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Published Wednesday November 12, 2003 Cass County town poised for growth BY JOHN FERAK
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

LOUISVILLE, Neb. - Since August, Jackie Petersen has lived on an island of sorts. Alienation hasn't bothered her, but she welcomes more company.

Petersen is the first and only person in the new Southridge subdivision. This subdivision marks the first major housing development of this magnitude in this Cass County community. The first phase calls for 56 houses on 24 acres.

The town has a doctor's office, a chiropractor, a pizza parlor, a grocery store and a hardware store. Louisville, population 1,050, could grow by a few hundred as families settle into the new subdivision. Shown in downtown Louisville are Mike Knott and daughter Valerie, 2.

"We're rapidly seeing a lot of interest out here from people who work in Omaha but live over in the south, Nebraska City, Tecumseh and Syracuse," said City Supervisor Dan Henry.

Petersen, 73, became the first person to sign up for a new home in the development south of Nebraska Highway 66. She lived in Louisville years ago and has relatives here.

"Omaha didn't agree with me, I guess," Petersen said. "It's hard to get acquainted with people in a big city. I think I'm just a small-town person."

It's only a matter of time before a few moving trucks arrive and Petersen gets to meet some neighbors. A few other homes are nearly finished.

Louisville's population is about 1,050. The city could grow by a few hundred as families settle into the new subdivision.

Developers Dick Berner and Bob Copple hope to complete the first part of the subdivision within a couple of years. Several lots remain for sale in the first phase. The project calls for about 150 houses on roughly 80 acres.

"We've had interest from people retiring and younger couples wanting a bigger home," Berner said. "The selling point is the location and the schools. Louisville's a nice community."

There are no additional subdivision plans before the city government, Henry said.

	Jackie Petersen, who currently is the sole occupant of the new Southridge subdivision, is eager for Louisville to grow and add more amenities.

"We encourage growth, but very carefully and with control," Henry said.

Longtime Louisville resident Loyd Braack, 83, said he thinks most residents are receptive to the anticipated housing boom.

"Out here, there's no congestion," Braack said as he stood on Main Street outside City Hall. "You can get to places faster than you can drive across Omaha."

So far, the new development hasn't deterred sales of existing homes, Berner said.

On average, houses in Louisville are selling for about $134,000, he said. Berner expects the houses in the new subdivision to range from $150,000 to $350,000. Lots, depending on size, cost extra.

As Petersen gets adjusted to her new living quarters, she said she is eager for Louisville to grow and add more amenities.

Louisville already has a doctor's office, a chiropractor, a pizza parlor, a grocery store and a hardware store.

"We could use a place that serves a hot plate lunch, maybe a mom or pop cafe," Petersen said. "Louisville's a great place for seniors, but they really need more entertainment. Something like a bowling alley for the young people. Young people don't have much to do here."

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