Oct 23, 2024
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — A controversial Turnpike expansion plan is being met with new resistance. Less than two months after Norman City Council rejected an agreement from the Turnpike Authority, the topic was back on the agenda Tuesday night. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Norman City Council unanimously rejects proposals to partner with OTA Norman residents say they are more upset now than ever. They feel the Turnpike Authority is trying to bully them into a decision. They say their message is clear, no means no. "We voted down unanimously the resolution eight weeks ago and now we're back again," Amy Serato, Pike Off OTA President said. A resolution was back on the agenda for Norman City Council Tuesday night, which would allow the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to work with the City on projects in Norman. "It just gives the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority the consent they need to come into our town while providing the city of Norman nothing," Serato said. "They want to turn Norman into their economic playground," Dave Moore, Pike Off OTA member said. Moore and others believe this won't be a partnership, rather OTA is looking to gain control over what and where they can build new turnpike projects. "People were promised that they could build their homes in peace and quiet in certain areas and not ever be bothered by things like six lane, 90 mph toll roads," Moore said. "What they're looking for right now is permission to take more right of way, that they will eventually sell to the other developer friends," Serato said. Serato, who is also a civil engineer, says this would ultimately fall on the taxpayers. "Because the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority will not pay for the linear dwellings, they will not pay for the service road, they will not pay for the interchanges, but they'll bootstrap the city of Norman for generations," said Serato. So, they're urging the council to again say no to the resolution. "They have to decide who they're going to serve in this town," Moore said. "Are they're going to serve the people of Norman or if there is to serve their small group of fat cat developers?" After hearing from many residents, the Norman City Council has decided to postpone the resolution indefinitely. They are going to create a town hall study session with all parties involved in attendance, so all questions and concerns can be addressed and answered. They will announce the date at a later time, of course we will follow it and let you know.
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