[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6518774,"mediaKeyId","5386427-c181cf80bfe10d37789e4348e982c248","parentId",5386427,"title","Council approves multiple rezoning and facade requests, adopts PUD for State Highway 76 site; Taco Bell facade deviation cleared","audioSeconds",1752,"startMs",1978000,"endMs",3730000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386427-c181cf80bfe10d37789e4348e982c248&start=1978&end=3730","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386427-c181cf80bfe10d37789e4348e982c248/thumbnail_1978000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6518774/Newcastle/McClain-County/Oklahoma/Council-approves-multiple-rezoning-and-facade-requests-adopts-PUD-for-State-Highway-76-site-Taco-Bell-facade-deviation-cleared","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518774-008e54eadfed903780992ab950c6b69f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440581&Signature=Gez5Os1IeNRvakMFToQb6ViurTZ4MGaxeH8Et-6hipLafsFnjir-7tnvVcNViDqz1bNYEcUeNur3WcXadE5XlgfTe4VaYHNHbTrlUgTjZugjKs~qTsLPbv12iVd4lrE7vUaw3SqgW0w7RzvUH8qBUjhrUCVitrJMDM9RZd90XXeLFf8uxz0VvC73vDDWL8fTLWtimqcxT0UDKN2saVv2665ulf5g5tVAG9myUQoNuHjWwEfEYFI9qNPiIjyLFvQ9fbhcBYsFoC5UO7L3e7JD6AESo7KpfrBDsTOrmYjUgqzupkDbqm9Y-K1tHn08brxrDUMQSJ1KBpLgEOLmdoz63A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Newcastle","date","2025-07-15T01:57:52.797Z","article","The Newcastle City Council on July 14 approved a package of planning and zoning items recommended by the planning commission, including a facade deviation for a proposed Taco Bell, several rezoning petitions and a planned unit development (PUD) for a property at State Highway 76 and Southwest 16th Street.

Planning staff planner Chenay Greenlee briefed the council on the Taco Bell request and explained the applicants sought a deviation from the city’s masonry/facade requirement in New Castle Code of Ordinances, chapter 154, section 154.101. Greenlee said planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval; the commission’s recommendation passed 5–0. Greenlee described the building as a “kitchen‑X” prototype that features substantial metal and glass on some elevations and noted the property owner coordinated the request through standard site‑plan review.

Caitlin Turner, the applicant’s representative on the PUD proposal for the State Highway 76 site, told the council the project team had worked with staff to address concerns and that the PUD format gives the city and applicant enforceable design commitments (for example, masonry on specified frontages, dumpster enclosures and screening) rather than informal suggestions. Turner said the team restored an 80% masonry frontage requirement after planning commission discussion and added screening and enclosure details requested by neighbors.

The council approved the following planning actions (planning commission vote where recorded was 5–0 unless noted):

Votes at a glance
- Facade deviation for Taco Bell (Tract 2C at Lamar’s Landing / Kendrick Circle). Outcome: approved. Planning commission: 5–0. Vote: council roll call recorded as yeses on motion to approve.
- Rezoning case R2025‑005 (map amendment/general commercial to future residential and related rezoning items) — continued from planning commission: action continued/approved where specified.
- Rezoning case R2025‑006 (Wilson County Trust, 1945 N. Main — rezoning to CC2 community commercial). Outcome: approved.
- Rezoning case R2025‑007 (2125 Wilson Drive to CC2). Outcome: approved.
- Rezoning case R2025‑008 (Snow Enterprises parcel split / commercial conversion). Outcome: approved (staff noted an address correction in the record).
- Rezoning case R2025‑009 / PUD adoption (1551 S. State Highway 76 / SW 16th) — PUD adopted; applicant agreed to 80% masonry, 6‑foot site fence along residential sides, masonry dumpster enclosures and downward full‑cutoff lighting; council approved both the land‑use map amendment and the PUD ordinance.
- Towne Centre Plaza final plat and improvements (250 S. Main St.) — final plat approved to allow lot sales for future commercial development.

