TulsaNow

SPEAK UP AND SUPPORT PLANITULSA! – Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Bates) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:54:00 +0000

SPEAK UP AND SUPPORT PLANITULSA! – Today!
TMAPC Public Hearing:
Wed, 3/10/2010, 1:30-4:30 PM
City Hall, 2nd and Cincinnati

Olly, olly, oxen, free!

This is it, folks. Send your email TODAY to show support for PLANiTULSA.

Comments may be sent to: planning@cityoftulsa.org and TMAPC@incog.org.

Better yet, show up in person to speak at today's TMAPC meeting at City Hall from 1:30 – 4:30 PM.

We know that some members of the development and real estate industry will show up en mass to sway the debate. So it’s important that average citizens voice their support for the plan as written.

Who is this “Miss Information” person?

If you remember the intimidation and mis-information campaign that erupted over neighborhood conservation districts a few years ago, you won’t be surprised that the same groups are trying to muddy the water once again. After the most transparent public process in Tulsa’s history (which has received overwhelming public involvement for the past TWO YEARS), these groups are crying foul: “they haven’t had enough time” to review PLANiTULSA yet!

This is simply a stalling tactic, so they will have time to confuse people about the issues. Alarmist emails are being spread in a last-ditch effort to frighten people, in a lame attempt to change the plan according to their desires. (Copy and paste the same old lies: "It’s a Communist plot! Your property rights will be taken away! Your neighbors will tell you what color to paint your house!")

Targeting “Areas of Stability.”

The concept of "Areas of Stability" and "Areas of Change" is integral to the PLANiTULSA Land Use plan. It basically states that stable, healthy, and historic neighborhoods shouldn't expect massive change. The Land Use chapter states:

“Development activities in these areas should be limited to the rehabilitation or improvement of existing homes, or small-scale infill that complements the character of the neighborhood and is consistent in form, scale, rhythm and proportion as seen from the street.”

Sounds pretty straightforward, right?

Certain developers wish to strike this language and replace it with:

"Development activities in these areas should be limited to the rehabilitation, improvement or replacement of existing homes, and small-scale infill projects, as permitted through clear and objective setback, height, and other development standards of the zoning code."

Subtle, eh? (They already got rid of the statement that infill should take place on empty lots in Areas of Stability.)

Targeting “Classic Neighborhoods”

The Home Builders Association also wants to delete the following section from p. 54 of the Land Use chapter:

“Historic designations are often considered the only way to protect classic neighborhoods; this is a valuable policy tool to preserve a neighborhood’s special qualities. However, most neighborhoods do not meet the requirements necessary to qualify for historic designation. The concept of stability and change is specifically designed to enhance the unique qualities of older neighborhoods that are looking for new ways to preserve their character and quality of life.”

In addition, they keep trying to insert language that supports demolition of homes in areas of stability. (Some folks prefer “re-fill” to “in-fill” development. And they would prefer to build McMansions in Brookside than transformative new development in areas of change.)

Targeting Small Area Planning & Public Input

The HBA also appears to oppose Small Area planning...and public input of all kinds. (No shock, no awe.) Indeed, their comments repeatedly attempt to DELETE references to Small Area Planning!

Here’s a Land Use Goal that they want to see deleted:

5.3 Create a robust and meaningful public involvement process that emphasizes long-term consensus rather than project-by-project evaluation and approval.
• Develop and use a standard small area or neighborhood planning process to develop a long-range vision for new centers, neighborhoods, and areas in need of revitalization and reinvestment.
• Design the small area and neighborhood planning process to maximize local public input and identify key implementation steps. The resulting plans should reflect neighborhood needs and desires and support citywide Vision and goals.
• Small area or neighborhood planning process shall result in an implementable plan and a clear land use program that enables build-by-right zoning standards for desired buildings and uses.

Unnecessary Road Widening

Other issues for debate include INCOG’s desire to add several miles (hundreds of millions of $$) for road widening to the plan. (PLANiTULSA recommends the use of new intersection technology that would improve traffic flow at a fraction of the cost, and make street widening unnecessary.)

If one developer doesn’t like something...

The great thing about PLANiTULSA is that you can see exactly who is lobbying for changes to the plan.

View the public comments that were submitted between March 5-9:

View the items for TMAPC debate:

Be informed. Stay involved. Speak up!

If you would like to speak at the TMAPC meeting, be sure to read the Procedures for TMAPC Public Hearings on PLANiTULSA

Citizens are encouraged to sign up ahead of time to speak at the public hearings by calling (918) 576-5684.

