Highway corridor overlay tabled for next meeting

NORFOLK, Neb. -- Norfolk City Council has tabled a decision on installing a new highway corridor overlay.

The overlay, which would require new businesses along Highways 275 and 81 to meet certain landscaping and aesthetic requirements, is a proposal that has strong support from the city council.

However, it did have concerns about the requirements that would drive away new businesses hoping to set up shop in the area. Because of these concerns, the ordinance was passed on the first reading earlier this month.

However, the second reading was tabled on Monday after a new concern was brought forth by a community member.

The topic of concern was over billboards in the area and how they would require a conditional use permit.

The person who raised these concerns was unable to attend Monday's meeting, and because there is no public hearing during the third reading of a city ordinance, the decision to table the event was put to a vote.

The city council voted in favor to postpone the vote of the second reading in a 6-2 decision, with Rob Merrill and Gary Jackson voting against it.