Chick Fil A proposal sparks heated traffic debate

Concerns over traffic impact and community character dominated discussions at a recent government meeting regarding a proposed Chick-fil-A rezoning in Tulsa. Local resident and speaker, Mr. Hewitt, raised serious objections to the traffic study conducted for the proposal, citing inadequate data collection that only took place in November 2023. He argued that this limited timeframe fails to reflect true year-round traffic conditions, neglecting seasonal and daily fluctuations.

Hewitt criticized the methodology of the traffic report, highlighting its lack of statistical significance and the absence of detailed data on the number of days traffic was recorded. He expressed skepticism about the trip calculations used to estimate traffic for the new Chick-fil-A, noting that the average estimates did not consider the unique location of this site, which is over three miles from the nearest competitor. He warned that the flawed projections could lead to severe traffic congestion, potentially resulting in an \"E\" or \"F\" level of service during peak hours, which he described as a catastrophe for local traffic flow and safety.

In contrast, several community members voiced their support for the Chick-fil-A development. Marilyn Trout, a long-time resident of Brookside, expressed excitement about the new restaurant, arguing it would be an asset to the area. Dana Manry echoed this sentiment, stating that she had not experienced significant traffic issues in the neighborhood and welcomed the commercial development.

Jackson Slater, a traffic engineering consultant who conducted the traffic report, defended the study's findings. He explained the methodology used to assess traffic patterns and assured attendees that the Chick-fil-A site could accommodate incoming traffic without causing backups on surrounding streets. Slater stated that even after the restaurant's opening, local intersections would continue to operate at acceptable levels of service.

The meeting highlighted a divide in community opinion regarding the proposed rezoning, with some residents advocating for the development as a positive addition to the neighborhood, while others raised concerns about potential traffic issues and the preservation of community character. The outcome of the rezoning proposal remains to be seen as discussions continue.