TDA approves multiple land sales, construction plans, $100,695 TIF streetscape grant and engagement letter for Greenwood nonprofit

The Tulsa Development Authority approved several redevelopment and spending items at a public meeting, including land-sale approvals on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, a sale and construction plan for a lot on East Ute Street, authorization of a Brady Arts District TIF streetscaping grant and payment of legal startup costs for the Greenwood Legacy Corporation.

The actions were taken as part of a consent agenda and subsequent individual motions. Mia James, a TDA staff member, presented a request to enter into a redevelopment agreement with Haskell Homes for the purchase and redevelopment of property at 269 East Ute Street for $7,500 and said the developer "is excited to construct a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, on the 5,000 square foot lot." Billy (last name not specified), who presented the construction plans, described the house as two stories, about 1,300 square feet, with an estimated sale price range presented at the meeting.

Why it matters: The approvals advance multiple small-scale redevelopment projects and commit TDA funds and administrative action that will be used to close sales, approve building documents and reimburse expenses tied to neighborhood redevelopment and a closed TIF district.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (including approval of minutes from 02/27/2025 and resolutions approving construction plans and building specifications for 1905 and 1911 North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard submitted by Ellison Investment Group): motion passed; recorded roll-call votes were affirmative (see actions[] for member-level record). - Sale/ redevelopment agreement and construction plans for 269 East Ute St. with Haskell Homes (sale price listed as $7,500; deposit reported in the meeting transcript as "$3.75"): motion passed. Commissioners recorded as voting yes included Carl Bracey, Jennifer Griffin, Elianne Hurtado, Steve Mitchell and Ashley Phillipson. - Resolution authorizing funds from Brady Arts District TIF No. 1 payable to Cheyenne Landlord LLC for a streetscaping matching grant in the amount of $100,695: motion passed. - Engagement letter between TDA, Greenwood Legacy Corporation (GLC) and law firm Gable Gottwals to pay for start-up and organization legal work on behalf of GLC (amounts over $25,000 require GLC approval): motion passed. TDA staff clarified that TDA would be facilitating payment from funds provided by the city under the implementation agreement for the Kirkpatrick Heights Greenwood master plan, and that GLC independently requests and determines services.

The board also voted to enter an executive session to discuss a proposed economic development initiative and "the creation of a new sector plan for portions of Southeast Tulsa," citing the authority referenced in the meeting as "25 through 7 b 4 and 3 0 7 c 11." The board later returned to open session and confirmed all commissioners present during the executive session and stated that no actions were taken while in executive session.

Board members and staff who spoke on these items included Mia James (TDA staff member), Billy (construction presenter, last name not provided), Mike Dickerson (staff, item presenter), and a TDA president and CEO (name not specified) who explained the GLC payment arrangement. Legal counsel identified in the discussion was named Jat. The record shows motions, seconds and roll-call votes for the listed approvals; specific yes votes are recorded in the actions[] entries.

The approvals clear the way for closing on small-lot redevelopment, release of a TIF streetscape match, and administrative payment for legal services supporting the Greenwood Legacy Corporation. TDA staff said they will return with an exact remaining TIF balance at a future meeting.

Ending: Several commissioners asked that staff provide clearer, itemized reporting on city-funded expenditures moving forward so the board can track balances and required separate resolutions tied to the city agreement.