You can also submit comments in lieu of testimony at the public hearing. These comments should include your name and contact information.

Email your comments to:

planning@cityoftulsa.org
and
TMAPC@INCOG.org

MORE INFO: www.planitulsa.org

Give us a shout!
Got something to include in the TulsaNow e-newsletter? Send us an email. We will try to publish any information that is pertinent to the mission of TulsaNow. Submit information to: newsletter@tulsanow.org.

Post Your Event on the TulsaNow Calendar!
There is so much going on in Tulsa, we can’t keep track of it all. Thousands of people visit the TulsaNow web site each week. Post your meetings, happenings, and events on the TulsaNow calendar and help us keep Tulsans informed of what’s going on in our community! For information on posting, click here.
Check out the TulsaNow Calendar !

TulsaNow is a grassroots, non-profit organization working to help Tulsa reach its full potential. We encourage civic participation by providing people with the information they need to get educated, get involved, and make a positive impact on Tulsa. Our goal? To help Tulsa become the most vibrant, diverse, sustainable and prosperous city of its size.

It’s time…for TulsaNow!

GET ON THE FLOAT!

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:19:00 +0000

Join TulsaNow members and friends on the "Dome Sweet Dome" float as we participate in the first ever Blue Dome Mardi Gras Parade!

Be a part of history and participate in the first ever Blue Dome Mardi Gras Parade! If you love a parade (and who doesn’t?), show your support for downtown Tulsa by jumping on board the TulsaNow “Dome Sweet Dome” float. There will be plenty of room for everyone, so bring your family and friends. We’ll also be handing out complimentary blue beads to spectators along the parade route.

The parade starts at 7:00 PM at 1st and Greenwood. If you want to jump on board, be there between 6:30-7:00. (Look for the shiny semi-truck pulling a flatbed!) There will be plenty of room on the float, so bring lawn chairs, bean bags or blankets to sit on. You can also walk beside the float to help hand out beads.

The parade will start at 1st and Greenwood. From there, it will travel west to 1st and Detroit, then turn south to 2nd and Detroit before heading back east to Greenwood Avenue. After the parade, stick around for a street party in the Blue Dome district.

“Let the good times roll,”

WHAT: Blue Dome Mardi Gras Parade
WHEN: Tues, February 16, 7:00 PM
WHERE: Parade starts at 1st and Greenwood
MORE INFO: info@tulsanow.org

Mardi-Gras and T-shirts!

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Grizzle) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:26:00 +0000

TulsaNow will have an entry in the Mardi Gras parade. In a fashion unlike our recent tv-show visitors, we will be decorating our float in approximately ONE HOUR! Call it Extreme Makeover: Mardi Gras Edition.

We will also be debuting our first ever official TulsaNow t-shirts. Come check them out, we hope to be selling them to the general public in the near future.

TulsaNow Annual Meeting - February 10th

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Grizzle) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:01:00 +0000

Join us on Wednesday, February 10th and find out what TulsaNow will be doing in the coming year (and how you can get involved).

Whether you’re interested in architectural tours, urban planning, or participating in Tulsa’s first Mardi Gras parade (seriously!), we’ve got something for everyone this year.

Get excited! Engage in TulsaNow!
Where: Enso 104 S Detroit
When: Feb 10th, 6pm

"Tulsa Treasures" Architectural Tour - Dec 5th, 10:00 AM

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:50:00 +0000

Tulsa is home to a wealth of architectural gems and historic buildings. You’ve driven past them a thousand times. But have you ever been inside? Join TulsaNow for our first “Tulsa Treasures” architectural tour.

Celebrating the release of the Historic Survey of Downtown Tulsa, we will be touring a selection of unique (and sometimes underappreciated) historic buildings.

The tour will begin in the lobby of the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building at the corner of 7th and Boston. (Built in 1928, the ONG Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.)

Here, we will be joined by Amanda DeCort, Preservation Planning Administrator for the Tulsa Preservation Commission; and Rex Ball, FAIA, AICP, and local guru on the history and architecture of downtown Tulsa.

Amanda will give a brief presentation about the recently completed Historical Survey of Downtown Tulsa, and the economic benefits of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Did someone say, “Tax credits for up to 40% of the cost of rehabilitation?” Yep, you heard that right.)

After we take time to appreciate the ZigZag Art Deco architecture of the ONG Building, we’ll cross the street to learn about another Tulsa specialty: Mid-Century Modern design.

