For months Tulsa city council members has been working to commercialize and sell 12 acres of land in the southwest corner of Helmerich Park near 71st and Riverside Drive.
The land at 71st & Riverside was originally purchased with tax revenue earmarked for public parks with pitch ins from wealthy donors, including the park's namesake, Walt Helmerich.
On Friday, Walt's wife, Peggy Helmerich told 2 Work For You what she thought of the plan to develop the land her husband helped buy. She said her son is part of the push to sell.
"I don't want to build a store there. oh I think the family would you know follow his lead, but his momma doesn't like it too much.", said Peggy.
Opponents of the sale say it violates two city ordinances, as well as Helmerich's intent for the park.
Mayor Dewey Bartlett, who was on the city council when the 1991 ordinance went into effect, says the land was always meant for development.
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