Change is coming to one of Omaha's oldest neighborhoods, thanks to a multi-million dollar project mandated by the federal government.

The historic Florence area is one of the oldest in the city with its own downtown, wide streets and classic old homes. Five houses have been purchased by the city and boarded up along Florence Boulevard, north of Sorensen Parkway.

Annette Carr lives next door to one of the five homes. Her family has owned their home for close to 70 years and she's worried. “I ain’t too happy about it, but like I said, the house is paid for so I really don't want to lose the house ‘cause its been in the family for over 60-some years.”

City officials plan to demolish the five homes. The plan calls for a portion of the combined sewer overflow control program to be constructed there underground. "Under the space we are going to construct a tunnel that would be between 12 and 14 feet in diameter and that tunnel will divert storm water,” said Eitan Tsabari with Omaha Public Works.

Above ground, the site will be converted into an open green space. That means no more neighbors to the south for Annette, but the project should prevent sewer water from backing up in her older home.

The tunnel is part of a $60 million project that will take between two-and-a-half to three years to build. Construction should start sometime next year.