Tulsa Planning Commission May 21st

[spoonbill]

Gentlemen/women,

We have the winners of the new Tulsa Darwin Awards.  If you did not get a chance to see the Tulsa planning commission meeting on the 21st, than you should request a video copy of the meeting.  It  is the sparkling example of what's wrong with Tulsa, why developers flee, and why strip-malls flourish.   It should be used as an educational tool in universities and for future commissioners to serve as an example of how to destroy a city by committee.

The development presented for approval was a tract on 14th street directly across the street from the Mapleridge neighborhood.  I think it was called Maple Terrace.  It was a set of 4 story lofts designed to match the surrounding (and in some cases no longer existing) building fronts of cherry street.  The back of the buildings had large upper decks that offered an amazing view of downtown Tulsa.  

The design of the Maple Terrace lofts did three things.  They revived the existing cherry street style, shielded the view of the highway from street and pedestrian traffic, and offered the high-end residential density that this area needs. Parking was also shielded, and the style was attractive to pedestrian traffic.

All aspects of the development were in order.  Parking, easements,  only minor variance was needed.  This was a nice little development that would have added to the aesthetics and property values in the area, and brought back some Chery Street style.  There was almost no opposition from the surrounding property and homeowners.

The development was represented by the developer and the very capable Charles Norman.

The rest is for you to see. . .

Basically the Planning Commission held a circus that no one can understand.  Every member wanted to talk and wave to Mom on TV.  At one point I had to leave the room because I got physically nauseated.  It was like watching your kid give a speech when he forgets the words and starts sweating and making stuff up.

After the development was hacked to pieces, turned inside out, and made into a parking lot with some buildings on it, the developer was sent back to the table, and most likely to Broken Arrow or Jenks.

GET THE VIDEO!!!!

THIS IS NEWS

BAD NEWS!

[Kenosha]

Have you any Plans? Planning commission packet? Anything? Or just your word?

trc     MB     Z-7096     9212     6/4     5/21/2008     Charles E. Norman     Maple Terrace Townhomes     1440 S. Norfolk Ave.     RS-3 to OL           4/10/08     4/29/08     Approved                     
trc    MB    PUD-757    9212    6/4    5/21/2008    Charles E. Norman    Maple Terrace Townhomes    1440 S. Norfolk Ave.    PUD    5/1/2008    4/10/08    4/29/08    Approved

[akupetsky]

I saw that meeting.  The plan was to tear down one house on 14th & Norfolk and replace it with 7 townhouses at 45 feet.  There was a lot of concern about whether such a small street could accomodate that many new houses,  while several other businesses & houses remained.  It was protested by the MapleRidge neighborhood, and the surrounding businesses, as well as multiple individuals.  Many people stayed through the marathon session to voice there concerns.  Ultimately, it was recommended for approval, but limited to 4 units at 35 feet.

[Gaspar]

That was ours.  

I heard it was a marathon, but I didn't hear that it was any kind of fiasco.  We hoped to develop the density we feel advantageous to the area but unfortunately that is  not what the city and the people wish, so we are happy to abide by that ruling.

Spoon, you are too sensitive, this is what we do every day, and we usually anticipate whatever response we get.  We usually have our developers and attorney's meet with the neighbors long before the planning meetings so that we know what we need to design for the developer and for the good of the community.  This was no big deal!

The conceptual elevations for the 4 we anticipated were already developed ahead of time.  They do indeed have amazing terraces on the back that view the downtown skyline.  Each floor also offers this view from entertaining areas to bedrooms.  I believe they are about 2,700 sq. ft. each.

Once I get the go-ahead, I will probably be doing some photorealistic renderings of the project.  Hopefully the 4 units will still meet the developers profit model and we will go forward.

I'll post more images as we develop them.



 

[spoonbill]

It was an embarrassment!

[RecycleMichael]

Don't spoonbill and gaspar work for the same development firm?

[Gaspar]

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

Don't spoonbill and gaspar work for the same development firm?

 
Spoon who are you?

[TheArtist]

I really like those, the style will fit the area nicely. I like that spot where they are going too. Have always imagined building on that spot if I had the money. Defintely a great view.

[spoonbill]

quote:Originally posted by Gaspar

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

Don't spoonbill and gaspar work for the same development firm?

 
Spoon who are you?

Gaspar,

I've worked with your company a lot, but never for Dan.  I am retired now.  Use TEPA for most of what's left because they are cheaper.  No offense!  

RM I don't know you, do I?

KDC

[RecycleMichael]

I must have thought you were some other poster with a rodent avatar and a name that included a eating utensil.

[joiei]

I like the looks of this developement.  It would be a great addition to put something like that on the piece of property where that sub shop is on Peoria right next to the BA bridge.  I know living next to the BA might not be the best but it would look at heck of a lot better than what is there now.

[Gaspar]

quote:Originally posted by joiei

I like the looks of this developement.  It would be a great addition to put something like that on the piece of property where that sub shop is on Peoria right next to the BA bridge.  I know living next to the BA might not be the best but it would look at heck of a lot better than what is there now.

We got a lot of good input and feedback during the design phase.  We really would like to do more of this along Cherry Street.  I think the area is really positioned well for this type of community creation!

[RecycleMichael]

quote:Originally posted by inteller
There should be a requirement that at least 2 members are picked from the community at large and have NO connections to developers.

What a stupid idea. A special election to elect a planning commissioner?

[inteller]

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

quote:Originally posted by inteller
There should be a requirement that at least 2 members are picked from the community at large and have NO connections to developers.

What a stupid idea. A special election to elect a planning commissioner?

your opinion is disqualified because you drink from the same kool-aid fountains as the rest of the INCOG cronies.

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by inteller

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

quote:Originally posted by inteller
There should be a requirement that at least 2 members are picked from the community at large and have NO connections to developers.

What a stupid idea. A special election to elect a planning commissioner?

your opinion is disqualified because you drink from the same kool-aid fountains as the rest of the INCOG cronies.

I prefer Hawaiian Punch.