Concerns raised over location for a new Owasso hospital

Controversy is brewing in Owasso over where to build the community's new hospital. The argument involves rezoning a 66-acre plot of land near US Highway 169 and 96th Street North. <br/><br/>Nearly

Tuesday, August 10th 2004, 7:16 am

By: News On 6

Controversy is brewing in Owasso over where to build the community's new hospital. The argument involves rezoning a 66-acre plot of land near US Highway 169 and 96th Street North.

Nearly 100 neighbors crowded into the planning commission's meeting Monday night. Many raised concerns about the lighting, noise and traffic a hospital could bring. The four-member commission voted unanimously to change the zoning from residential to medium office use.

Eric Wiles with Owasso Community Development: "and we feel that a hospital is another use, not currently provided, that will improve our residentâ€™s quality of life that much more."

Concerned citizen Larry Price: "We're still at the stage where we can express our concerns and the city will listen. And we might have an opportunity to not let this happen."

Owasso's city council has final approval. It will decide whether the land is rezoned for office use at a meeting next Tuesday.