Neighbors Rally Against Controversial Townhome Development Proposal

In a recent government meeting, the proposal to rezone 139100 North Bryant Avenue from PUD 1946 to PUD 2025 was discussed, sparking significant community concern. The application, presented by David Box on behalf of the applicant, aims to transition the property from a former horse farm to a townhome development with personal storage facilities.

Box highlighted that the property had previously been rezoned to accommodate commercial use at the front and residential at the back. The new proposal maintains a 20-foot buffer zone between the new development and existing residential areas, which was a key point of negotiation in the earlier zoning discussions. The development is designed to include townhomes intended for individual sale, with a density of approximately nine units per acre, which Box argued is compatible with the surrounding area, including nearby duplexes and Oklahoma Christian University.

However, community members expressed strong opposition, citing concerns over increased density, drainage issues, and the potential impact on property values. Patrick Bray, a resident whose property borders the proposed development, argued that the new plan deviates significantly from the previously agreed-upon terms, suggesting that the new multifamily units would not be compatible with the existing neighborhood. He emphasized that the proposed height and scale of the buildings would disrupt the character of the area.

Everen Page, another resident, echoed these concerns, particularly regarding traffic and drainage, noting that the existing infrastructure is inadequate for the anticipated increase in residents. She also raised issues about the lack of sidewalks, which poses safety risks for children walking to nearby schools.

Commissioner Pennington acknowledged the frustrations of residents who felt their previous agreements were being disregarded. He noted that while the proposal represents a different style of single-family housing, it still adheres to height and buffer requirements established in the earlier PUD.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the developers to address drainage concerns through required studies and to ensure compliance with city ordinances. The proposal will now undergo further review as community members await a decision on the rezoning application.