Lewiston Gardens residents oppose proposed six-unit housing development citing safety and infrastructure concerns

The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss a proposed zoning change that has sparked significant community concern. The meeting featured multiple residents voicing their opposition to the development, which aims to add six new housing units in the Lewiston Gardens neighborhood.

The first speaker, Mr. Griffith, raised issues regarding the proposed development's compatibility with the existing neighborhood conditions. He highlighted the absence of historic preservation considerations and expressed concerns about potential absentee landlord issues that could arise from the project. Griffith suggested that the commission remand the proposal back to the zoning board for further review and community engagement, emphasizing the need for a compromise that respects the neighborhood's character.

Savannah Snyder, representing her family, echoed these sentiments, stressing the historical significance of the area and raising safety concerns. She pointed out that the proposed units would lack fire suppression systems, posing a risk in the narrow, dead-end street where emergency vehicles may struggle to navigate. Snyder also criticized the affordability of the proposed rents, arguing that they do not align with the community's needs for truly affordable housing.

Graham Gunn, another resident, expressed worries about increased traffic and safety, noting that the street is already too narrow for existing vehicles, including trash trucks. He shared personal anecdotes about the neighborhood's history and the changes it has undergone, reinforcing the community's desire to maintain its character and safety.

The discussions highlighted significant apprehensions regarding infrastructure, traffic, and the overall impact of the proposed development on the Lewiston Gardens neighborhood. Residents called for a more thorough examination of the proposal, urging the commission to consider their concerns seriously before making any decisions.

As the meeting concluded, the commission faced the challenge of balancing development needs with community preservation, a task that will require careful consideration of the residents' voices and the implications of the proposed zoning change. Further actions and follow-up meetings are anticipated as the commission navigates this contentious issue.