Midtown Tulsa development conflict

A popular Midtown shortcut is closed, causing complaints from a local business owner. It's the latest in a series of conflicts over the redevelopment of the former Children's Medical Center.

Thursday, July 21st 2005, 5:58 am

By: News On 6

A popular Midtown shortcut is closed, causing complaints from a local business owner. It's the latest in a series of conflicts over the redevelopment of the former Children's Medical Center.

The new shopping center is open for business just off I-44, near Darlington. Construction crews just started working on a cul-de-sac at 46th and Fulton. The idea is to curb traffic in the neighborhood behind the new center.

The construction is taking place right in front of Pat Ogelsby's business. She says she's taking a hit financially. â€œWe donâ€™t like it. Itâ€™s hurting our business. It's totally, we feel, unnecessary, cause there's no access to the shopping center from 46th street so we don't see any reason for closing the street off."

Homeowners say they're pleased the project and they hope it will cut down on the through traffic.

City records show the cul-de-sac was planned back in 2001.