North Tulsans Protest New Dollar Store, Call For Grocery Stores

A City of Tulsa moratorium on new dollar stores hasn't stopped construction on one near Carver Middle School.

That led to a protest Monday night.

A lot is being cleared for a Dollar General some folks in the community don't want.

They tried stopping it through City Hall but their next effort is in a court room.

9/20/2017 Related Story: Tulsa City Council Approves Grocery Store Moratorium

With a loud cry protestors demanded something else.

They're against new dollar stores, especially one planned between Carver and a church.

Pine Street Christian Church Pastor Brenda Denson doesn't want Dollar General next door.

"It's just fast food. We have elderly in this community, and we need food that's nutritious for them. They need to shop and the prices are too high," Denson said.

The work on the site just started with permits issued long before the moratorium took effect.

The new store will be just down the street from a Family Dollar, and another Dollar General is just a mile north.

"The community has clearly spoken on this issue," said Tulsa City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper.

Hall-Harper continues a fight against the Tulsa Development Authority, which sold the land for the Dollar General.

"The moratorium passed last week, but they are still pushing forward, so our only recourse may be in a court of law," Hall-Harper said.

The city won't issue new permits for dollar stores for six months.

The expectation is the delay will lead to something better.

"As of right now, we have enough $2 stores in north Tulsa, and we need some $5 stores," said protestor Albert Davis.

Mayor G.T. Bynum signed the moratorium Monday and it took effect immediately.

Dollar General could not be reached for comment.