The weeks have been busy with meetings, phone calls, and e-mails mostly about land use issues - past, present and future. While many Tulsans remain blissfully unaware and unaffected, others are suffering at the hands of an inadequate and antiquated land use system. Here's an update about two activities we hope will result in workable solutions:
Land Use Communications Task Force. It is time for us to begin discussing recommendations. If you have suggestions to improve communication related to land use, please e-mail jblair@tulsacouncil.org. All of the presentations and meeting materials are available. The agendas for our remaining meetings have been finalized with the last working meeting scheduled for June 1.
PlaniTulsa. Tuesday, May 12th was the roll out of the four scenarios for Tulsa’s future. I hope you will complete the survey to help determine which scenario best reflects our city's vision. The feedback will guide development of a plan to be presented to the public, the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and finally, approved by the Council.
At a recent Land Use Task Force meeting, city planners noted that unless Tulsans opt to continue on our current path, the existing zoning code will not accommodate our vision for the future. One map delineated the areas with established single-family neighborhoods and also, many underdeveloped areas. It showed us that Tulsa has room to grow and still, protect our *sense of place.
Many of you have expressed concern about the plan and whether it will truly reflect our collective vision. But if you don’t participate in the process, there is absolutely zero chance your voice will be heard. If you have concerns or questions about the scenarios, don’t judge and begrudge. Get in the game! Surveys are due June 18, 2009.
*The reference to a 'sense of place' is taken from a brochure published by Salt Lake City's Planning & Zoning Enforcement, Division of Community Development.