Enfield Square Redevelopment Plan Faces Harsh Criticism From PZC Chair: “This Is Our Town"

Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Linda DeGray holds up rendering of Enfield Square redevelopment proposal at Thurday's meeting with the developers. To her left is Commissioner Terrence Lynch, and right, John Petronella. Source: YouTube

A plan to demolish and redevelop the Enfield Square Mall is facing sharp opposition from the Planning and Zoning Commission. At a meeting on Thursday, PZC Chairwoman Linda DeGray stated that the latest proposal — which includes the potential for 700 apartments, a new big-box store, and smaller buildings for restaurants and retail — was not what the town had wanted.

"I understand you're businessmen, but this is our town," DeGray said. "These people live here. You guys live in Nebraska."

"This is still way too much," she said, at one point holding up a rendering of the development plan. "We are looking for more open space. We want something that is a little bit more representative of a town, not a city."

DeGray described the proposal as "lots of fast food restaurants… maybe a strip mall, and tons of housing." She said she wanted something better, "because the town residents are not happy."

700 Units Disputed

The sharpest exchange came over the reported 700 units. The figure stems from a consulting report by Kimley-Horn prepared for the developer, Woodsonia Acquisitions. It was part of the materials submitted to the PZC. The report said the property could support "up to 703 units of multi-family housing development." The consulting report didn't say that the developer was building that number.

"That's what's in the paper -- that's what people are seeing," DeGray said.

Mitch Hohlen, director of development and partner at Woodsonia, pushed back, saying that the number didn't accurately represent the plan. "Don't put words in our mouth," he said, insisting the number didn't come from the developer. The original presentation to town officials referenced 450 units, but it was unclear from the Sept. 25 meeting whether that number was still part of the plan.

Developer Defends Plan

DeGray's comments came during a pre-application meeting with Omaha-based Woodsonia, a session that allows developers to hear PZC feedback before filing a full application for public hearing.

Hohlen acknowledged DeGray's concerns but said the expectations must be weighed against the reality of what it costs to redevelop a mall.

Hohlen said they can't put a park at that site, as they are paying $23 million for the property and investing $30 million in infrastructure, which is "just core to make the thing developable."

"Can that be balanced with green space, landscaping, walkability? Absolutely," he said.

Developer: Wants Project Town Can Be Proud Of

Addressing DeGray's point about not being residents of Enfield, Hohlen said, "You're right. I don't live in Enfield, but a big piece of what we do is public-private partnerships. We want to do a great project here. We got no interest in doing a project that the town's not going to be proud of."

"I want to be realistic," Hohlen said. "In order for this thing to work, it's going to take high-density national users that can actually pay the cost."

Broad Concepts, Not Specifics

At this stage, the developers have not specified which businesses they expect. They have presented a conceptual master plan that outlines general categories—such as multi-family residential, commercial uses (like restaurants, retail, and medical offices), and open/green space requirements—but have not identified individual tenants or provided detailed building plans.

Woodsonia began engaging with the town of Enfield about the project about two years ago. The council endorsed the project, worked to secure a $10 million state grant, and approved various tax and financial incentives totaling approximately $40 million.

DeGray's criticism is rooted in the history of Enfield Square. The mall served as the town's downtown, where people gathered, shopped, and socialized. A 2023 survey of town residents by the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) found that people wanted a redevelopment that restored that sense of place with walkable spaces, entertainment, and community venues, such as a movie theater.

The PZC meeting ran until midnight because of a packed agenda. The Enfield Square project was one of the last items on the agenda, with discussion limited to about 15 minutes. The presentation and exchange can be viewed on YouTube starting at about 4:43.