Broken Arrow denies development proposal

UPDATE:

The Broken Arrow City Council voted four to one to deny an applicant's request to rezone property and a conditional use permit for the proposal to develop an Islamic Center in south Broken Arrow.

The Council acted during a Special Meeting held at Northeastern State University's Broken Arrow campus to accommodate the estimated 1,300 people who attended the meeting. The development proposal was the only item on the Council's agenda.

The applicant requested that the 15 acres off Olive Avenue near the Creek Turnpike be rezoned from Agricultural to Commercial General and a Conditional Use Permit to allow for a place of assembly to be built on the property.

The Council heard from the applicant who presented the proposal, and from approximately 60 citizens who addressed the governing body to express their opinions on the potential development. After three hours of public comment, a motion to deny based on land use and infrastructure, the rezoning and conditional use permits was made, seconded and voted on.

The Broken Arrow City Council will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the Administrative Services Building at Northeastern State University-Broken Arrow, 3100 New Orleans Street.

On Dec. 18, the Broken Arrow Planning Commission recommended a change in the City's Zoning Ordinance and approved a Conditional Use Permit requested by the Islamic Center of Tulsa. The property is located on just over 15 acres off Olive Avenue near the Creek Turnpike.

According to the city's development process, the application will now go before the City Council for consideration and a final decision.

In a video statement released on Jan. 9, Mayor Debra Wimpee and City Manager Michael Spurgeon referenced the attention the proposed project has garnered over the last couple of weeks.

"Most development proposals that appear before the City Council don't generate much interest," Wimpee said. "But this one is different. It's drawn significant attention from Broken Arrow residents and from individuals outside our community. We understand it's generated strong feelings of support and strong feelings of opposition."

City Manager Michael Spurgeon said city leaders understand that many residents are passionate about the development, regardless of which side they take on the project.

"One of the great things about our country is freedom of speech," Spurgeon said. "We are each entitled to our opinion, and it's our right to express how we feel. That basic right is something the Council and the Administration have and always will support. In fact, we strongly encourage everyone to find their voice and engage with what's going on in our city. However, we urge everyone to lower the temperature just a bit and engage in civil discourse on this application. We're asking that the conversations about the proposal moving forward be calm and neighborly."

The Mayor reminded the public that the project is still under consideration by the City Council and urged residents to engage in respectful dialogue.

"It's a proposal that's up for discussion, and that is what's happening on Jan. 12," Wimpee said. "On behalf of the entire City Council and our City Manager, we look forward to seeing many of you there for what we hope is a professional, productive, and resolute conversation focused on the facts of the proposed development."

The Administrative Services Building is centrally located on NSU-BA's campus, with parking available in the west, east, and north lots. The doors will open at 5 p.m., and all attendees must enter through the designated southwest entrance. Overflow seating will be available in the facility's Ballroom.

Security procedures will include Broken Arrow Police Officers utilizing metal detectors at the entrance. Bags, backpacks, and large containers will not be permitted. In addition, NSU-BA is located on state property, so firearms are prohibited on its campus and buildings. Other personal items may be checked by police at their discretion. These measures will be in place to ensure the safety of all participants.

Individuals who wish to speak are encouraged to arrive early to complete a short opinion form, which must be submitted no later than 5:50 p.m. on Jan. 12. Specific forms for this meeting will be provided. According to City Council guidelines, each speaker has up to three minutes to address the Council as is customary for Broken Arrow City Council meetings.

For those who cannot attend in person, a livestream of the meeting will be available on YouTube at youtube.com/cityofbrokenarrow under the Live tab.