Contested plans for a CVS at 15th and Utica got initial approval this week from Tulsa’s city council.
Developers have made substantial changes to bring the site more in line with a small area plan covering the intersection.
"Some of the neighbors still don't feel like it's gone far enough, and I think especially two of the three planning commissioners that dissented in the motion to recommend approval really expressed those same concerns," said INCOG Director of Land Development Services Susan Miller.
The planning commission approved developers’ plans last month on a 6–3 vote. They denied them in December, saying the plans fell short of standards for mixed use, increased density and pedestrian friendliness.
One of opponents' complaints is though the planned building is two stories tall, it doesn’t have a functional second floor.
"The small area plan did encourage a two-story building, but at staff level, I felt like even though it wasn't truly a functional two-story building, the height of the building is what really mattered," said INCOG Director of Land Development Services Dwayne Wilkerson.
Councilor Blake Ewing said the issue isn’t as black and white as meeting or not meeting the letter of the small area plan.
"I would encourage everyone to do that, read the small area plan as it relates to this," Ewing said. "And then we have to decide as individuals what that means to us in terms of ... enforcement of that or adherence to that plan."
The store is planned for the northeast corner. An existing gas station and office building would be demolished.
It may be several weeks before the council takes action.
