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News and Events
November 21, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Julie Hall at 698-6161 or iwrite@cox.net
Today, Who Owns Tulsa, Inc. and the neighborhoods affected by the proposed development at 10 N. Yale are saddened to report that weeks of attempted negotiations have been unsuccessful. In order to preserve our legal rights and preserve future options for resolution, we are filing an appeal to the issuance of the building permit with the Board of Adjustment.
We recognize the need to help the homeless. Providing affordable housing is a vital part of the solution. The Mental Health Association of Tulsa and the Housing Authority of the City of Tulsa efforts should be applauded as they partner to address a significant social problem.
However, in their enthusiasm for this project, THA and MHAT sought support from politicians and philanthropists, but left the neighborhoods out of the discussion. Feeling very much like victims of a flagrantly flawed process, we have been wrongly portrayed by some as heartless villains.
In the same vain, area property owners have been too quick to question the motives of some of Tulsa's most generous individuals. We all love this city and deserve to be treated with respect, not disdain.
As we look to the future, there must be open discourse or we will continue to be a community divided by the pervasive feeling that to 'have' is to have all the power and decision-making authority and to 'have not' is to be left out of the process of growing our city. Complex issues deserve inclusive processes and thoughtful planning followed by ongoing review.
The ultimate goal of the negotiations between the neighborhoods, THA and MHAT has been to create a collaborative process to ensure the project's success and that the surrounding neighborhoods continue to experience restoration, reinvestment and revitalization. However, achieving a balance has proven difficult.
It is time to put the mistakes of the past behind us and move forward. Even as we file our appeal and prepare for the worst, we must hope for the best. There is still time to show Tulsa that we can put aside our hostility and act in the interest of the greater good.
The goals of providing affordable housing and healthy neighborhoods are not mutually exclusive, but mutually beneficial and we remain hopeful that a settlement can be reached in the days to come.
Real Estate Deal Raises Questions
Questions swirl around the sale of land sited for a low-income apartment complex.
http://www.fox23.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=32965@video.fox23.com&navCatId=5
Group Asks: "Who Owns Tulsa?"
Residents of a Tulsa neighborhood, where a controversial housing project is headed, are asking, "Who Owns Tulsa?" The White City neighborhood association is hoping a new campaign will unite neighborhoods across the city. News On 6's Dan Bewley reports White City residents say city goverment...
http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?s=8852672
From Who Owns Tulsa? Meeting, Sept. 6th
Upcoming Events
PLANiTULSA
Thank you for your interest in the growth and improvement of Tulsa. Your
participation is vitally important as we engage in a process of community
planning that we call PLANiTULSA. Please participate in the upcoming
planning workshops, Sept. 22 and 23. To register go to www.planitulsa.org,
or call the PLANiTULSA info line at 918.576.5684.
Who Owns Tulsa? Benefit Concert
Sunset Bar & Grill
5800 S. Lewis
Sunday, September 28th
1:00pm-6:00pm
Featuring Wanda Watson
A family-friendly affair for folks of all ages
Admission $5 for adults, children free
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