YUKON, Okla. (KFOR) — Plans for a massive entertainment venue are striking the wrong chord for many in the metro.
Residents in a Yukon neighborhood are putting up signs opposing the Sunset Amphitheater in their yard.
Those who oppose it say this will only increase noise and traffic, while de
creasing property values.
"It's going to be a nightmare," said Yukon resident, Christopher Mathis.
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"The one issue that has everybody concerned is loss of property values, their home values going down," said Yukon resident, Charles Scott.
Concerns continue to grow from those who live close to the site of a proposed 12,000-seat amphitheater near I-40 and Frisco Road on the west side of Yukon.
"There's been five homes go up for sale since this amphitheater in this neighborhood," said Scott.
Leaders with the City of Yukon say this would increase revenue and bring more people to the growing city.
While homeowners want the same, they do not want it in this way.
"We think there's something that the city could still get revenue and sales tax from, from that piece of 184 acres sitting over there and benefit the entire community of Yukon," said Scott. "We don't think the amphitheater is the answer to that."
Those concerns led to action at a city council meeting held this week. The council voted to pay for what is called a feasibility study.
"This isn't a popular vote at the end of the day," said Brian Pillmore, Mayor of Yukon. "It is a focus on what is best for our community. We have to examine this with this feasibility study to understand that. It is going to take on all aspects."
However, another sticking point for opponents of the plan is the cost of the study, which is $60,000.
"The money could definitely be used better elsewhere, period," said Mathis.
"Why are we spending this money for something that may not even happen?" asked Scott.
Yukon's mayor said they will continue to take input from the community.
We are committed to gathering all the facts and listening to all concerns before making any decisions.
Brian Pillmore, Mayor of Yukon
Those who News 4 spoke with on Thursday said they will keep voicing their concerns.
"We want something that's going to be honestly beneficial for the whole community," said Mathis.
"Let's build something that we could all be proud of, because the amphitheaters are not going to be something we're going to be very proud of," said Scott.
Once the study is complete, Pillmore said the city manager will work with the city council on the next steps while considering input from the community.
He adds that the process will take months, so he is asking everyone for patience. ...read more read less