Plan to sell Norfolk’s former regional center advanced

The site of a former regional center would come under new ownership under a bill advanced from general file March 25.

LB56, introduced by Norfolk Sen. Jim Scheer, initially would have donated the land housing Norfolk’s former regional center to Northeast Community College. Unused for more than 20 years, the land is adjacent to the college campus.

“The buildings have not been used, are decaying and are in terrible condition,” Scheer said. “[Northeast Community College] is poised to have the ability to bring in entrepreneurs to help encourage real economic development throughout Nebraska.”

An Executive Board amendment, adopted 33-0, instead would give the college the first right of refusal to purchase the property at its fair market value.

Venango Sen. Dan Hughes supported the bill, saying it is time for the state to take care of the dilapidated property.

“The roofs are leaking, the windows are broken and the doors are wide open,” he said. “[LB56] would help the state clean up the property, remove potential liability issues and clear a path for that area of the state to continue to grow.”

Columbus Sen. Paul Schumacher introduced an amendment, adopted 37-0, which clarified that the sale would be based on the property’s appraised value rather than fair market value.

Senators advanced the bill to select file on a 42-0 vote.