Planning commission votes against proposed changes to surface parking plan
By KEVIN CANFIELD World Staff Writer on Sep 18, 2013, at 3:54 PM Updated on 9/18/13 at 4:14 PM
Local Politics
City voters on Nov. 12 will consider separate ballot propositions to extend 1.1 percent in sales taxes up to seven years for $563.7 million in roadwork and other capital improvements projects and to issue $355 million in general obligation bonds mainly for nonarterial roadwork.
Mayor Dewey Bartlett and former Mayor Kathy Taylor have eight weeks to make their cases before voters go to the polls Nov. 12.
The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission voted 10-1 to not recommend approval of changes to the city's demolition and surface parking lot policy as it pertains to the Inner Dispersal Loop.
The Planning Commission's vote came after commissioners heard from about a dozen property owners who expressed strong opposition to the proposal.
The item now goes to the City Council for consideration.
The draft ordinance amendment would prohibit surface parking lots as a principal use by right within the Inner Dispersal Loop and put in place new requirements for the demolition of structures within the area.
Under the proposal, a property owner wishing to turn land within the IDL into a surface parking lot would need approval from the Board of Adjustment.
Surface parking lots within the IDL would be allowed only as an accessory use and would have to be on the same property as the principal use.
Currently, a property owner is not required to provide an explanation for demolishing a structure.
The proposed ordinance change would allow demolition when a building is determined to be unsafe or the property owner can show the city that he has a construction permit and zoning approval to replace the demolished structure with a new building.
City councilors approved a temporary ban on demolishing downtown buildings for surface parking lots last year until the council could consider permanent restrictions in the zoning code.
The moratorium had been extended several times and expired Sept. 1.
Local Politics
City voters on Nov. 12 will consider separate ballot propositions to extend 1.1 percent in sales taxes up to seven years for $563.7 million in roadwork and other capital improvements projects and to issue $355 million in general obligation bonds mainly for nonarterial roadwork.
Mayor Dewey Bartlett and former Mayor Kathy Taylor have eight weeks to make their cases before voters go to the polls Nov. 12.
