River Development Tulsa Style
There is a lot of discussion, debate and propaganda ongoing over recently announced plans for “river development” in Tulsa.
Tulsa County taxpayers are being asked to approve a “$282 million river tax” set for a vote on October 9th. If Tulsa County taxpayers fork over $282 million, private developers have promised another $118 million for “public improvements”.
The purpose of the “river tax” is to basically encourage development along the Arkansas River as it flows through Tulsa County. It includes funding for two “low water dams” – one in Sand Springs and the other in Jenks and improvements to the existing low water dam in Tulsa. The idea being to put water in the river, year round.
Supposedly once the Arkansas River has water in it year-round private developers will jump on the opportunity, businesses will suddenly spring up and boom and the streets now littered with potholes, while they won’t be paved with gold, will at least be passable.
Since City of Tulsa taxpayers will pay the majority of any “river taxes”, it is interesting to see exactly what the city stands to gain for the taxpayers money. Truth is, it ain’t much unless Tulsans are willing to give up a lot of public space in the deal.
In Sunday’s “Tulsa World” there appeared an article titled, “City seeks expert development help”. In that report much of the proposed development areas were revealed on a map of downtown Tulsa and the adjacent Arkansas River.
Three city owned properties are destined for “river development”, two public park areas and a city own public works facility. Additionally, the use of a property currently housing a cement company is also mentioned for “river development”, provided a deal can be made with its owners.
That’s it for “river development” within the City of Tulsa.
But wait, aren’t those two public parks already used by the citizens of Tulsa?
Yes they are.
One of them, River West Festival Park is home to Tulsa’s Octoberfest, the Reynolds Amphitheater and floating stage and other events. The second, Tulsa West Park, which is southwest of the River West Festival Park, is the only other public park to serve the needs of the many residents of the apartment complexes in the area bounded by 23rd St. on the south, 17th St. on the north, Jackson on the east and Southwest Blvd. on the west.
A third public park may also be turned over to private developers and that would be the River Skate Park which is adjacent to the city’s public works facility.
As a matter of fact, the only private property discussed for “river development” is the tract of land now occupied by the cement company. Everything else mentioned in the Tulsa World article and accompanying map as available for private river development are public parks.
As proposed “river development” now stands in Tulsa it will cost Tulsa County taxpayers $282 million. In addition it will cost city residents at least two and likely three of its most popular public parks and possibly Octoberfest in the process.
Is it worth it?
The answer is likely a resounding “Yes” if one is a potential developer looking for a windfall profit at the expense of the public.
For everyone else, the more that is revealed about this shady deal the more something stinks.
Well, other than the Arkansas River…
Reference:
City seeks expert development help
