New housing developments spark concern in west Tulsa

TULSA - New proposed housing developments in west Tulsa have some residents speaking out.
    
And a Tulsa city councilor is even trying to halt the plans.

The West Highlands neighborhood is in the middle of it all. The first proposed development is at 68th St. and S. Union Ave. The next one is off of W. 61st St.

Both projects are less than a mile down the road from the neighborhood.

Councilor Jeannie Cue says the projects are in the early stages. The developer hasn't even purchased the land.
She says the plans call for multi-family housing.

"People have been here 50 years. And not saying they're against change, because there's plenty of change going on at Tulsa Hills. But they like the area like it is," Cue said.  

Cue is pushing for a moratorium on the project. She says there are plenty of apartments already in the area. She also wants to see PLANiTULSA's small area plans take shape first, and take residents opinions into account.

"I see a need for apartment complexes, but there's also a need for residences not to have multi-family projects on top of each other," she said.  

Tony Dietz has lived in the West Highlands neighborhood for 10 years. He's seen a lot of changes since then.

"Not all bad, but some new developments have you wondering exactly what are the plans for this neighborhood," Dietz said.

Dietz is closely following plans to build two apartment complexes close by. He worries they will bring more low income housing with them.

"Well my initial thoughts is well, it may be good for the economy, but not for us securing our property values," he said.

His neighbor Lisa Moore agrees.

"I am concerned about that," she said. "Because that's when crime rates go up. and that's kind of worrisome."

Moore says she's not against development. She's happy to see the Tulsa Hills shopping center continue to grow.

"It works to our favor. I really like the development that's happening so far," Moore said.

An application for the project has been submitted to INCOG for review. Cue plans to hold a meeting for residents sometime next week.