Business owner opposes new roundabout proposal

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - The discussion around a new roundabout in southeast Hastings continued on Monday night.

Big Dally’s Deli owner Michael Bruns said he’s concerned about losing business due to a proposed roundabout. He said the project could end up taking some of the parking spots from his sandwich shop, and it’s led him to explore all options on how to oppose the roundabout.

“There is no feedback left, this is a do-or-die thing,” Bruns said. “I believe for the city it is take it or leave it, and I probably have a lawyer lined up that we’ll talk about our future.”

Bruns also said a roundabout could also make it difficult for large vehicles to drive in that part of town.

“I don’t mind roundabouts, as long as they’re not in close proximity to a railroad track where the traffic could be backed up for at least 30 minutes occasionally, and where we will see semis trying to get around that aren’t really built to go around a roundabout, especially the longer ones,” Bruns said. “I don’t see any way that this is going to be successful, or make things better, it will only make things worse.”

Hastings’ Director of Engineering, Lee Vrooman, said there are some roadblocks to be cleared, but the project certainly has some benefits.

“A brand new street, so less maintenance near term,” Vrooman said. “It will have resolved some of the drainage issues that we do see, especially on South Street, in that area. Then just improve the look of the entrance into our city.”

Vrooman also said the city is only paying for 20% of the project, with the department of transportation paying the rest.

Copyright 2023 KSNB. All rights reserved.