Why this matters: The approvals clear several properties for commercial development and standardize facade and screening requirements intended to limit offsite impacts on nearby residences. The PUD for the State Highway 76 site drew questions about site access, drainage and future uses; staff said the site will rely on on‑site sewer (ODEQ permitting) and will take primary access from Southwest 16th Street, with any ODOT driveway cuts from Highway 76 handled separately.

Supporting details: Council and staff discussed enforcement: site‑plan and building‑permit reviews remain required before building permits issue; the council emphasized concrete dumpster enclosures and screening to address neighbors’ concerns. The planning commission recommended continuance for 1 application (a façade deviation for an independently built warehouse) because required building permit materials, engineered plans and business licensing were not yet submitted; the council continued that item to the next meeting at planning staff’s recommendation.

Ending: The council adopted the PUD and approved multiple rezoning and facade requests as presented, with planning staff and applicants agreeing on additional masonry, screening and lighting commitments to mitigate neighborhood impacts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","NPWA/City Council Regular Meeting Monday July 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Newcastle City Council on July 14 approved several planning and zoning items recommended by the planning commission, including a facade deviation for a proposed Taco Bell, multiple rezonings and a PUD for a commercial site at State Highway 76 and Southwest 16th Street.","taxTitle","Newcastle, McClain County, Oklahoma","taxId",61935,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518768,"Council trims street projects, explains turnpike coordination and wastewater testing; Walker Drive bridge remains priority",3437,5068000,1631000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386427-c181cf80bfe10d37789e4348e982c248&start=5068&end=1631","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386427-c181cf80bfe10d37789e4348e982c248/thumbnail_5068000.jpg","/articles/6518768/Newcastle/McClain-County/Oklahoma/Council-trims-street-projects-explains-turnpike-coordination-and-wastewater-testing-Walker-Drive-bridge-remains-priority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518768-3ba520cbc5c646e56956115b553676cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440581&Signature=LnGXpqN5c6PIzakkxy0MepTLrBb5LPVoM2GkTky1Z1dVTc5LZED2celQu3mf1p-ERIH0oK9hZdfmoopZxB4lVcHgiBXHkuGK5GjozHtNyR7lDkvNXO3kgbskLAcAbnNkA5Hssp3MJGyWqOh2xjN9Q1uIq7X47oknIjKFw5QMC8Wi45y5EF3hFwQjga7UUWKvOy1cMXXdJmmBCMc~2ZVV09CdZzxczSy5TIkYTsfPpJLCQ-haFI91U9xmKo5VpeXinvVqCs3LpnrPhYLqsu-1doJz8WidG539OD2BC7ruznstG-qK22crwv-~6rouwUtxmBxqyGkPm4pxu5txaPohBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newcastle City Council on July 14 agreed to remove several capital street projects from the current year program to free funds for higher‑priority infrastructure tied to turnpike relocation and major bridge work.

City staff said Turnpike Authority relocation work requires coordinated utility relocations, and the city will upsize some lines on the city side to match the turnpike work. Eliminating selected projects reduces the capital program by about $1.3 million, staff said, and is intended to preserve funds to complete the city’s share of higher‑priority work — notably upgrades on Northwest 20th Street coinciding with a planned turnpike bridge replacement.

Staff briefed the council on the wastewater treatment plant, saying functional testing begins on Friday and will run about 14 days; if tests succeed, the plant will be operational after that testing period. Construction of force mains and sewer lines to new park facilities (Barrage Park pavilion and restroom) also remains in progress; one headwall installation has been delayed by high river levels and the pipe is currently partially submerged, staff said.

Why this matters: The council’s action reprioritizes limited capital dollars toward projects that must align with the turnpike schedule and bridge replacements; delaying some overlay and chip‑seal projects preserves funds for roadwork that must coordinate with state highway construction and bridge replacement timelines. Staff emphasized that Walker Drive bridge work will proceed and some projects will be completed under other funding streams when possible.

Supporting details: Staff said the Northwest 20th Street project carries an estimated cost around $2.9 million; coordinated timing with the turnpike bridge replacement is essential to avoid creating disconnections between a rebuilt bridge and unsynchronized roadway approaches. The city also reported $495,611.91 of earned interest on a wastewater plant CD and provided a ledger of numerous city fund balances. Staff said some projects will be completed with traffic‑impact fees or other dedicated funding rather than general capital funds.

