В Norman обсудили влияние расширения автотрассы на жителей и городские ресурсы

Norman city leaders pressed the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Tuesday over the potential impact of the proposed South Extension Turnpike on homes, property and city resources. OTA walked councilmembers through its latest plans, including proposed interchanges at Techumseh Road and Alameda Street. The discussion grew heated at times as councilmembers questioned what the project could mean for people living along the route. Ward 5 Councilmember Trey Kirby pushed OTA to recognize the personal connection many residents have to their property. “When you say it’s a piece of land … it’s a piece of soul,” Kirby said. “Show more respect when you do it.” Kirby also told OTA that even if his own property is not affected, he considers protecting neighboring homeowners part of his responsibility as an elected official. Councilmembers raise questions about emergency response, city resources Councilmember Kyle Steele focused much of his questioning on how the proposed turnpike could affect Norman’s police and fire departments. Steele asked about emergency response times, access near the proposed interchanges and whether the project could create additional demands on city resources. Norman Fire officials said a response-time study aligns with OTA’s proposed interchange locations. Councilmember Helen Grant also questioned OTA about properties near the proposed route and planning for potential fire station locations near the interchanges. No decision was made by Norman City Council Tuesday. HeyDay closing shows another impact of OTA’s broader plan Another part of OTA’s broader ACCESS Oklahoma plan is already having a visible impact near Interstate 40. After nearly 20 years, HeyDay’s Norman location is preparing to close as its property is affected by the Toby Keith Expressway project. The neighboring Hey Pickle Pickle business is staying open, creating a property-line example of how transportation projects can affect one business while leaving another next door untouched. HeyDay’s owner stated on their website that losing the Norman location has been emotional, but said OTA made the process easy. Although this has been an emotional process, the OTA treated HeyDay fairly and provided the flexibility needed for an orderly transition. After construction is complete, we can evaluate the possibility of rebuilding on adjacent property. Turnpike opponents hold separate meeting at City Hall After the council discussion, members of PIKE OFF OTA held their own meeting inside Norman City Hall. Rick Sondag, who said his property is in the path of the proposed project, told the group opposition is strong among people who could be directly affected. “I’m in its path, and I can tell you 100% of the people in its path will tell you we don’t want it. We don’t need it,” Sondag said. PIKE OFF OTA leaders also raised concerns about potential long-term costs to Norman and the impact on property owners. OTA says minimizing property impacts is a priority News 9 asked OTA what it says to people who feel they have been run over by the process. OTA Executive Director Joe Echelle said minimizing the impact of roadway projects is one of the agency’s most serious responsibilities. “One of the most serious parts of that is minimizing the impact, avoiding any impact if possible, minimizing it, and then trying to mitigate for it,” Echelle said. Echelle added that property acquisition is governed by a regimented process under state law and is something OTA takes seriously. Norman City Council did not take action on the proposed project Tuesday.