Tulsa Residents Weigh In On Vision2 Projects

Vision2 goes before voters in November. About $158 million in tax dollars will be used for the city-specific portion of the plan.

Mayor Dewey Bartlett says community input is critical for this project. He's hoping people suggest ideas that will bring more jobs to Tulsa.

At Monday's public forum, the city of Tulsa listened to what its residents want to be included in the city-specific portion of the Vision2 plan.

"It's their money. It's their decision. It's their city. It's their projects. It's their infrastructure, so they need to be involved," said Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett.

The money will go towards quality-of-life improvements.

Mayor Dewey Bartlett says the city recommends projects like continuing the Gilcrease Expressway and making sure water is in the Arkansas River at all times - but getting the public's input is more valuable.

Members of the Tulsa Zoo showed up in full force. They're asking that Vision2 supports one of Tulsa's most popular attractions.

"I think it's important because we reach the entire community here in Tulsa County," said Terrie Correll, CEO of Tulsa Zoo. "We're an educational resource as well as a recreational resource, so I think we're a great facility that the public would like to support, I hope."

The zoo already has a master plan that includes three phases. Terrie Correll says the zoo needs help from the city to fund part of phase one.

"That would help our African Forest Chimpanzees, our African Plains and Savannah exhibit," Correll said.

8/27/2012 Related Story: City Leaders Ask For Your Ideas About How To Use Vision2 Money 

Other Tulsans say too much money is spent helping big businesses and their idea of Vision2 would change that.

"I would like to find out how much of this money is going to be spent in the outlying areas. We concentrate on downtown Tulsa the last three mayors now, and it's time that we do something for the communities," said Tulsa resident Tom Moody.

Tom Moody is concerned about East Tulsa.

"We need to develop those areas. We need a rec center there. There's not much for the kids to do. We don't have a big pool there," he said.

If you did not get a chance to speak at this meeting, the city has four more planned. The next one is on Friday at Tulsa Community College.

Also, you can submit your vision on the city's website.