Beautification project consumes parking spaces in Tahlequah

TAHLEQUAH, Okla - It's lunch time at Sam and Ella's in Downtown Tahlequah. Inside the restaurant, nearly every table is full. Outside nearly every parking space is full as well.

Owner Jack Mullen says parking around his restaurant can be hard to come by, especially when special events are held. "Parking is very important. Every parking space adds to the tax base. Which is why I am confused that the city would be behind removing them. It just doesn't add up."

Mullen is worried about a capitol improvement project that is scheduled to begin within days. It will create "Green Space" in Downtown Tahlequah. 22 of the area's 225 parking spaces will be transformed into areas with decorative plants, trees and benches.

Mayor Ken Purdy says the project will beautify the area and help drive customers into the heart of Downtown. "We know it comes with a cost. We have every reason to believe that cost will be modest and the benefits will be much greater."

Some business owners believe the $350,000 project is money well spent. Lori Smiley owns NDN Custom Framing.

She tells 2NEWS, "I think it's just going to make Downtown more inviting for people. Yes it's going to take up a few parking spaces. But I would rather have business coming into Downtown and have more people visiting. Let's worry about the parking later."

But Mullen says every parking space lost makes it harder for customers to visit his business. "It's the tax dollars we are spending to take away the parking that generates the tax. So it's kinds of like we are steeling the golden eggs and getting rid of the goose that laid them."

The construction project will start at the North end of Muskogee Avenue and works it's way South one block at a time.

The entire project is scheduled to be completed by Thanksgiving.