We’ll explore the old Ponca City Federal Savings and Loan building (designed by Robert Buchner, and considered by many to be the most important mid-century structure in Tulsa), as well as the Chase Auto Bank.

Finally, we’ll wrap up with a look at the ARCO building (formerly, the Service Pipeline Building), built in 1949, which demonstrates how the Art Deco style evolved over time.

The tour is free and open to the public. Bring a friend and get an inside look at some of Tulsa’s amazing architectural treasures. We’re starting early so you can get on with your shopping, ice skating...or the big game on Saturday afternoon.

WHAT: "Tulsa Treasures" Architectural Tour
WHEN: Saturday, Dec 5, 10:00-11:30 AM
WHERE: Tour begins at the ONG building at 624 S. Boston
MORE INFO: info@tulsanow.org

Help Shape the Vision of Tulsa's Future!

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Grizzle) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:38:00 +0000

Here's the "vision" document (draft) from PlaniTulsa called "Our Vision for Tulsa."

http://www.planitulsa.org/files/tulsa-vision-draft-091509-screen.pdf

It includes descriptions of where we want to be and how to get there. Be sure to read the proposed strategies & next steps (beginning on page 42).

This is where it starts to get fun, because these are concrete steps that must be taken if we want to achieve real change in Tulsa. And these changes are going to be a threat to those who like things just the way they are. (Motto: "Preserving the status quo for a mediocre Tulsa for the past 50 years!")

After you read it, make sure and offer your thoughts and feedback:
http://www.planitulsa.org/vision/feedback

TulsaNow is hitting the Road Again! (Date changed)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Grizzle) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:59:00 +0000

How can spending money downtown help my neighborhood?
What is a “Comprehensive Plan” and how does it affect me?
Who needs trains, when we’ve got potholes to fill?

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!

In the spirit of community involvement, TulsaNow is bringing its Community Forum Tour “on the road” to a neighborhood near you! Our first event was held in April in North Tulsa and now we are excited to announce our second event!

This second in a series of public forums will be held at the Zarrow Regional Library on June 23. Topics will include: downtown development, new forms of transit, PLANiTULSA (Tulsa’s citywide Comprehensive Plan)…and how it all relates to the challenges in West Tulsa!

Informative presentations will be followed by open discussions with local community leaders.

Speakers:
Jack Crowley, Special Advisor to the Mayor on Urban Planning
Theron Warlick, City of Tulsa Planning Department

Panelists:
Katy Davis – Red Fork Main Street
Gary Perceful - Tulsa County News, Scissortail Group & Tulsa Public Schools Board
Linda Jordan - Tulsa County News and Scissortail Group
Cindi Hemm - Principal, Eugene Field Elementary

The diverse group of panelists and speakers will field questions and discuss how collaborative efforts can create a brighter future for ALL Tulsans.

Expect an evening that is both exciting and informative!

WHEN: Tuesday, June 23rd 6:00-8:00 PM
WHERE: Zarrow Library Auditorium 2224 W. 51st St.
MORE INFO: info@tulsanow.org
COST: Free!

TulsaNow is a grassroots, non-profit organization working to help Tulsa reach its full potential. We encourage civic participation by providing people with the information they need to get educated, get involved, and make a positive impact on Tulsa. Our goal? To help Tulsa become the most vibrant, diverse, sustainable and prosperous city of its size.

"Living in Hi-Fi" - Lortondale Home Tour, Saturday June 13

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:30:00 +0000

“Living in HiFi” is a modern home tour hosted by the Modern Tulsa committee of the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. Focused on mid-century modern architecture, the tour will seek to promote awareness of this oft-overlooked but unique residential style.

“Living in HiFi” will premiere Saturday, June 13 in the historic Lortondale Neighborhood. Designed and built in 1954 by Tulsa duo Donald Honn (architect) and Howard Grubb (builder), the Lortondale Neighborhood was the recipient of a multitude of national design awards. The neighborhood was featured in an array of magazines including House and Home and Better Homes and Gardens.

This year’s tour seeks to convey the energy that is the Lortondale Neighborhood today. Featured are six houses in various stages of completion. From the beginning stages of a restoration to a virtually complete example of HiFi-modern bliss, this tour of Lortondale will show you what all the buzz is about.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the tour (buy a ticket at any home on the tour).

