“If others want to dictate how downtown property is to be used, they should consider investing their own money in downtown real estate. Then they can call the shots.” Thus sayeth the Tulsa World editorial writers, the omnipotent, all-knowing purveyors of truth, justice and the American way.
Voting for the mayor’s proposal were Councilors Phil Lakin, David Patrick, Ben Kimbro, Karen Gilbert and Anna America, who as council chairwoman cast the deciding vote after her peers were split four in favor and four opposed.
It’s not difficult to speculate on what’s behind the February 21st, 2017 Special City Council Meeting to consider a mayoral sponsored resolution regarding the future of a portion of Helmerich Park. Quite simply, it is damage control, and an
Our organization recognizes that the RDO represents a significant step forward in getting Tulsans accustomed to the notion of an overlay district. With those sentiments in mind, our talented group of planners, urban designers and activists have collectively formulated some observations and recommendations which…
The idea of big box stores close to the core of cities is contrary to both leading-edge retail trends and best practices in urban design. It is even more questionable within an area designated as parkland. And what message does it send to Tulsans – who have just voted to fund beautification of the river?
Get ready to speak up! After the Vision Tulsa election on April 5th, Tulsans can turn their attention to a matter of crucial importance to sustaining and improving the quality of life in the Arkansas River corridor. For well over a year, a group has worked to establish design standards and guidelines for new developments in what, if approved, will be the first Special Area Overlay District incorporated into the city’s new updated zoning code.
The Smart Growth Tulsa Coalition is not taking an official position on this matter and has not polled our Advisory Board Members. We support the Pearl District Association, an affiliate member as well as the mission and ministry of Iron Gate. We encourage a respectful, open-minded dialogue between the parties that includes a willingness to compromise as they work towards an amicable solution and await a decision by the Board of Adjustment.
Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 6:00 PM the Tulsa City Council will consider three rezoning applications that if approved would essentially be a death blow to Tulsa’s only Form Based Code, the essential policy building block of Smart Growth. Smart Growth Tulsa calls on every Tulsan to TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY to prevent this giant step backward in…
Tulsa, we have a problem. Too many of our historic and iconic downtown buildings have fallen prey to the wrecking ball. Too many ugly surface parking lots have taken their place. This untenable situation began in the 1960s and has been escalating since. It has led Tulsa to a most dubious distinction. We were…
Yet another missed opportunity. Mayor Dewey Bartlett has missed an important opportunity to implement a key element of Tulsa’s comprehensive plan. He expresses support for the plan publicly but has fallen short with his behind-the-scene action. The plan’s Land Use Chapter says: “To support downtown’s lively and walkable urban character, automobile parking ideally is located…
Tulsa’s Form-Based Code may be doomed. Consideration of the Pearl District’s form-based-code and its expanded regulating plan continues ad infinitum. Or does it? After several years of public meetings, planning commission work sessions, countless staff revisions and seemingly endless public hearings, it appears the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission has kicked the can down a…
Planning Commission Decision is regrettable. PlaniTulsa’s Vision Document describes the kinds of places, economy, housing, parks, open spaces and transportation choices that the city’s policies should be designed to create. It was a product of unprecedented public engagement, developed with the guidance of one of America’s most prestigious planning consultants who led thousands of Tulsans,…
