Tulsa City Councilors Deny Appeal From Midtown Owl Supporters

The Tulsa City Councilors denied an appeal that could have prevented the expansion of a parking lot at a midtown church.  The neighbors of the church opposed the expansion and the planned demolition of two homes the church purchased adjacent to their property.  

Several large trees on the property were cut down, and neighbors said it had destroyed important habitat for barred owls that live in the area.

At Wednesday night's council meeting, City Attorney David O’Melia told councilors they did not have jurisdiction to overturn a demolition permit already approved for the homes.  As a result the council denied the neighbors appeal, based on the legal decision.

7/26/2016 Related Story: Tulsa Church Drops Parking Lot Expansion Opposed By Owl Advocates

A large crowd of neighbors was at the City Council to speak about the issue, but it was denied without any public comment.