From:
Colin Tawney
TUWC Government Affairs Coordinator

According to our sources at INCOG, Simon has requested another continuance of their zoning hearing before the TMAPC to August 19, 2015.

Based on lack of public support as well as lack of support from the City Council, we cannot see how Simon would still be preparing a site plan for this property.

However, the recent announcement by the City of Jenks that Simon had signed a contract on land south of the Creek Turnpike, was pre-empted by a cancelled press conference.

What does all this mean, and should we still be concerned? Anyone involved with this project has said Simon has been very silent since the forums were held in mid-March. The series of delays and lack of communication on this matter has puzzled government leaders as well as development insiders.

Based on what has happened in other markets where there have been multiple developers vying for an outlet mall in a market which will only support one, this is really not terribly surprising. In other markets where Simon was late to the game, they have used similar tactics to end up either chasing out competition or partnering with another developer. Simon is the undisputed king of outlet retail management companies, they also rule the traditional mall market. With that sort of presence comes the clout to woo all of the major retailers required to develop an outlet mall.

Certainly, we cannot take our eyes off Simon, but with the high cost of infrastructure improvements as well as numerous challenges the Turkey Mountain site presents, there really does not seem to be any reason for Simon to attempt to develop there.

We are continuing to monitor the situation and follow up with city officials as well as contacts we have within the development community. We will have someone attend the June 17 TMAPC meeting to report back on the continuance or if there are any other developments.

Outlet mall developer abandons Turkey Mountain site for Jenks location

An outlet mall slated for the Turkey Mountain area is now headed to Jenks, according to an investor’s brochure from the developer and the mayor of Jenks.

Turkey Mountain update: Risking wilderness and taxpayer money on a dubious outlet mall plan

I’d argue that the proposed Premium Shoppes at Turkey Mountain is a plan destined for failure. And what will that leave us with, should that come to pass? A barren parking lot with empty buildings sitting atop what used to be wild, old-growth forest that people and wildlife once enjoyed. A city asset will become a liability, and there won’t be any chance of recovering what it used to be.

More outlet mall ponderings

To some, an outlet mall is the best gift ever–new jobs for our city, more sales tax revenue, and BARGAINS! Ask 1,000 people from all areas and walks of life–“Would you like to have a Premium Outlet Mall in Tulsa?” 95% of Tulsans would answer yes. I am sure of that. But ask the SAME 1,000 people a second question–“If another location for the mall could be found that did not have a negative impact on Tulsa’s Urban Wilderness, would you be in favor of putting it in another location? I bet at least 80% would favor another location.

Simon Property Group Formally Announces New Outlet Mall on Tulsa’s Turkey Mountain

The dirty little secret about shopping malls is that they are declining. Tulsa has several shopping malls that are in severe decline. Maybe Simon could rebuild an out mall in such a location and leave a wilderness alone.