At the second meeting of this Task Force last week, Wayne Alberty gave a power point presentation about the process for land use issues in INCOG. This was very informative and one could see how complicated it can be.

At the third meeting next week, Neighborhood Leader Julie Hall will present a power point about the resident homeowner’s view of their communication problems with the current system. Recent problem areas included will be Sonoma Grande at 81st & Mingo, Bomasada at 39th & Rockford and an individual homeowner’s stormwater runoff problems at 22nd & Lewis.

An internet article by newly appointed  Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission member, Bill Leighty was brought to the attention of PreserveMidtown. Mr. Leighty also been appointed by our mayor to serve on her new Task Force. Mayor Taylor was quoted in a recent Tulsa World article, ” What matters is how we’re communicating with and educating our citizens, and we can solve that immediately…”

The issues this new Task Force will be addressing concern development of commercial and multi-family encroachment on residential neighborhoods. The Tulsa Mental Health facility at 10 North Yale and the Sonoma Grande project at 81st and Mingo are both examples of this commuication problem and are both represented on the task force.

What is not represented on the Task Force is a spokesperson for the issues affecting residential development in midtown neighborhoods. What happens when a neighbor’s new house overshadows your home? Or what happens when a new home creates a stormwater run-off problem that devalues your property? How are you as a resident of Tulsa supposed to address a zoning change when you can’t attend the meeting? Who is protecting your property values.

If you would like to read why it is important that resident property owners have their voice on the tMayor’s Task Force, please go to this link for Bill Leighty’s views, New Construction in Midtown Tulsa

     Excerpted from a letter to Councilor Bynum from local Tulsa resident Cherie Cook who has been an active neighborhood leader for many years.

     City Councilors surely must know by now, that in a Council position, as with any elected public office, there will always be criticism in some form.  Most Councilors should be aware that the citizens of Tulsa have long been refused an “official voice” or “seat at the table” with regards to planning, development, zoning or anything else related to quality of life issues for all taxpayers.  We are automatically put in an adversarial position by the very system currently in place, INCOG.  In fact, several current and previous Councilors won their seats with their promise to seek changes in this process on behalf of and with the support of their constituents. 

     I believe that all parties involved in any dispute or decision deserve respect & courtesy.  All of us share  important American rights; freedom of speech and the right to disagree!  We are allowed to voice these disputes publicly.  For City Councilors to react almost automatically in a public, negative, hurtful way against the very neighborhood leaders who work diligently with many City officials, some for many years, trying to improve quality of life for all of Tulsa, is unfair and simply not right.  I refer to recent comments made by Councilors Westcott, Martinson and Gomez, about neighborhood advocates Chip Atkins, and Julie Hall. 

     This situation is very similar to the outrage and reaction to previous City Councilors who advocated change and to groups who disagreed who asked for a recall petition.  Threatening frivolous lawsuits against the citizens without additional research of the facts and without contacting the parties involved for clarification, is ridiculous and makes a mockery of our governing process.  Not to mention, hindering the efforts and credibility of Neighborhood Associations and their leadership roles. The Tulsa World loves this kind of banter which only adds yet another negative connotation to the Neighborhoods.

     So, why would it be a surprise that on controversial zoning matters, there will be issues and challenges that need to be addressed.  Let me make a few pertinent points:

1. During the council meeting I witnessed on TGOV, Councilor Martinson mentioned he had seen the letters of support for the Credit Union/Bank at the corner of 14th & Lewis that were sent to Councilor Gomez.  Did anyone think to verify whether these letters were from actual residents of the neighborhood affected by the change?
2.  Did the letter writers reside or own a business within 300 feet of this change in zoning? 
3. How many letters were sent in support as compared to those who sent opposition by emails or appeared to speak before you? 
4. References to compensation could actually mean, campaign contributions made to certain elected officials or candidates in support of their decision to seek the office.

     Has any Councilor taken the initiative to review the process for filing an ethics complaint?  I was informed that there is no editing or final review of comments prior to the forwarding of the complaint. In other words, the person trying to make the complaint has no control over what may be actually submitted once the initial complaint has been recorded.  Isn’t this once again, about problems with a process?  Was Chip contacted by any Councilor?

     As to Julie Hall, the subject of the Mental Health facility is still being talked about, as only one example of our broken development process.  Regardless whether one agrees or disagrees, the process that allowed this project to move forward without public notice and input is the very core reason that problems remain for planning & zoning decisions made in the City of Tulsa under the present system.  This is not news anymore.

     Thankfully, with Councilor Christiansen’s recently acquired knowledge and help, he has opened dialog with a number of citizens, while he continued to learn the complexities and sheer magnitude and impact of the decisions being made on the taxpayers’ behalf.  Today we learned the Mayor has asked him to chair the newly formed Task Force to discuss the development process.  This is a great idea and we are grateful for his dedication to continue the discussion and learn more about what changes may need to be made.

     The entire development process with regards to planning, zoning, permitting and enforcement in the City of Tulsa and INCOG is an ongoing nightmare for many of us.  It is imperative that all parties make a commitment for change as this group moves toward possible solutions to this dilemma to submit to the Mayor and Council.  This work will require a great deal of personal time and is without compensation, as we, the neighborhood leaders, have always done as a gesture of good will and genuine caring about Tulsa and its future. 

Author:  Cherie Cook, member of Coalition of Historic Neighborhoods and long-time neighborhood advocate.

Recently many Tulsa neighborhood leaders met to become part of a communication network and support system. This connection of leaders from all council districts will help all neighborhood efforts across the city to become more successful.

Please follow this link to find out more.

Community leaders seek cooperation | Tulsa Beacon