Group Asks: "Who Owns Tulsa?"

Residents of a Tulsa neighborhood, where a controversial housing project is headed, are asking, "Who Owns Tulsa?" The White City neighborhood association is hoping a new campaign will unite neighborhoods across the city.

News On 6's Dan Bewley reports White City residents say city goverment has let them down. So, they've put out a rallying cry to neighborhoods throughout Tulsa for what they call a fight to take back the city.

More than fifty concerned residents gathered near 4th Pl & Yale on Saturday in a Tulsa neighborhood that's at the center of a controversial development.

"I see people begin to rise and take a stand," said Candy Ogden, White City resident.

The Tulsa Housing Authority wants to turn an empty lot in the White City neighborhood into a low-income housing complex.

Residents believe the deal was done behind their backs, saying the people they thought they could trust in public office never shared any plans until it was too late. They say that decision opened their eyes to the need to keep watch over city leaders.

"It doesn't matter how much money you have. You get one vote and you deserve a place at the table when decisions are made that affect your life," said Julie Hall, White City Neighborhood Association.

Now comes, "Who Owns Tulsa?" Organizers in White City say it's born out of support from neighborhood associations across the city upset with how city leaders handled the multi-million dollar housing shelter.

"They're ready to take back our government and put it in the hands of the people, where it should be," said Hall.

The plan is to have each neighborhood help the others. For example, the various associations would help each other stay on top of zoning or ordinance issues as well as new construction that might impact the neighborhood.

Former city councilman Roscoe Turner says the idea is long overdue.

"This is what citizens need to be doing. We've had a handful of people that have been running this city for time, for time, for time. It's time the citizens of Tulsa take it back," said Roscoe Turner, former city councilman.

Organizers say they're simply doing what good citizens should do.

"It is my job to protect my family. It is my job to protect my neighbor," said Ogden.

Click here to learn more about the organization.

Related stories:

08/09/2008  Meeting Held Over New Shelter

08/07/2008  Property Owners Fight Shelter