Designs Released For Proposed Mall Near Turkey Mountain

Colin Tawney monitored what came out of the meeting. He’s concerned about the mall’s development on a pristine recreational area in the middle of the city.

Tawney said even remote places of Turkey Mountain will be impacted by the project.

“You’re not in the city anymore right here; this is why people come out here. Looking out through the trees and seeing a mall there is the complete antithesis of that,” he said.

The Outlet Mall on Turkey Mountain Moves a Step Further

 We are going to see lots of asphalt and lots of cars and lots of stores selling crap. Also, this huge mall is only going to have one entrance, off a two lane road from a freeway instersection with no lights. I’m expecting that they will want the road and the intersection upgraded at no cost to them as an “incentive.” I’m also sure that will want some fancy tax treatment to pay for infrastructure as more incentives. They are building on private land so they can do what they want but I don’t want to incentivize them. I’d like them to go somewhere else in town. Perhaps to a failed existing shopping center and redevelop it.

The Ugly Simon Mall Details

Near 61st Street, there will be a 10 foot retaining wall right at the edge of the Pipeline Trail. This wall runs north and very slightly west along the top of the ridge, and this wall gets TALLER the further north you go. Around the area where the Old Boys Trail starts, the wall is 15 feet. Not much further north the wall is 45 feet tall. If you follow the wall to where it starts curving around to the west, the wall gets up to 75 feet!!!

The YMCA is obviously very concerned. All the kids attending summer camp will have this 7 story tall wall staring them in the face. Goodbye to the wilderness feel of this YMCA camp.

TUWC Hosts a “Get to Know Turkey Mountain” Day Feb 21

The Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition is hosting a “Get to Know Turkey Mountain” guided walk Feb 21. This will be a gentle walk geared toward familiarizing new Trail Users with Turkey Mountain. This event is free and open to all ages! All we ask is that you please register for the event so we have adequate volunteers for our visitors. If you are interested in volunteering please contact the TUWC webmaster@tulsaurbanwildernesscoalition.org.

To register follow this link. Space is limited.