Homes on the tour:
4912 E. 26th Terrace
5331 E. 26th Pl.
5342 E. 26th Pl.
4953 E. 27th St.
4958 E. 27th St.
5312 E. 27th St.

The self-paced tour will take place from 5:30 - 8:30 PM, with an after-party immediately following.

Purchase advance tickets at the following locations:
Dwelling Spaces, 119 South Detroit
Urban Furnishings, 3636 South Peoria
Tulsa Foundation for Architecture, 321 South Boston, Suite #LL01

WHAT: “Living in Hi-Fi” Home Tour
WHEN: Saturday, 6/13, 5:30-8:30 PM
WHERE: Lortondale Neighborhood
MORE INFO: Tulsa Foundation for Architecture

Art Deco Museum for Tulsa?

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:34:00 +0000

When Tulsa’s Art Deco architecture was celebrated with a cover story in Preservation Magazine last year, you could almost hear the collective gasps of surprise from across the nation. Tulsa? World-class Art Deco? Who knew!

Well, we knew, of course. But Tulsans seem to take our architectural heritage for granted. (Yawning as we drive past astonishing works of art and architecture that shock visitors from other cities. “Yeah, that’s the Philtower. Un-huh, that’s Boston Avenue Church...”)

Perhaps it’s time for Tulsa to stop taking its treasures for granted, and start taking its rightful place in the Art Deco world, next to cities like New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles.

That's what TulsaNow board member and local artist, William Franklin, has in mind. Franklin is working on a conceptual plan to create an Art Deco museum in Tulsa. Anyone with an interest in promoting Tulsa as “Deco City” is invited to participate and help make this project a reality.

A kick-off meeting for more information, brainstorming, and opportunities for collaboration will be held tonight, at 6:00 PM at Joe Momma’s downtown.

WHAT: Tulsa Decopolis – Kick-off Meeting
WHEN: 6:00 PM, Wed 6/10
WHERE: Joe Momma’s restaurant, downtown at 112 S. Elgin
MORE INFO: wfranklinstudios(at)cox.net

Which Way Tulsa?

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Take the PLANiTULSA Survey!

What's it gonna be, Tulsa?

What will our city look like in 5 or 10 or 20 years? How will it feel to be a Tulsan?

Will we enjoy a thriving economy led by energetic entrepreneurs? Will we be proud of a city that showcases parks, neighborhoods and vibrant streetscapes? Will we embrace new ideas to build a greener, more sustainable, and healthier way of life? Will we allow new types of development—offering more choices for people who want to live, work and play in Tulsa?

Or will we continue to spend our money paving and repaving streets--investing in asphalt and an unsustainable future--while jobs, housing and tax income steadily move to other communities?

You decide.

Participate in PLANiTULSA, and help create Tulsa's new Comprehensive Plan.

It only takes a few minutes to complete the survey.

Review the four scenarios, and pick the concepts you like. Decide how Tulsa should grow, and what’s best for Tulsa’s future.

Get involved! It’s our future!

Review the Scenarios
Take the PLANiTULSA Survey!

Get smart, learn more:
Guiding Principles
PLANiTULSA and “Good Infill”
Creating the Scenarios from Public Input

JUST THIS ONCE, SPAM YOUR FRIENDS
Help us spread the word. Talk to your friends, family, co-workers and neighbers. Encourage them to take the PLANiTULSA survey.

It’s critical that thousands of people (from all walks of life) complete a PLANiTULSA survey, and help determine how Tulsa will grow in the future.

If you are one of the approximately 2,000 people who attended a public workshop, you already know how important this is. You’ve already dedicated hours of your time to help create a better future for Tulsa. Now, it’s time to solidify that vision.

In the past, the Comprehensive Plan has been a joke. It's been dismissed by the development community and elected officials as outdated and irrelevant.

The new plan must be different.

But it will take public participation and support among Tulsa citizens to make it happen.

Spread the word: Complete a survey today, and help create a better future for Tulsa!

www.PLANiTULSA.org

Tour the Mayo Hotel!

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:57:00 +0000

Join us for a free tour of the Mayo Hotel on Wed, May 13. Tours will be held at 4:30 and 6:00 PM. The tour will include the Crystal Ballroom, lofts, and of course, the lobby and Grand Staircase.

A lot of people are eager to see this Tulsa icon as it returns to its former glory, so don't miss this incredible opportunity!

Thanks to the Mayo Hotel and the Snyder family for their willingness to share this amazing Tulsa treasure with us. (And more importantly, for saving a piece of Tulsa's history for future generations!)

