Council approves comprehensive-plan amendment to enable water tower and future commercial corner

The Broken Arrow City Council approved Comprehensive Plan amendment COMP2154-2025 to change approximately 11.4 acres at the northeast corner of 101st and Lynn Lane from a mix of level 3 and 4 to all level 4. The amendment is being pursued to allow construction of a water tower and to enable future commercial development of the remaining land.

Rocky Hinkle said the site is currently undeveloped and that the planning commission approved the amendment 5-0 on June 26, 2025 "per staff recommendations." The applicant, appearing at the meeting, identified themselves as the landowner seeking the change to facilitate water infrastructure and said the extra land would likely be marketed for commercial development later; the applicant said the change helps secure economic-development funding to bring utilities to the intersection.

The applicant said, "We are building a detention pond as well ... we don't need the remaining land. And, I think it was always envisioned as commercial."

Council discussion clarified that this agenda item was the comp-plan amendment only; a separate rezoning application would follow if the applicant pursued commercial zoning. A councilor moved to approve the comp-plan change; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call.

Staff said the amendment aligns with typical hard-corner designations in the comprehensive plan. One nearby resident submitted a letter of opposition citing lack of a clear development plan, and one resident asked questions at the planning commission. Hinkle recommended approval subject to the standard review process.