By J1 Reporter Alena Kehm

As midtown businesses were putting up their Valentine’s decor, they were greeted with something not so romantic: street construction. 

Major road work began in February to help pave the way for the planned Omaha street car. This work included various street closings and lane obstructions along Farnam Street, stretching from 10th to 42nd Street. 

Many Midtown businesses, such as Thristea, had to close temporarily due to the construction. Now that they’re back open, they’re still feeling the effects. “Once a lot of the construction started, business definitely went down,” said Tommy, a manager at Thirstea. 

Although businesses may be feeling the growing pains now, Omaha leaders, including the mayor Jean Stothert,  promise that it will be worth it in the long run. According to omahastreetcar.org the streetcar will be a “driving force for economic growth” in Omaha. The main goal of Omaha development leaders is to reduce the need for large parking lots and spur business development with the help of a street car. 

Despite the positive promises, many Omaha residents are still skeptical of the new streetcar proposal. “Omaha needs a real revitalization of public transportation,” said Marian’s English Teacher Ms. Halli Tripe. “Doing a car that goes a couple of miles is not what this city needs,” she said. 

Amid controversy, the construction of the street car will continue. Omaha leaders aim to have a car up and running by 2028. 

Map of planned street car route. Image source: omahastreetcar.org.

Road closures on Farnam Street. Photo by Alena Kehm