Tuesday night I went to a public meeting regarding Simon Group’s plans to put an outlet mall on Turkey Mountain. It was hosted by the City Councilor from the area, Jeannie Cue a very energetic and impressive woman. She made sure everybody who wanted to say something got to say it. There were other people there from the city including some planning staffers and Clay Bird of Tulsa’s office of Economic Development.
The bravest guy there was a local attorney representing Simon. He was hedging his bets a little bit speaking of Simon in the third person.
The city wants more businesses especially retail. The development guy, Clay Bird, said that Tulsa gets all its income from sales taxes. So retail is something that they target. I get that. I think most people get it, they just don’t want a mall on Turkey Mountain. Bird didn’t seem to grasp why. He kept saying things about it would only take up a little bit of the mountain and surely we could co-exist with the mall. That wasn’t really well received.
He lost the crowd though when he tossed out an idea that a parking garage could be built on the mountain to accommodate both mall shoppers and park users. People couldn’t believe it and let him have it. He recovered quickly with a quip about maybe putting a climbing wall on the side of the garage. He’s a good guy but he doesn’t get the concept of wilderness. Hiking, biking, or running on Turkey Mountain is not like doing the same in a public park. One needs the sense of space and remoteness and isolation.
During the Q&A it quickly became apparent that the overwhelming majority of people were okay with malls just not on the mountain. One comment that brought cheers was “It is the right project in the wrong place.” There was a lot of emotion against the mall. One guy spoke up for it pointing out that it is private property and he thought this was America. He got a smattering of applause.
And that brings up the whole problem. We may be able to get Simon to go away but the property is still private and it is zoned for development. As one questioner commented, we better be ready to buy the property if the mall fails. Amen. Anyone can see why Simon is interested in the property. It is near the confluence of two major highways in a hot area of town.
A spokesman for the Greater Tulsa YMCA read a Statement from the their Board of Directors stating their opposition unless Simon makes some concessions. They are asking about assurances on storm water management, water quality, setbacks, and maximum allowed building height. The proposed mall, as it is designed will loom over the YMCA’s Westside Y Day Camp unless changes like these are made.
It is kind of hard seeing how this can proceed. Through the efforts of such groups as the Urban Wilderness Coalition it seems that the profile of Turkey Mountain as something good is being raised. I can tell you that the park is being used considerably more than what it was even last year. I’m seeing lots of families out and about in the park.
Personally I think Simon Property Group should abandon their project. And then it will be up to people of Tulsa to acquire the property at a fair price.
Extra Information
NewsOn6.com – Tulsa, OK – News, Weather, Video and Sports – KOTV.com |
Channel 6 was there
And Channel 5 was there
Tulsa World report on the meeting
http://www.tulsaworldtv.com/?ndn.trackingGroup=91468&ndn.siteSection=tulsa_nws_loc_sty_pp&ndn.videoId=28738404&freewheel=91468&sitesection=tulsa_nws_loc_sty_pp&vid=28738404
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I’m really eager to learn the outcome!! I have to admit that if I were there I would hate to see still another mall and particularly on Turkey Mountain!!
Sounds like a productive gathering. Developers don’t give a damn about anything besides the bottom line. If the public pushes against the Turkey Mt location for Simon I do hope they can figure out how to add that private property to your city’s landbase. Don’t suppose Mr Lawyer would like to go for a Turkey run.
Most developers don’t get the difference between a park and a wilderness area. Most of them would consider Woodward Park a wilderness area. They think everyone should be happy will a paved running and bike trail that is flat and easy to navigate. It never occurs to them that many people like a real challenge that a Turkey Mountain run or ride will provide.
With that said, the opposition must be prepared to make their dream come true. As you pointed out, this is private property and this is America. If the opposition is successful in blocking this attempt at development, they need to find some deep pockets, purchase the land from the owner and begin the preservation process. As the old saying goes, “Talk is cheap.” “Put your money where your mouth is.” I hope they do find the financial backing to purchase the land and preserve the wilderness.