Council approves annexations and rezones for John T. Griffin Industrial Park; economic-development agreement approved in closed session

The Muskogee City Council on Feb. 24 approved three ordinances to annex portions of the John T. Griffin Industrial Park and three ordinances to rezone adjacent parcels from R‑1 (single‑family residential) to I‑1 (light industrial), and later authorized an economic development agreement discussed in executive session.

The council voted to approve Ordinance No. 42‑48A, Ordinance No. 42‑49A and Ordinance No. 42‑50A, which annexed multiple parcels described in the ordinances into the city and the John T. Griffin Industrial Park. The council then approved rezones by ordinance (42‑57A, 42‑56A and 42‑55A) changing the zoning classification from R‑1 to I‑1 for the parcels identified in the agenda and on the planning maps. Planning staff told the council the items had been heard by the planning commission and that staff recommended approval.

Why it matters: Council members said the annexations and rezones are intended to make land available for an industrial project in the industrial park. Residents and nearby landowners told the council the changes could affect agriculture, livestock and beekeeping and could have long‑term impacts on surface water that drains to the Arkansas River.

Public commenters pressed several points. A resident identified as Mr. Crawford said he opposed the annexation and rezoning for the parcels adjacent to his property, telling the council, “I oppose the annexation. I have, lot of bees, honey bees, and, I do not want, light industrial use, near my, very lucrative, very expensive, beehive sites.” Another resident, Michael Gregg, questioned economic projections tied to the larger project, asking, “Where did this body get 850 to 1,000 jobs on Project Heart, which is Stardust?” Mark Hughes urged the council to ensure contractors doing work for the city are registered and licensed.

Council members responded that public notice procedures were followed and that notices had been published and mailed where required; planning staff said notices were published in the paper and letters sent to adjoining property owners. The council also recorded multiple votes declaring emergency provisions for the ordinances before approving them by roll call.

After an executive session called under Oklahoma’s statutory provisions for economic development (25 O.S. § 307(C)(11)), the council voted in open session to approve the economic development agreement as discussed in executive session. City attorney staff summarized the vote and said the motion approved the agreement with the amendments discussed behind closed doors.

What the votes show: Each annexation and rezone passed on recorded roll calls with affirmative votes from council members Tom Martindale, Dan Hall, Melody Cranford, C. B. Abel, Shirley Hilton Flannery, Jamie Stout, Deputy Mayor Derek Reed and Mayor Patrick Kale. The economic‑development agreement motion also passed by roll call.

What's next: Staff will proceed with the administrative steps required by the ordinances, including updating the official zoning map if the rezone ordinances are final and implementing any terms of the economic‑development agreement as amended. Several residents said they intend to seek further review of notice procedures and title transfers noted in public comment.

Ending note: Council members and staff repeatedly said planning commission recommendations and staff reports supported the votes; residents who spoke said they will seek additional documentation and possible appeals about notice and title history.