Preserving the irreplaceable? Priceless.

Please RSVP to: info @ tulsanow.org. Tours are limited to 25 people for each time slot.

WHAT: Mayo Hotel Tour
WHEN: Wed, May 13, 4:30 and 6:00 PM
WHERE: Mayo Hotel, 115 W. 5th
(Corner of 5th and Cheyenne)
MORE INFO and to RSVP: info@tulsanow.org

Neighborhood Store Brings Community Together

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:21:00 +0000

There's a little bit of magic taking place at the corner of 3rd and Phoenix in the Crosbie Heights Neighborhood. A funky little grocery store called the Blue Jackalope is achieving something no national chain ever could: bringing a sense of community back to one of Tulsa's oldest neighborhoods.

Proprietor Scott Smith is busy these days: taking calls, stocking shelves, and receiving requests from neighbors about items they would like him to carry.

But then the real magic occurs.

Kids race to the Blue Jackalope after school, where they can buy a soda, or work odd jobs in exchange for store credits. Neighbors bump into each other and get acquainted. A woman drops off a case of her locally made spicy sauce (Smith says his customers have been "clamoring for it.") Folks pop in for a coffee and a visit. They discuss philosophy or catch up on the latest neighborhood news. Another borrows a roto-tiller. (Did we mention the community garden that has sprung up across the street?) Each and every person is greeted by name, and welcomed warmly.

Just a stone's throw from the BOK Center, a community has formed around this unassuming little store, and it grows each time a neighbor steps through the door.

The old-timers see a return to the good old days. The younger generation gets a sense of hope for the future. Scott Smith recognizes a neighborhood full of potential...and knows the Blue Jackalope is just the beginning.

The Blue Jackalope is located at 306 S. Phoenix Ave. Hours are: Sunday-Friday from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

TulsaNow kicks off tour in North Tulsa!

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:13:00 +0000

How can spending money downtown help my neighborhood?
What is a “Comprehensive Plan” and how does it affect me?
Who needs trains, when we’ve got potholes to fill?

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!

In the spirit of community involvement, TulsaNow is bringing its Community Forum Tour “on the road” to a neighborhood near you!

The first in a series of public forums will be held at the TCC Northeast Campus on April 22nd. Topics will include: downtown development, new forms of transit, PLANiTULSA (Tulsa’s citywide Comprehensive Plan)...and how it all relates to north Tulsa!

Informative presentations will be followed by open discussions with local community leaders.

Speakers:
Jack Crowley, Special Advisor to the Mayor on Urban Planning
Theron Warlick, City of Tulsa Planning Department

Panelists:
Reuben Gant, Greenwood Chamber of Commerce
Rose Washington Rentie, TEDC Capital
Reggie Ivey, Tulsa Health Department
Demalda Newsome, Newsome Community Farms

This diverse group of panelists and speakers will field questions and discuss how collaborative efforts can create a brighter future for ALL Tulsans.

Expect an evening that is both exciting and informative!

WHEN: Wed, April 22, 6:00-8:00 PM
WHERE: TCC NE Campus Auditorium
3727 E. Apache
MORE INFO: info@tulsanow.org
COST: Free!

TulsaNow is a grassroots, non-profit organization working to help Tulsa reach its full potential. We encourage civic participation by providing people with the information they need to get educated, get involved, and make a positive impact on Tulsa. Our goal? To help Tulsa become the most vibrant, diverse, sustainable and prosperous city of its size.

Form-Based Codes 101 - Thurs, April 9

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:16:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered why some places in a city just feel right, while others put you on edge? Why some places inspire you, while others drag you down? Why some places make you want to get out and walk and see the sights, while others cause you to "put the pedal to the metal?"

What's the deal?

Think of the street as a public "interface." Like the iPhone, a good interface should be attractive, efficient, and easy to use. This is what Jamie Jamieson means when he talks about a "dignified public realm" or "human-scaled" developments.

Land-use planning in recent decades has created a public interface that is like those old DOS computer programs: inefficient, soulless, hard to use (and completely oriented towards the needs of the machine, not the human).

What's the solution? Many believe it's time to reject land-use planning, which emphasizes separation of uses (commercial, residential, office, etc) but ignores the public interface. In its place, "Form-Based Codes" would focus on the public interface (the look and feel of city spaces and neighborhoods) instead of the exact use of specific buildings.

