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Benson Mural Project: 2010 Call For Artists

bmp_janes_4.jpgThe Benson Mural Project has announced its pdf 2010 Call for Artists competition. The call, open to high school and college students, seeks proposals for murals that celebrate and convey the "essence of Benson." Selected students will be paired with accomplished community artists, who will partner with and mentor the students toward the completion of the mural project. The deadline for receipt of proposals is April 12. For more information, call 402.554.4010.

pdf The Maple Street Corridor Project

pdf Conceptual Streetscape Plans

pdf Market Analysis

  		 
     
 
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News and Notes

News and notes from up, down and around Maple Street:

Planning Board Consideration
The Omaha Planning Board will consider a request from the Benson Business Improvement District (BID) to expand its boundaries and update its assessment formula Wednesday, Aug. 4. The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 1:30pm in the legislative chamber of the Omaha/Douglas Civic Center, 1819 Farnam St. The proposed Benson BID boundaries are similar to the boundaries of the new Tax Increment Financing District, which was approved by the Omaha City Council in January 2010 to incentivize development in downtown Benson. The new assessment formula would fund the Benson BID's proposed strategic work plan, which focuses on cleaning and maintenance, lighting and security, landscaping and signage. For more information on the group's plans for downtown Benson, visit www.benson-ames.org and click on the Benson Business Improvement District link.

filmcamp.jpgFilm Camp Postponed
The upcoming film camp at The Pizza Shoppe Collective has been postponed. Details will be announced later. For more info, call 402.556.7821 or email info@artsforallinc.com.

Parade Planning Begins
The Benson Neighborhood Association is making plans for its 2010 Unity Day Parade. The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, beginning at 11:00am. The parade route begins at Gallagher Park, runs along Maple Street and concludes at 63rd and Maple. If you are interested in participating, fill out the attached pdf parade_form and return it by Aug. 31 to:
BNA
Attn: Ann Van Hoff
2311 N. 62nd St.
Omaha, NE 68104

Blogging About Benson
Want to know what it's like to find your perfect house in your perfect neighborhood? Check out Zach and Melissa Reinhardt's new blog, www.bencomingbensonites.com. From the first entry on June 27: "This blog will chronicle our journey to Benson, our favorite neighborhood in Omaha, NE...It's our way of sharing with the world our adventures in home remodeling, landscaping, decorating and getting to know our new neighborhood."


The architectural partnership of Min l Day, 5912 Maple St., recently painted its front entrance a vibrant orange color (okay - maybe it was not so recently, but we just noticed it last weekend). Looks great! Are you doing something to spruce up your Maple Street business or organization? If so, let the Beat know what you know at info@bensonbeat.com.