Omaha City Council approves Puritan Manufacturing TIF plan; up-to-$423,477 agreement set for Nov. 10 vote

OMAHA - The Omaha City Council voted 6-0 on Oct. 27 to approve the Puritan Manufacturing tax increment financing project plan for 1302 Grace St., according to the council's journal. The redevelopment agreement that would authorize the use of up to $423,477 in TIF for the project only had its first reading that day. Its public hearing is set for Nov. 3, and a vote is expected Nov. 10.

Council member Pete Festersen was absent. The plan calls for tearing down an existing building and building a 100-by-115-foot one to expand the company's metal fabrication work.

A city planning staff member told the council the project also includes sewer and stormwater work meant to ease flooding at the site. She said the company projects six new permanent jobs. No opponents spoke.

Firefighter grant hearing

The council also held a public hearing on accepting a federal SAFER grant of $3,874,390.72 to pay salary and benefits for 18 new firefighters. The Fire Department must provide a $2,408,405.06 match, according to the journal, and the third reading is set for Nov. 3. Fire Chief Kathy Bossman said the firefighters would eventually staff Fire Station 70, which is planned to open in early 2028.

Source: Omaha City Council Journal, Oct. 27, 2026 (items 9, 35 and 53, pp. 4, 12, 17); official meeting video (item 9 at 34:25); SAFER hearing at 55:56; transcript via Citizen Portal, which first flagged this item.