Broken Arrow City Council approves comprehensive plan and zoning changes

The Broken Arrow City Council convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including a proposed development and various ordinances. The meeting began with a focus on a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a residential project, which has raised concerns among council members regarding traffic safety and community impact.

The council reviewed the draft PUD, which outlines a development featuring off-street parking, carports, and garages. However, some members expressed the need for visual representations of the project, as no images were included in the meeting packet. It was clarified that the PUD is still in draft form and that a comprehensive plan change would require a subsequent application for rezoning.

Traffic concerns were highlighted, particularly regarding the potential increase in vehicles on a curve along 81st Street. While traffic studies are not mandated at this stage, council members were informed they could request one as part of their recommendations. The planning commission had previously recommended approval of the project, which was met with some community questions during a neighborhood meeting held in February.

Following discussions on the PUD, the council moved on to consider several ordinances. Among them was the adoption of Ordinance 3873, which involves closing a portion of a utility easement for Anthem Church, and Ordinance 3877, which introduces the new Bridal Arrow Zoning Ordinance after years of public input and revisions. Both ordinances were approved unanimously.

Additionally, the council discussed Ordinance 3878, which pertains to changing the zoning map for a new development south of Tucson Street. This ordinance was also approved, along with an emergency clause to expedite its implementation.

In closing remarks, council members celebrated Broken Arrow's recent recognition as the best place to live in Oklahoma and the twelfth best in the nation, attributing this success to collaborative efforts in city planning and community engagement. They also highlighted upcoming events, including a human trafficking summit and a memorial ceremony at Floral Haven.

The meeting concluded with a reminder that public feedback would be welcomed at future sessions, particularly regarding the ongoing development discussions.