6 Small Homes Demolished In Tulsa After Complaint From City

A Tulsa rental property owner has demolished six small homes voluntarily to resolve a complaint from the City of Tulsa over their poor condition.

The properties had been condemned, and a city-ordered demolition was delayed while the owner appealed the case by code enforcement.

The owner, Stephen Buford, said Tuesday he has no plans for the property other than to mow it.

He had previously told City Councilors it was impractical to redevelop the property because of an influx of homeless people under a nearby bridge, and walking through the neighborhood.

The homes, all centered around Maybelle and Reconciliation Way, are near homeless services on Archer Street, where people often gather outside.

The City of Tulsa said the demolition ends the enforcement action against the houses, but a spokesman said inspectors would monitor the demolition to ensure the site was cleared before closing the cases.