Terry Young: Preserve our urban wilderness

Now, almost exactly 30 years after the Turkey Mountain Special District was created, there is again an interest in commercial development adjacent to this wonderful natural recreation feature.

Our city leaders have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars since the 1970’s trying to determine what best defines Tulsa; what will best attract new residents and economic development; what makes Tulsa unique.

PRESERVE OUR URBAN WILDERNESS

Now, almost exactly 30 years after the Turkey Mountain Special District was created, there is again an interest in commercial development adjacent to this wonderful natural recreation feature.

In city after city there are large commercial clusters as well as strips of commercial development. There is nothing unique about commercial shopping malls.

Most Tulsans at public meeting oppose proposed outlet mall near Turkey Mountain

About 200 people filled a ballroom at the Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills, with most of the applause saved for those who spoke against the project.
Conspicuously absent was a representative of the Simon Property Group’s development team.

YMCA opposes mall development without concessions

“We are committed to protect a valuable and unique urban wilderness experience for children today, and for generations to come,” the letter states. “For this reason the YMCA requests that certain conditions and requirements be included in the development plan that will achieve the goal of lessening the impact on our children.”