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Midwest City authorities move $9.25 million to Urban Renewal fund to begin Heritage Park Mall takeover process
Summary
The Midwest City Memorial Hospital Authority and City Council approved a $9,248,155 transfer to the Urban Renewal Authority to begin acquiring Heritage Park Mall and to cover initial costs including court escrow, demolition planning and testing.
The Midwest City Memorial Hospital Authority on April 20 approved a one‑time transfer of $9,248,155 to the Midwest City Urban Renewal Authority to begin the process of acquiring Heritage Park Mall and to cover related costs.
City Attorney Don briefed the council that the commissioners’ appraisal and related costs put the immediate cash amount needed to begin the court‑controlled acquisition process between about $6.9 million and $7.0 million. Don told the council the building appraisal reported to the city was $6,710,000; the commissioners also included about $200,000 for moving expenses and roughly $12,000 in commissioners’ fees, with the remainder of the transfer designated to cover demolition planning, testing and other site‑specific work if the city takes title.
The transfer moves funds from the Midwest City Memorial Hospital Authority to the Urban Renewal Authority. Once the Urban Renewal Authority deposits the money in escrow with the county court clerk, the owner of Heritage Park Mall will have statutory windows to respond: 30 days to contest procedure under the Urban Renewal Act, and 60 days to challenge the award amount.
City staff and outside counsel told the council the escrowed funds will remain under court control while any litigation is litigated. Don said if the owner wins an award more than 10% above the commissioners’ figure, the city could be responsible for additional amounts including the owner’s attorney fees; if the award is at or below 10% above the commissioners’ figure, the city may be able to recover attorney fees under state law.
Council members asked about hazardous materials reported at the mall and the potential risk to adjacent neighborhoods and first responders. Staff said additional funding beyond the escrow deposit will be used to hire contractors, including hazardous‑materials contractors if needed, to inventory, remove and properly dispose of regulated materials. Staff noted some disposal (for example, certain hazardous wastes) could require out‑of‑state transport because of limited in‑state disposal capacity.
The council approved the transfer by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the public meeting minutes.
Looking ahead, staff said acquisition would not immediately lead to demolition. If the property is acquired, the city will need to perform testing, secure required permits, likely advertise and contract for demolition or redevelopment work, and decide a long‑term reuse plan for the property.
