmeyer says the use and the improvement of the street are subject to negotiations with the developer, along with extension of utilities to the area.

Councilman Ted Fairbanks says he is concerned about repair of damage that may have been done to Irving Street during demolition of the manufacturing area. The street dead-ends at a creek, where a bridge was previously taken out.

The Beatrice Planning and Zoning Commission yesterday also recommended approval of the Homestead Junction plat and rezoning.