Midwest City Council approves $9.2M fund transfer for Urban Renewal Project Sunrise

The City Council meeting held on April 22, 2025, in Midwest City, Oklahoma, focused on significant financial decisions regarding the Urban Renewal Project Sunrise and the Heritage Park Mall. The council discussed a proposed one-time transfer of $9,248,155 from the Midwest City Memorial Hospital Authority to the Urban Renewal Authority, aimed at facilitating the acquisition and potential redevelopment of the Heritage Park Mall.

During the meeting, it was confirmed that the threshold for certain financial decisions, referred to as the "bow tie," remains at $500,000. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included routine items, before moving on to the main discussion regarding the fund transfer.

City officials revealed that the total estimated cost for acquiring the Heritage Park Mall is between $6.9 million and $7 million. This amount will be placed in escrow with the county court to initiate the acquisition process. The remaining funds will be allocated for necessary demolition and environmental testing of the property, which has raised concerns due to hazardous materials stored on-site.

Council members expressed the urgency of the transfer, emphasizing the need to start the legal timelines for any potential challenges from the current mall owner. The city attorney advised that the council should refrain from public comments on the matter to avoid jeopardizing the city's position in any forthcoming legal disputes.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of ensuring safety for nearby residents, as the presence of hazardous materials poses risks. The city plans to hire a hazmat team to manage the removal and disposal of these materials if necessary.

In conclusion, the council's decision to transfer the funds marks a critical step in the ongoing efforts to revitalize the Heritage Park Mall area, with future plans for redevelopment still under consideration. The council aims to move forward swiftly to address both the acquisition and the safety concerns associated with the property.