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PrintMapping out PLANiTULSA
A few highlights from the comprehensive plan.
Since April 2008, PLANiTULSA has been on a mission to update Tulsa’s comprehensive plan, a multi-volume city plan that is more than 30 years old. To account for new growth in the next 20 to 30 years, Tulsa needed a new plan, one that reflects citizens’ expectations, is visual with colorful maps and describes the vision for Tulsa’s future.
Over the past three years, PLANiTULSA has held more than 100 public planning meetings and conducted the “Which Way Tulsa?” survey to find out what citizens want for their city’s future.
Five themes emerged for Tulsa:
– Have a vibrant and dynamic economy
– Attract and retain young people
– Provide effective transportation
– Provide housing choices
– Protect the environment and provide sustainability
With the help of consultant John Fregonese of Fregonese Associates, a Portland, Ore.-based land-use planning firm, PLANiTULSA presented the final draft of the new plan to the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (TMAPC) Feb. 23 and at City Hall March 10.
After the public hearings, the TMAPC went into review session to consider all comments and input and determine changes, if any, to the draft plan before adoption. When the TMAPC adopts the plan, it will be transmitted to the Tulsa City Council for approval. As of press time, a second public hearing was set for March 23 at City Hall.
Key elements of the new plan
Land use. Land use is organized under five broad building blocks: downtown, corridors, new centers, new neighborhoods and existing neighborhoods. New development will focus on creating pedestrian-friendly mixed-use spaces. Existing neighborhoods will be preserved and, where needed, revitalized.
Transportation. Transportation choices will be designed to allow all citizens a variety of modes from which to choose, including driving, biking or riding a frequent and reliable bus.
Economic development. Efforts will be coordinated to expand opportunities and improve quality of life, including focusing on aerospace, energy and health care, as well as supporting new entrepreneurs who will grow industries in the future.
Housing. Tulsa will provide a wide range of housing sizes, prices and types. The single-family home is prevalent, but demand is expected for a variety of apartments, town homes and condos located downtown, in new centers and along main streets.
Parks, trails and open spaces. The new plan will incorporate the Tulsa Parks Master Plan of 2009. It will also address incorporating open spaces, waterways and floodplains into the city, as well as how Tulsa can continue being an innovator in storm water-management practices.
Visit www.planitulsa.org to read the plan and view the maps.