Council members discussed long‑term corridor plans for Country Club and 20th Street and asked staff to continue seeking outside funding sources and to coordinate engineering schedules with the Turnpike Authority. Several councilors praised planning staff and engineering teams for fast work amid heavy development activity.

Ending: Council voted to vacate or defer a list of lower‑priority street projects and to preserve resources for turnpike‑related utility relocation, Northwest 20th Street and other coordinated bridge work; wastewater plant testing will continue as scheduled, and staff will report back on testing results and any changes that affect operational start dates.","The Newcastle City Council on July 14 approved removing several lower‑priority street projects from the current capital schedule — saving roughly $1.3 million — to reallocate money for coordinated utility relocations and bridge work tied to turnpike construction, and received an update that functional testing of the new wastewater plant will begin this week.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518779,"Council votes to adjust $880 June water bill to prior‑12‑month average after resident dispute",327,871000,1198000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386427-c181cf80bfe10d37789e4348e982c248&start=871&end=1198","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386427-c181cf80bfe10d37789e4348e982c248/thumbnail_871000.jpg","/articles/6518779/Newcastle/McClain-County/Oklahoma/Council-votes-to-adjust-880-June-water-bill-to-prior12month-average-after-resident-dispute","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518779-963ed33838e0d4018bc7a647548878f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440581&Signature=VymYpE2wwAl83AMsRiod49YD8Kd1CBEi7kbDWF9Elde3KRXtj0sHgwuNTFwIBduwN-jKx-rLGxBvST841zmyIG99MKSYOQ8CwsIwHytopjmjmDDJwYsMaZHq4inLMcj2Rtcb5AS3hqw3a3wiDbIqWzJAGbf7rryysujTgFDrHX66rTBV8gKMKvpsBpi-FKsU1x5qpcQ66HZYPwvwkmXzED4QjSy3VpPiZOySDk-M9GX9m86nJZWrEzQvfn3BFmvoJyGH9IRVenWh8smGySSJxnTFXc57iUQ28s8FMSDPFvCCA5aY5OxR-6m8aPIi-1IJi83G-IAD~G22C8X5o1dVzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Newcastle resident reported to the council on July 14 that their June water bill spiked to about $880 despite typical monthly bills of roughly $150–$170, and asked the council to review the charge.

The resident said Cox crews had been working in the neighborhood and suspected construction near utilities, but city staff said crews in the easement would not normally affect the private service line behind the meter. The resident provided bills and said meter data returned to normal levels after June. A city staff member suggested the bill be adjusted to the average of the prior 12 months and to continue monitoring usage closely in case the problem recurs.

Councilor motioned to adjust the June bill to the prior 12‑month average; the motion was seconded and passed with all yes votes recorded during the roll call.

Why this matters: Large billing anomalies can impose significant financial strain on households. Council action corrected the immediate charge and established follow‑up steps: staff advised the resident to stay in contact with utility staff (referred to in the meeting as Vita) and to report any renewed high usage so the city can investigate potential leaks or meter issues.

Supporting details: City staff said the household did not report leaks in the home and had inspected plumbing. Meter reads showed usage returned to normal after June. Staff noted new meter installations are occurring across town and recommended the resident confirm the meter is operational and watch for further spikes. Council approved the billing adjustment on a voice vote recorded as unanimous.

