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Residents press council on Ward 3 drainage and request access to archive Heritage Park Mall
Summary
Former councilwoman Espy Bowen asked the council to address long-running drainage issues in Ward 3 that she said threaten a veteran's home; a Midwest City native asked for limited access to photograph the soon-to-be-demolished Heritage Park Mall for archival purposes. Council staff took contact information for follow-up.
Two public commenters used the meeting's public-comment period to press the council on neighborhood infrastructure and local history.
Former councilwoman Espy Bowen, who said she has lived in Midwest City for more than 41 years, described extensive drainage problems in Ward 3 and urged immediate action. "This house is gonna be falling in if we don't get some help over there," Bowen said, describing spillways clogged with trees and debris and a veteran's property at risk.
Mayor Dukes and staff acknowledged the concerns; the mayor thanked Bowen for raising the issue and staff indicated the matter would be followed up administratively.
Later in the public-comment period, Jason Madrid, a Midwest City native and real-estate photographer, asked the city for limited access (one to two hours) to photograph the interior of Heritage Park Mall before demolition so there is a visual archival record. City staff offered to take his contact information and follow up about possible access and liability waivers.
Other residents raised questions about the new $150 special-pickup fee; staff responded that the city's internal cost calculation for a special bulk pickup is $152.93 and explained that quarterly free bulk pickups (four times a year) are not affected by the change.
The council did not take immediate policy action on the drainage requests at the meeting but instructed staff to follow up; the photographer's request likewise was referred to staff for further discussion and potential administrative approval.
