Trail Supporters Seek Answers At Tulsa Town Hall Meeting

<p>Tulsans with questions took over a meeting Monday night that didn't originally even have the issue on the agenda.</p>

Monday, August 25th 2014, 11:39 pm

By: News On 6

Trail Supporters Seek Answers At Tulsa Town Hall Meeting

It's a tug-of-war over the price of progress, as many are wondering if an outlet mall will cost Tulsa a one-of-a-kind wilderness area.

Tulsans with questions took over a meeting Monday night that didn't originally even have the issue on the agenda.

It was a packed house with two adjoining rooms at Zarrow Library in west Tulsa. The meeting was originally meant to be a discussion about code enforcement, but the crowd began asking about Turkey Mountain and dozens had to be ushered to a different section of the library as the city tried to answer questions.

High-end shopping could take over where high-intensity thrill seekers spend much of their time. Plans to put up a premium outlet mall could chew into the wilderness beside Tulsa's Turkey Mountain.

“As soon as development comes, the animals and trails disappear,” said Tulsa cyclist, Tyler Hanes.

Councilor Jeannie Cue assured a concerned crowd Monday that, as soon as she knew something, she would let them know.

“We have heard someone has an interest in that, but we've heard that on different projects before, so until there is something a little more concrete there is nothing to really get excited about,” Cue said.

But the group wanted a little more excitement and a few more answers.

“I'm really disappointed,” said Turkey Mountain supporter, Nicci Small. “I don't feel like they did any research. Whether it's the land is sold or not sold, or zoned or not zoned. Those are really basic questions and I'm surprised they couldn't help us understand where we're at or what our options are.

Some of the trails on the west side of the mountain are actually on private land and could be developed.

The land is zoned agricultural right now and the supporters wanted to know if Simon, the company interested in building the outlet mall, has looked to rezone it.

The city did put out signup sheets for people to leave their information and assured people that as soon as there were any updates they would let them know through email.