Ending: The council approved the one‑time adjustment to the June bill and instructed staff to monitor the account; the resident was advised to report any further unusual usage.","After a resident reported an $880 June water bill and documentation showing prior usage well below that amount, the Newcastle council voted to adjust the account to the prior 12‑month average and directed the resident to monitor usage.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518782,"MidAmerica Technology Center superintendent seeks 4‑mill building fund increase to build northwest campus",230,156000,386000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386427-c181cf80bfe10d37789e4348e982c248&start=156&end=386","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386427-c181cf80bfe10d37789e4348e982c248/thumbnail_156000.jpg","/articles/6518782/Newcastle/McClain-County/Oklahoma/MidAmerica-Technology-Center-superintendent-seeks-4mill-building-fund-increase-to-build-northwest-campus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518782-345992a45d407c6796b1b53872c2aab8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440581&Signature=kjkImz3oPvH43BpTJbxXt~hy1sAF9A6JOFG4EvRUJAhjgkxT0zypERAZOHBYmsqpcVFMqMKjkZ~EA3gje6gwyOV6R2xalrdF8WZbp7-Z1JmmQMQNypHunjH7N4zP3JoHLriZzBCZZcw46SjnK-VlsW7oQaFXG7Mt-56jdpwpklq7DQfnxxeCgamBmcOZHrA5URX5e9GKyoqOk0xTq3RhG3EtbbtwVjGTA0-QoJ2c2e4yMMBoonO1Wch1fMCDpemM9wdlOk5Bj08EHCwrCeh5PSm1N-5JuQrvpbuNqkL7GetJDo~bfM6GLjhmxrkFpARR1SGDi~aB4Wi0a0KUlRkEXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mike Eubank, superintendent of MidAmerica Technology Center, told the Newcastle City Council on July 14 that the center will ask voters in its 18‑district taxing area to approve a ballot measure on Aug. 12 to raise its building fund millage from 1 mill to 4 mills.

Eubank said the additional revenue would fund construction of a full campus in the district’s northwest corner to reduce travel times for students from Bridge Creek, Blanchard and Newcastle, who currently drive 35–40 miles to the Wayne campus. “That 3‑mill increase will amount to about $60 for the average home in McLean County,” Eubank said, adding that Garvin County homeowners would pay somewhat less — “in the $40 to $50 a year” range, according to his presentation.

MidAmerica, established in 1968, serves high school and adult career‑technical programs and has been operating at a 1‑mill building fund rate since 1995, Eubank said. The center said it would revert to a lower millage level after construction and initial build‑out — the superintendent suggested 2 mills as a reasonable long‑term rate — and emphasized that the 4‑mill request would be temporary to finance the new campus.

Why this matters: Tech center enrollment demand on the northwest side of the district has outpaced available seats, the superintendent said, and the center turned away more students this year than it enrolled. Council members asked procedural and operational questions but did not take action on the school’s request, which will be decided by the center’s voters on Aug. 12.

Supporting details: Eubank described a multi‑county voting footprint that includes all of Garvin and McClain counties and parts of Grady, Cleveland, Pottawatomie, Pontotoc, Johnson and Stephens counties. He said the campaign would aim to build capacity for 700–1,200 seats and to stand up five to seven programs quickly once funding and a site are secured. He also explained differences between a school bond and a building‑fund millage, saying bonds are usually larger, shorter‑term obligations and not commonly used by tech centers because they compete with sending districts for bonding capacity.

Eubank provided a best‑case construction timeline in response to council questions: if voters approve the millage on Aug. 12 and site access issues resolve, he said he would hope to break ground the following spring and potentially open initial programs by August 2027 in an optimistic scenario. He described that schedule as optimistic and acknowledged it depends on permitting, site preparation and coordination with local schools.

Context: MidAmerica is one of three career‑tech centers in the state that currently operate at 1 mill; many others operate at higher millage rates, Eubank said. He said the center had purchased property earlier but is seeking a larger parcel (about 60 acres) for a full duplicate campus.

Ending: The millage question will appear to the voters in the tech center’s taxing footprint on Aug. 12. Newcastle council members received the presentation and asked clarifying questions; no city action was required or taken on the school’s ballot request.","Superintendent Mike Eubank told the Newcastle City Council the MidAmerica Technology Center will ask district voters on Aug. 12 to raise its building fund millage from 1 to 4 mills to pay for a new campus serving Bridge Creek, Blanchard and Newcastle students.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves multiple rezoning and facade requests, adopts PUD for State Highway 76 site; Taco Bell facade deviation cleared

Council trims street projects, explains turnpike coordination and wastewater testing; Walker Drive bridge remains priority

Council votes to adjust $880 June water bill to prior‑12‑month average after resident dispute

MidAmerica Technology Center superintendent seeks 4‑mill building fund increase to build northwest campus