Commission approves accelerated building-permit release for Memorial Drive development

The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission on Sept. 17 approved an accelerated release of a building permit that allows construction permits to be issued for phase 1 of a mixed-use development at the northwest corner of North Memorial Drive and East Pine Street before a final plat is filed.

Austin, a city planning staff member, said the original preliminary plat covered property down to Memorial and the applicant submitted final plats in phases. "The request is to allow building permits north of Reading Street" for what staff described as office-warehouse buildings in phase 1, Austin said. Staff recommended approval for the accelerated release "tied to the improvements shown in your site plan, limited to phase 1." He also said phase 2 will include additional infrastructure and is planned to include a hotel, retail and restaurants.

When asked whether the applicant agreed with the staff recommendation, the applicant said, "We are in review." Commissioner Craddock moved to approve the item per staff recommendation, and Commissioner Chiville seconded. The commission approved the motion by voice vote; the transcript records the chair asking, "All those in favor? Opposed?" and then the item was approved.

Staff characterized the accelerated release as limited to the improvements shown for phase 1; the commission did not record a roll-call vote or a recorded tally in the public transcript. No members of the public spoke on the item during the hearing.

The action allows the developer to proceed with construction for phase 1 earlier than final platting for later phases, subject to the conditions tied to the site plan shown to the commission.