Rezoning Meeting About Empty Lots Near ORU Raises Concerns For Residents

People who live near ORU are worried about a developer wanting to rezone lots near 81st and Delaware.

The developers answered questions Monday night during a meeting with residents.

Two developers, Jose Gomez of Marcela Homes and Jesupelumi Wickliffe, want those lots rezoned so they can build duplexes on them.

But people who live there are worried about their property values going down if rental properties are put there.

They are also worried that it will add to the already busy traffic in the area. 

Gomez says he plans to sell each Duplex for $300,000 dollars, and the second developer, Wickliffe, says his goal is to house young professionals for $2200 a month. 

When it comes to adding more people to the area, Gomez says there is growth all around the city of Tulsa.

But the neighbors say they're also concerned about safety after a fire burned down three structures on the same lot.

"Four different families, so eight different families, that could go along that whole block, so when there is a disaster, how are we going to help those people?" one meeting attendee said. "And how are they going to get out of there? Because that's too many people in one place."

"As far as density, you know, we are providing homes, so if you go South, North, East, and West, all you see is development, so the city is wanting new development," said Gomez. "The density is already there."

Residents say they are upset they found out earlier this month about these plans to develop duplexes and not sooner. 

It is only required to notify residents if they live within 300 feet of the development.

Marcela Homes has already gotten initial approval for rezoning his lot.

There is a vote coming up on Wednesday at 1 p.m. on whether to approve Wickliffe's lot to be rezoned.

Both would then need final approval from the city council.