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Omahans reflect on expansion from western edge of the city

Posted at 6:41 PM, Jun 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-28 20:50:13-04
Omaha is growing.
 
This time it’s not the result of annexation.
 
The city council approved rezoning agriculture land to build dozens of new homes northwest of 204th and F St.
 
While neighbors in Canterberry Crossing say more development around them is not enough to make them move, they don't want development unless it comes with amenities. 
Vanessa Berry is a stay-at-home mother of three and moved to the edge of Canterberry Crossing near 204th because she doesn’t want to be surrounded by homes.
 
"We love how quiet it is,” Berry said. “We love our neighbors. The kids love hanging out with the neighbor kids, they play in the circle. It's just quiet, well, most of the time." 
 
While there are plenty of homes in the area, Berry says there aren't any restaurants.
 
"I don't know if I want to see a ton of commercial (development),” Berry said. “I mean if they're going to develop some stuff, and have some neighborhoods, I think we need more commercial development as well."
 
Neighbor Chrissy Wentz is concerned about traffic.
 
"Being that my house backs up to F Street, it does make us a little bit nervous just traffic wise,” Wentz said. “Right now it's pretty quiet.”
 
The mother of five says she moved three years ago for the peace and serenity, and is wary about development.
 
"It's pretty important,” Wentz said. “We like to be able to sit outside at any time of the day and watch our kids play in the circle. We don't have to worry about traffic coming up here and it's just quiet, so it's nice to have that." 
 
While development is a concern for both neighbors and friends, it's not enough to get them to leave. 
 
"The backyards are a good size,” Wentz said. “The front yards are a good size. Being in a circle, it's almost like our own little community right here. We can sit out here and do what we want to do and not have to worry about the kids getting too far away." 
 
Tuesday, the Omaha city council voted to re-zone a lot northwest of 204th and F St., from agricultural to residential, a step toward building the subdivision which will be called Grandview Ridge Estates.