Fregonese Associates & the Tulsa Comp Plan

[OurTulsa]

Fregonese won't be a surprise to Tulsa planners.  He won't introduce any concept that Tulsa planners haven't studied.  What he will bring to the City that Tulsa planners have not 'on a comprehensive level' is an ability to present broad and sweeping concepts to the general public and be able to build a general consensus of support for large scale change in development and transportation policies to policy makers.  He will effectively do the job of a planning director for Tulsa.  You won't hear concept from him that some of the guys down at the Tulsa Planning Department and a handful of guys down at INCOG haven't heard and tried to push upon unwilling ears to at least some degree.  

The pending Form Based Code for the Pearl District is the fruit of planning conducted by Theron Warlick at Urban Development (Planning Department).  The Rail initiative and subsequent look at TOD opportunities around potential station locations are the fruits of planners at INCOG.  

I think Frego is a great choice for Tulsa.  He won't promise castles in the sky and from my brief exposure of him he can deliver a message in direct no-nonsense terms which is sometimes necessary around here.

[Double A]

quote:Originally posted by OurTulsa

Fregonese won't be a surprise to Tulsa planners.  He won't introduce any concept that Tulsa planners haven't studied.  What he will bring to the City that Tulsa planners have not 'on a comprehensive level' is an ability to present broad and sweeping concepts to the general public and be able to build a general consensus of support for large scale change in development and transportation policies to policy makers.  He will effectively do the job of a planning director for Tulsa.  You won't hear concept from him that some of the guys down at the Tulsa Planning Department and a handful of guys down at INCOG haven't heard and tried to push upon unwilling ears to at least some degree.  

The pending Form Based Code for the Pearl District is the fruit of planning conducted by Theron Warlick at Urban Development (Planning Department).  The Rail initiative and subsequent look at TOD opportunities around potential station locations are the fruits of planners at INCOG.  

I think Frego is a great choice for Tulsa.  He won't promise castles in the sky and from my brief exposure of him he can deliver a message in direct no-nonsense terms which is sometimes necessary around here.

Why is it that the general public has not had the same input, information, and access to this selection process as some posters here seem to have? It still bothers me how hush, hush the selection process has been. Will planning district representatives be elected to represent various planning districts in the Comp plan update as it had been in the previous comp plan update? Will it even be divided into planning districts?

[PonderInc]

Any time I've had a question about the comp plan, or the consultant or RFP process, I have picked up the phone and called the planning department.  They have never once failed to answer my questions or return my calls.  

They have also repeatedly said they want lots of community involvement in creating the comp plan, and they have repeatedly stated that they want TulsaNow's help to connect the community (ie: average citizens) to the comp plan process.  

Nothing hush-hush as far as I can see.  Pick up phone, mash buttons, speak clearly, receive information.  

When people post information on this forum, it's not becuase they're "insiders" (I'm certainly not!) it's often just that they have taken the time to do some research and then have shared it with the general public.  Pretty cool, huh?

[Renaissance]

quote:Originally posted by Double A

quote:Originally posted by OurTulsa

Fregonese won't be a surprise to Tulsa planners.  He won't introduce any concept that Tulsa planners haven't studied.  What he will bring to the City that Tulsa planners have not 'on a comprehensive level' is an ability to present broad and sweeping concepts to the general public and be able to build a general consensus of support for large scale change in development and transportation policies to policy makers.  He will effectively do the job of a planning director for Tulsa.  You won't hear concept from him that some of the guys down at the Tulsa Planning Department and a handful of guys down at INCOG haven't heard and tried to push upon unwilling ears to at least some degree.  

The pending Form Based Code for the Pearl District is the fruit of planning conducted by Theron Warlick at Urban Development (Planning Department).  The Rail initiative and subsequent look at TOD opportunities around potential station locations are the fruits of planners at INCOG.  

I think Frego is a great choice for Tulsa.  He won't promise castles in the sky and from my brief exposure of him he can deliver a message in direct no-nonsense terms which is sometimes necessary around here.

Why is it that the general public has not had the same input, information, and access to this selection process as some posters here seem to have? It still bothers me how hush, hush the selection process has been. Will planning district representatives be elected to represent various planning districts in the Comp plan update as it had been in the previous comp plan update? Will it even be divided into planning districts?

Everyone knows it's because the ruling elite have conspired in their midtown mansions to impose their elitist plan on the non-elite lower class, particularly with you in mind.  Duh.  [}:)]

[Double A]

Something is odd about the fact that the process to do the RFP started with lots of public input and media attention, but when it came time to select the outfit to do the actual plan things went really quiet, that's all.

Here's a link to the Fregonese YouTube page:

http://www.youtube.com/fregoneseassociates

[RecycleMichael]

quote:Originally posted by Double A

Something is odd about the fact that the process to do the RFP started with lots of public input and media attention, but when it came time to select the outfit to do the actual plan things went really quiet, that's all.

Me thinks doth protesteth too much.

Lots of public and media attention selecting the planning firm hired would be a nightmare. You might as well use the American Idol approach to selecting the most popular or best looking firm. Do you even have a clue as how the process works?

The city planning department did a great job identifying the issues and process, then the city went through standard professional services procedures.

The new firm will solicit plenty of public comments and media attention, believe me.

[Double A]

quote:



Fregonese played for the Cowboys?

I've got to say, nothing gives me confidence in my realtor like knowing he played for the cowboys...

Funny. That would be the Staubach Co., the folks who were brought in to sell the City Hall move to Kathy's Krystal Kastle. Silly rabbit. I wonder if Fregonese will get a bonus if they can sell the Developer's/Chamber's agenda for what will be included in the comp plan update? If TulsaNow has been enlisted to help spread the word about this, how about posting their contract for all to see in the interest of openness, public participation, and public  disclosure? BTW, just who made the decision to pick Fregonese anyway?

[sgrizzle]

To my knowledge the point of the public input was to find what people were interestd in and find a company with experience and expertise in the same areas or have worked with similar cities.

[Double A]

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

quote:Originally posted by Double A

Something is odd about the fact that the process to do the RFP started with lots of public input and media attention, but when it came time to select the outfit to do the actual plan things went really quiet, that's all.

The city planning department did a great job identifying the issues and process, then the city went through standard professional services procedures.

 Just what exactly are the standard professional services procedures? Was it competitively bid or was it a no bid deal? Was there ever an opportunity for public comment on the finalists being considered? Did it even require Council approval?

[Double A]

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

The new firm will solicit plenty of public comments and media attention, believe me.

Do you really think I would ever believe any of the spittle soaked spin that comes out of your lispy mouth?

[Renaissance]

quote:Originally posted by Double A

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

The new firm will solicit plenty of public comments and media attention, believe me.

Do you really think I would ever believe any of the spittle soaked spin that comes out of your lispy mouth?

Ladies and Gentlemen, the voice of the oppressed!  You stay classy, Double A.

[RecycleMichael]

No comment to doublea.

I will save my spittle for an in person conversation.

[pfox]

I believe concerns about the public input process will be alleviated in short order.  In fact, I think there will be more public input in this process than any other effort of any kind in this city's history.  That was a huge part of why this consultant was selected, from what I understand.