One of the more impactful things that is happening nationwide is that some of the historically worst offenders in terms of auto-dependent sprawl are now conforming to appropriate urban design standards and are massively profiting from it.
DetailsThere are many reasons why we as a nation changed our development pattern after WWII, but the point is that we are three generations into this experiment now and we have learned several hard lessons about how we can be building in more productive ways.
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One of the more impactful things that is happening nationwide is that some of the historically worst offenders in terms of auto-dependent sprawl are now conforming to appropriate urban design standards and are massively profiting from it.
DetailsThe Smart Growth Tulsa Coalition is not taking an official position on this matter and has not polled our Advisory Board Members. We support the Pearl District Association, an affiliate member as well as the mission and ministry of Iron Gate. We encourage a respectful, open-minded dialogue between the parties that includes a willingness to compromise as they work towards an amicable solution and await a decision by the Board of Adjustment.
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The 6th St. Infill Plan isn’t just a dusty binder full of ivory tower urbanism. It represents many years of blood, sweat, and tears and has set the stage for a long overdue revitalization and growth.
DetailsI recently spent some time in East Tulsa, driving around, visiting small businesses, talking with proprietors, and cruising through a few neighborhoods. East Tulsa is the fastest growing part of our city and accounts for the major part of our recent population growth, modest as it has been. In spite of feeling like a racial…
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Repopulate the Central City Four years ago it was my privilege to sit on the advisory committee for PlaniTulsa, the City of Tulsa’s comprehensive planning effort.[1] I attended dozens of public meetings and workshops conducted by the city’s planning department and the planning consultant hired by the city. I have reviewed many maps, data sets…
DetailsDuring the last comprehensive planning effort in the late 1970’s, the City of Tulsa was divided into 27 planning districts with volunteer planning committees that tried to address the issues of sub-regions and neighborhoods in the city.[1] These districts where effectively dissolved in January 1997 by the Tulsa Area Metropolitan Planning Commission. They have been…
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Smart Growth Tulsa advocates for quality and affordable housing in safe neighborhoods for people of all income levels. There is growing demand nationwide for housing in walkable neighborhoods with access to public transportation, parks and civic spaces. The entire community benefits when we create a wide range of housing choices—whether it’s garden apartments, row houses,…
DetailsA friend’s recent interest in publishing a piece on life in near north Tulsa in the 50’s had me contemplating memories from my time growing up at 228 E. King Street. So I set out to share some of my fondest memories from those good old days. I was born in Newton, Kansas while my…
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The Public Park will be a place where the community can gather to play, picnic, enjoy concerts, exercise and attend festivals. It is envisioned to entice the community to spend time outdoors, encourage a healthier lifestyle and improve the quality of life. The opening paragraph does not refer to Tulsa’s Gathering Place, currently under development…
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