You've been hearing us talk about Form-Based Codes for years. Now you can learn about them from two of the nation's leading experts! Mary Madden and Geoffrey Ferrell will be in Tulsa this Thursday to present "Form-Based Codes 101." They are also the consultants who will be working with the Pearl District Association to develop Tulsa's first Form-Based Code pilot project.

WHAT: Form-Based Codes 101
WHEN: Thursday, April 9, 6:30-8:00 PM
WHERE: Central Center "Boathouse"
1028 E. 6th St (south side of 6th Street near Norfolk Ave)
MORE INFO: www.tmapc.org

TulsaNow: The Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Grizzle) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:35:00 +0000

TulsaNow will be hosting community forums in North, East, West and South Tulsa this year to discuss topics such as comprehensive planning, downtown development, and alternative transit and how those projects can positively effect those areas of town. Our first event will focus on North Tulsa and be at TCC's NE Campus on April 22nd at 6pm. More details will be posted here at a later date.

Also, if you haven't seen, TulsaNow and it's DowntownLive project are featured on Page 11 of this month's issue of TulsaPeople. This month's feature is Downtown Tulsa.

Is the former Oil Capital ready for it to Peak?

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:26:00 +0000

We have a new submitted article called Will Tulsa be a Peak Oil Ready City to get everyone thinking about what the mindset of a city should be when facing the limit of peak oil.

The Arts Mean Business

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Grizzle) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:18:00 +0000

We have a great new article submitted to our website that is a "must read."
Art Means Business by Ken Busby

Want to submit an article of your own for our site? send it to "submissions(at)tulsanow.org"

What Is This Thing Called "Infill?"

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:41:00 +0000

What is "Infill?" You’ve heard the term thrown around. Most often, it is used when homes are destroyed and then replaced with something else: McMansions, townhomes, parking lots. But this is not "infill." This is "RE-fill."

True "infill" development is what it says. It "fills in" a blank space.

Picture an enormous, vacant parking lot (don’t forget the grass growing in the cracks). Now imagine that empty asphalt transformed into mixed-use development with living space above retail. Sidewalks. Storefronts. People. THAT'S infill. (It doesn't count if you have to create the empty lot by destroying perfectly good buildings...especially historic ones.)

One of the ways Tulsa can improve its bottom line, and develop a more robust economy will be by the intelligent application of true infill projects. In this way, we can add "growth" without suffering the negative effects of sprawl. (Like losing our tax base to neighboring communities, while increasing our costs to provide services and infrastructure to an ever-widening area.)

There's only one hitch. Tulsa's zoning code.

According to our existing zoning code, Tulsa is basically "fully developed." We've dedicated separate space for commercial, office, and residential; and determined the parking requirements and the setbacks, etc. So that giant, empty parking lot? Why, it's "commercial." You're not allowed to make it a dense urban space, where people can live above the coffee shop. Nope. Against the rules.

Aren't the rules supposed to make it easy to do the right thing?

One of the exciting things about the PLANiTULSA process is that the Fregonese team will be making recommendations for changes to our zoning codes. Basically, they want to make it LEGAL for Tulsans to build the sort of city we envision in a new Comprehensive Plan. And the PLANiTULSA workshops are proving that Tulsans want a lot more options than we currently have.

Stay tuned. This should get interesting.

Spend Tonight with an Architectural Treasure

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Grizzle) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:15:00 +0000

When the National Trust for Historic Preservation held its national conference in Tulsa last year, they picked a remarkable venue for their awards ceremony: the Will Rogers High School auditorium. You could hear the “oohs” and “ahhs,” as thousands of preservationists from across the country (along with many local Tulsans) raced around snapping photos of this surprising Art Deco treasure.

Built in 1938, Will Rogers High School was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. But, unless you're a Rogers Roper, you’ve probably never stepped foot inside on of the most significant Art Deco buildings in the city of Tulsa. We think it’s time to change that!

Will Rogers High School is offering free public tours on the second Monday of every month during the school year. TulsaNow members are invited to come along this Monday, March 9. Bring your camera, bring a friend, and discover this unsung Tulsa treasure!

WHAT: TulsaNow Tour of Will Rogers High School
WHEN: Monday, March 9, 6:30 PM
WHERE: Will Rogers High School 3909 E. 5th Pl
(between Harvard and Yale)
MORE INFO: info@tulsanow.org

March's "Talk Tulsa" Happy Hour Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Grizzle) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:10:00 +0000

Enthusiasm continues to grow for TulsaNow's "Talk Tulsa" happy hour at Joe Mommas restaurant. Our second official happy hour attracted even more people than our first--and required us to add tables just to accommodate everyone!

