City Hall Blog: Yes, there are supporters of mall near Turkey Mountain

The problem for supporters of the mall is that at the public meetings they have been vastly outnumbered by those who object to the project, and my reporting has reflected that.

So when I say there are plenty of people out there who want the mall, I’m not basing it on the public meetings. I’m basing it on my emails and voice mails.

Natural beauty
Tulsans make the case to protect Turkey Mountain

The resistance has reached a clear and eloquent critical mass, a decided ripening that’s accelerated over the past few months. Simon has twice requested additional time to prepare for its meeting with the Planning Commission, which is now expected to take place June 17.

Turkey Mountain update: Simon gets a case of the yips, postpones mall hearing again

Simon was taken by surprise over the public reaction to the proposed mall. This is a company used to getting its way, particularly in cities hungry for new tax revenue. The initial pushback last fall was probably ignored,with the thought that it would subside over time. Instead, it has only grown. The online petition against the mall has nearly 8,500 signatures, and the crowds at two public forums to discuss the mall plan have been decidedly against Simon’s proposal.

Developer of proposed mall near Turkey Mountain seeks to postpone zoning hearing

The latest request, which must be approved by the Planning Commission, seeks to have the hearing moved to June 17.

“We would love to see it go somewhere else,” said Laurie Biby, public relations coordinator for the Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition. “We have no bad feelings for Simon, we just wish they would look at another site.”

Biby said she hopes Tulsa residents concerned about the proposed mall will stay engaged in the process.
“Because by no means do we think we are done with this,” she said.

A great weekend of running for Tulsa: Great Plains 10K, Snake Run

But more importantly, what a great weekend of running for Tulsa. It sure seemed like the Great Plains 10K was a success, and TZ put on another great Snake Run. People got to enjoy the trails at Turkey Mountain, and thanks to all the runners, their efforts will help future endeavors to preserve and promote one of the city’s greatest assets.