Angel Starks defends North Omaha Trail as construction disrupts 24th Street businesses

Construction activity near the intersection of 24th and Hamilton streets is currently limiting access for local businesses in North Omaha. The work site is part of the ongoing development of the North Omaha Trail, a project intended to span approximately eight miles upon completion. While the infrastructure work creates immediate logistical hurdles for shop owners, community development leaders are framing the effort as a necessary step toward a more connected neighborhood.

Angel Starks, the director of development for The Exchange, stated that the project is designed to make the area more welcoming for pedestrians and cyclists. She noted that the trail will link the 24th Street corridor to a park to the west and downtown Omaha to the east. Starks described the construction as a "necessary evil" that she views with optimism because of the final outcome.

"Even though it's an inconvenience and it's a necessary evil, I'm actually excited about the end result," Starks said. She explained that increasing foot traffic and creating a safe walking environment are key strategies for expanding the area's economic footprint.

Some residents have raised concerns that the ongoing development along 24th Street could lead to gentrification and the displacement of long-time neighbors. Starks addressed these concerns by stating that the primary goal is not to replace existing residents but to restore the historical vitality of the North 24th corridor. She emphasized her role in various community committees and her status as a North Omaha native in shaping her perspective on the changes.

"Gentrification means that we are displacing the individuals that has been historically in the area, and as a member of a lot of communities or a lot of committees that serve the area, that is not the goal," Starks said. She added that the aim is to bring back the liveliness of the area for those historically known to be on the corridor.

Starks said she has observed the changes in the neighborhood firsthand and supports initiatives that improve citywide connectivity. She highlighted the trail's potential to allow people to walk freely from the 24th Street area to surrounding destinations. The construction continues, with local businesses operating amidst the work site while awaiting the finished infrastructure.