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The call “not in my backyard” regarding a controversial halfway house was heard loud and clear this week by the Omaha City Council.

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The home just off 48th and Harrison would hold some 8 to 10 inmates looking to transition back into society, but neighbors worry the home would hurt property values, and located in the shadow of a nearby park, would also be a safety risk.

“It's a nice quiet neighborhood and that's the way I'd like to see it stay, said neighbor Laurie Smith. “We want to continue to have the freedom that we see with the kids walking up and down the streets without that fear, added Maria Munoz.

Mental health experts testified that a similar home in Lincoln which closely monitors the inmates there has been successful but the council agreed with the neighbors.

“This is a tough vote for us because we believe in the mission, and we know and recognize the need,” said Councilman Don Rowe. The council's new vice-president Aimee Melton adding, “If we could just pick up this house, because it looks like the perfect layout, and move it somewhere else that would be just perfect.”

It's not clear what will happen to the property going forward. In Omaha Joe Jordan News Channel Nebraska