People from a variety of backgrounds came to meet and greet: kids and adults; north, south, east and west Tulsans; everyone from boilermakers to tax accountants, artists to venture capitalists were on hand. All shared one thing in common: a love of Tulsa, and a desire to learn more about what's going on in town.

"Talk Tulsa" is a great way to catch the latest scoop. Whether your interest is downtown development, Marshall beer, historic preservation, City Council races, or the best pizza on the Joe Momma's menu...someone was talking about it last night.

We also passed out flyers to give a quick update on TulsaNow and what the organization has been working on since last month's event.

It's the start of a great Tulsa tradition! See you in April! (First Monday of each month, at Joe Momma's downtown.)

What's new in 2.0?

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +0000

TulsaNow's web site, originally created in 2001, just got a facelift!

When the TulsaNow website was created (and the forum added shortly thereafter) no-one ever expected the amount of traffic the site would see. The forum software we used, good for a few hundred people, was seeing thousands and people have been clammering for new features on both our website and forum for years. Today, Tulsanow "Marches Fourth" on March 4th with our new website.

What's New?

New section allowing the citizens of Tulsa who are passionate about the development, preservation and revitlization of Tulsa to compile their own articles which we will publish and publicize on our website.
New look, meant to be more exciting while drawing from the TulsaNow website of the past with that of TulsaNow's "DowntownLive" sister site.
100% New forum code and database while retaining all of the old posts. No longer will we be losing old posts to database corruption or shut down by high traffic.
New forum features: Users can now attach files to posts as well as uploaded pictures to our on-site Tulsa image's gallery. Users can also use the forum's "Karma" feature to show approval of worthwhile contributers and show disapproval to those who are not. For real problem posts, we have a "report to moderator" feature.
New forum layout and categories: Based on feedback provided to TulsaNow we have rearranged, renamed and split up some areas. The new forum code allows for us to grow the forum even more over time.
"Web 2.0" Ready: The homepage, articles, and forum are all fully RSS compliant meaning they can be used an any RSS reader. We also tie directly into Twitter and even have Facebook and Myspace.

TulsaNow's "Talk Tulsa" Happy Hour - March 4th

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:39:00 +0000

We had a great turnout at our last happy hour event, don't miss out this month!

On the first Wednesday of every month, join us in the TulsaNow suite (back room of Joe Momma's Downtown) for gossip, comradery, $8 buckets and half-priced appetizers!

All you have to do for this great deal is to show up and join in!

Brought to you by TulsaNow and Joe Momma's!

When: 1st Wednesday of every month
Where: 112 S Elgin, backroom (by the pinball machines)

(Some appetizers excluded, contents may shift during transport, always wear proper eye protection, please remember to spay and neuter your pets)

Greening the 918 - Alternative Transportation

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Face it: Tulsa is a "car city." You'll have to pry that steering wheel from our cold, dead fingers, right?

Well, we could. But wouldn't it be more pleasant for everyone if Tulsa simply had better options and more choices?

In cities where alternative transportation options are safe, efficient, convenient and affordable, millions of people gladly leave the car keys at home. Meanwhile, advances in alternative fuels are paving the way towards even greener mobility for all.

So what about Tulsa? Isn't it time the former Oil Capital of the World starting working towards a healthier, greener future?

The answer is yes. That's why TulsaNow has partnered with Sustainable Tulsa to offer: Greening the 918 - Alternative Transportation. Whether your interest is in rail, trolleys, bus-rapid-transit, bike and pedestrian-friendly streets, compressed natural gas, or just a healthier city for you and your children...don't miss this event!

Find out how Tulsa can overcome the challenges related to creating a viable alternative transportation network. Panel members include: Jack Crowley, special advisor to the Mayor on Downtown Development; Jennifer O'Leary, Tulsa Parks Department and Tulsa Million Miles; Rick Westcott, District 2 City Counselor; Patrick Fox, developer; and Tom Sewell, President of Tulsa Gas Technologies.

WHAT: Greening the 918: Alternative Transportation
WHEN: Tues, February 17th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
WHERE: Central Center at Centennial Park
1028 E. Sixth Street (6th and Norfolk)

Also, don't forget the upcoming PLANiTULSA city-wide Transportation Workshop on Feb 25! If you're passionate about bringing viable alternative transportation options to Tulsa, sign up for this workshop! Bring your ideas, and help create Tulsa's future. Learn more about the workshop details.

