Some Jenks Business Owners Upset With Proposing Rezoning Ordinance

Some Jenks business and land owners are upset about a re-zoning ordinance because they worry it could drop the value of their property. The city said the ordinance is a good thing, because it could attract more tourists while also keeping the historical feel of downtown Jenks.

Ronda Bender's family owns land that would be re-zoned and she said it will devalue her property.

Ronda believes the property owners should be given an option to rezone or not.

“Let us opt in if it’s good for us, let us opt out if it’s a bad impact to us economically, and just give us the choice as a property owner," she said.

The re-zoning focuses on three areas, including near the Riverwalk, in hopes of bringing in more entertainment and tourists.

The city’s Director of Planning said they want to expand the historical feel of downtown by five blocks.

“We really want that street wall that feels like you’re getting a hug when you’re walking down the street, the citizens have said we love the two blocks we have, but we want more," said Marcae Hilton.

Karen Andreson owns Alien Games, which would be a part of the downtown rezoning.

She was hoping to sell her business one day so she could retire, but now fears she wouldn't get what it's worth.

“Well it’s going to go down because the more uses you can put into a building, the better your chances are of selling it, and I’m not planning on selling it anytime soon, but as the city develops, there may come that time," Anderson said.

The city said ordinances are law, but they do have flexibility. They said they'll work with business owners and believe rezoning will keep Jenks competitive with nearby towns.

“It is change, but I think that it’s a really good direction to be going," Hilton said.

The proposed ordinance will go before the planning commission on March 3 and the city council will vote in April.