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Omaha Performing Arts withdraws redevelopment agreement with the city

Omaha Performing Arts will not move forward with plans to redevelop 19,000 square feet of land downtown.The Omaha City Council was scheduled to vote next week on the purchase of three historic buildings and land to the east of the Holland Performing Arts Center. OPA wanted the land for the Center’s future expansion.

OPA president Joan Squires they’re withdrawing the redevelopment agreement with the city.

"The controversy and divisiveness surrounding our expansion project is not healthy or productive, and that ends today. We are advocates for growth and development of the downtown core, and we look forward to welcoming HDR and their employees to our neighborhood."

Squires says the controversy over the land transaction became a distraction and “isn’t who we are.”

Omaha Performing Arts will still sell a 50,000 square foot parking lot to HDR for its new corporate headquarters.

OPA board member David Slosburg says they'll spend the coming months and years meeting with community and arts partners as they plan for future expansion.