TULSANOW ANNUAL MEETING - Wed, 1/28

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:35:00 +0000

This meeting IS being held as scheduled!

We've seen tremendous turnouts at PLANiTULSA events, and watched in awe as millions of people crowded the National Mall on Inauguration Day. What's our conclusion? Civic engagement is back in style!

While we can't take credit for Obama-mania, we are proud of our contributions at the local level. TulsaNow has played an important role in driving discussions, engaging Tulsans in the civic realm, and keeping the public informed of important events and information.

This year's annual meeting will take place on Wed, January 28th at the Blue Dome Diner. Please join us and help us plot our strategy for 2009. What interests you? What should TulsaNow focus on in the coming year? What would you like to see us accomplish in 2009?

Whether your passions include smart urban design, historic preservation, a revitalized downtown, or just a general love of Tulsa, this is a great chance to learn more about TulsaNow. Share your thoughts. Mix and mingle with your favorite civic activists. Engage in TulsaNow!

WHAT: TulsaNow Annual Meeting
WHEN: Wed, Jan 28, 6:00-8:00 PM
WHERE: Blue Dome Diner (back room) 311 E. 2nd Street
MORE INFO: info@tulsanow.org

Other news...

PLANITULSA SMALL AREA WORKSHOPS
If you were one of the thousands of people who turned out for the city-wide PLANiTULSA workshops, then you've already helped create "big picture" plans for Tulsa's future. Now it's time to zoom in and focus on smaller areas of town.

This month, there will be planning workshops in three different Tulsa neighborhoods. These small area workshops will focus on Northland (general area: from Apache to 40th Street North and Frankfort to Xanthus); Forest Orchard/Hillcrest (general area: 6th Street to 15th Street and Madison to Lewis Ave.); and Southwest (general area: West 36th Place to West 51st Street and South 37th West Ave to Union Ave).

Get involved and help create Tulsa's future! These workshops will give you a chance to make detailed recommendations for desired land use, transportation and development opportunities. All are welcome, even if you don’t live within the study area.

Learn more about the small area workshop process at the PLANiTULSA website.

EVANS-FINTUBE SITE
If you weren't able to attend last week's presentation by the Mayor's Institute on City Design (offering their ideas for Tulsa's Evans-FinTube site), don't despair. Thanks to Rich Fisher at KWGS, you can hear a terrific interview about the downtown site on "Studio Tulsa." Rich talks to Laura Solano, one of the MICD consultants, who outlines several of the recommendations and possibilities for the 40-acre Evans-FinTube site.

Among the recommendations: park space, arts-driven residential/studio development, and a new high school for the performing arts. There's even potential for a permanent farmer's market. Great interview, great information, great ideas. (Thanks Rich! "Studio Tulsa" is a Tulsa treasure!)

Listen to the interview online!

Listen to other great "Studio Tulsa" interviews. Learn more about Community Gardens from Cory Williams and Duane Cuthbertson, or hear an interview with John Fregonese talking about the Comprehensive Plan. You can also just browse the archives.

PLAY BALL! (Why Not?) - Sat Dec 6

noreply@blogger.com (TulsaNow) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:13:00 +0000

Sure, they haven't broken ground on the new stadium yet. Who cares?! Be the first to play ball downtown since...well, since these guys took the field.

We'll bring the bats, softballs and hot chocolate; you bring the funny hats.

Years from now, you can take your grandkids to a Drillers game and tell them about the time you played at Driller's Field ("Ah, yes, I remember when I played here, back in the day...") No need to mention that the stadium hadn't been built yet...and you were playing softball with a bunch of TulsaNow nuts, whose average speed in the 40-yard dash was just under a minute. (We predict that the essential lack of hand-eye coordination will also be omitted from your tale.)

Join us for an hour of spontaneous fun this Saturday morning! Bring the kids, bring the dogs (heck, bring the mother-in-law) to celebrate the return of baseball to downtown Tulsa. Come to play or just to watch. (Who knows, you may see some local celebrities there.) After the "game," we'll proceed to Joe Mamma's to eat pizza and cheer the TU football team on to victory.

WHAT: TulsaNow Spontaneous Softball Invitational
WHEN: Saturday, Dec 6, 10:30-11:30 AM
WHERE: Downtown at Archer and Elgin
MORE INFO: info@tulsanow.org