WILL THE TPC STAND UP TO CITY COUNCIL?

[pmcalk]

For those who have been following the case, the developer of Arvest Bank has done exactly what we expected him to do.  Instead of following up with his appeal to the Board of Adjustments for the COA denial (which he would probably lose), the developer has simply reapplied to the Tulsa Preservation Commission for a new Certificate of Appropriateness, which is scheduled to be heard next week. (By the way, this must have already been in the works for it to be on the schedule so quickly).  I am sure that he believes that the City Council's improper direction to grant the COA will create enough pressure that the TPC will fold, ignore the ordinance and the guidelines, and grant the COA.

There are three lots in question (all of which were occupied houses before the developer destroyed or moved them).  The first two recieved a COA to build a parking lot.  This was done in error (a misunderstanding of the relationship between a PUD and HP zoning).  Members of the TPC have admitted to that.  The Yorktown neighborhood asked for reconsideration of that COA, but never got a response.

Why was the third one denied?  For those who have never read the HP zoning ordinance, the TPC is required to consider five things in denying or approving a COA.  First and foremost is the guidelines for the neighborhood.  The parking lot does not meet the guidelines, even with Baker's modifications.  The other factors relate to whether the work destroys, inteferes, or is compatible with the historic resource, and the purposes of historic preservation.  To say that a large, walled, surface lot that extends to the street is APPROPRIATE where three 1920's bungalows once stood is ludicrous.

For those living in historic neighborhoods, or thinking of becoming historic neighborhoods, think about what this means.  The TPC has to be consistent; do you want to live in a neighborhood which requires you to install only the most expensive windows, but allows your neighbor to pave his front yard, and build a wall?  Please take a moment to email the Tulsa Preservation Commission & let them know you support them.  They did the right thing the first time around.