Bellevue Council Approves Affordable Housing Project on Former Putt-Putt Site

The Bellevue City Council has approved construction of an 80-unit affordable-housing apartment complex on the former Putt-Putt Golf Course site off Wilshire Drive, following months of discussion about the project’s design, density, and community impact.

The Council voted 5–1 in favor of Ordinance No. 4199, which rezones the property from BG (General Business) to RG-8-PS (General Residential, Planned Site Subdivision) for the purpose of multi-family residential development, with site plan approval. Councilmembers Kathy Welch, Don Preister, Thomas Burns, Julie Collins, and Jerry McCaw voted in favor, while City Council President Rich Casey cast the lone no vote.

Before the vote, Casey said he fully supports the city’s goal of increasing workforce housing and praised the applicant’s efforts, noting that “the applicant has done an amazing job of putting something together to make this work.” He added that while he was comfortable with the project’s density and parking plan, his opposition was based on the location, citing concerns about placing the development so close to the villas below the retaining wall, specifically the adjacent Freedom Village senior community.

The council’s approval allows developer Great Lakes Capital to move forward with the proposed apartment building, which city officials say will help address Bellevue’s growing demand for workforce and family housing.

Bellevue Planning Director Tammi Palm and the Bellevue Planning Commission both recommended approval of the project, noting that it complies with Bellevue’s long-term land use goals. The council’s decision follows prior approval of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance for infrastructure and site preparation.

Plans call for a four-story apartment building containing 80 total units, including a mix of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments. The development will feature underground parking for 61 vehicles and surface parking for 59, providing a total of 120 stalls for residents and visitors. The project site, part of Tiller’s 4th Addition, is bordered by commercial properties to the east and the Freedom Village senior living community to the west.

Local organizations and residents submitted numerous letters in support of the proposal, highlighting the need for affordable, high-quality housing and the project’s potential economic benefits.

The Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and the city’s Office of Economic and Community Development described the development as a fiscally responsible investment that supports sustainable growth and attracts new residents to established areas of the city. Officials emphasized that multi-family housing uses existing infrastructure efficiently and helps local employers retain workers.

Community nonprofit Lift Up Sarpy County voiced strong support, citing the shortage of affordable housing for working families, educators, and first responders. Local business owners, including representatives from Evolve Realty and the Korean Grill restaurant in Bellevue Plaza, said the project will help strengthen nearby businesses and provide housing options for employees and military families stationed at Offutt Air Force Base.

Several residents also shared personal experiences about how affordable housing developments in Bellevue have positively impacted their families—offering stability, safety, and opportunities for their children to thrive.

Freedom Village’s management and several residents said the project’s density and parking ratio could create congestion along Wilshire and Harlan Drives and reduce accessibility for seniors. Others expressed unease about the change in zoning regulations to allow higher-density housing, arguing that it undermines established city standards meant to preserve safety, light, and privacy in the area.

A recurring theme in the letters was what some residents described as a “fear of the unknown,” reflecting uncertainty about who would occupy the new apartments and how the mix of family and professional tenants might impact nearby senior residents.

Despite their concerns, most opposition letters maintained a respectful tone, calling on councilmembers to ensure that the project’s final design and management preserve the character and safety of the surrounding neighborhood.

With the rezoning now approved, the developer will begin final permitting and construction planning in coordination with the Bellevue Planning Department.

City officials emphasized that the new building will help address Bellevue’s long-term housing needs while promoting redevelopment of a long-vacant property. The project also reflects broader efforts by the city to attract balanced growth that supports residents across all income levels.