After about three years of debate and planning, the Lincoln City Council will finally get a say as to whether the city should move in the direction of building a new arena.

The council won’t specifically be asked whether to build an arena, but it will be asked to take an action that opens the door.

The council will hold a public hearing and likely vote Monday on whether to declare blighted 403 acres between downtown and Salt Creek.

City officials call it a milestone in the long process of deciding whether the city will build a new arena to replace the Pershing Center.

Declaring the land blighted is only the first of many steps. If the land is blighted, an urban renewal financing tool called tax increment financing can be used to help fund the project, which also includes a private hotel and convention center.

Council members say they’ve heard little from the public in advance of Monday’s meeting. Councilwoman Robin Eschliman said she’s heard nary a word on the subject.

“Quite frankly, I haven’t heard any comments from anybody other than supporters,” said Councilman Ken Svoboda.

He thinks the blighting is appropriate and will be supported by the council.

“This doesn’t commit us to anything,” he said.

Councilman Jon Camp isn’t sure he’ll vote on the blighting. He owns several buildings in the Haymarket, and while the state Accountability and Disclosure Commission said he did not appear to have a conflict of interest, he’s still deliberating.

“I just want to do the right thing,” he said.

Camp said to date, he has been neutral on the issue of whether to build an arena. He said he’d like to study the economics of it further.

Councilman Jonathan Cook said while he is interested in hearing from the public, the area appears to meet the state’s definition of “blighted.”

“That does not mean that we are concluding we should build an arena or any other particular thing,” he said. “It just opens up the possibilities for discussion.”

He said constituents often tell him they think the Pershing Center needs to be replaced or renovated, but aren’t sure the city can afford a new arena.

He’d like to see voters weigh in on the subject at some point.

Councilman Doug Emery said he wants to hear from the public before forming an opinion.

Almost a month ago, the city-county planning commission unanimously recommended approving the blight designation.

In about a month, the council will be asked to amend the Lincoln Center Redevelopment Plan to include an arena, hotel and convention center.

If the council goes along with that, the city can solicit proposals from private developers for a convention center and hotel.

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.