With the wheels turning on a future Peoria Avenue rapid bus route, the City of Tulsa will look at how to use land around the stations.
Public comments will go toward recommending policies on development around stations. Tulsa Transit’s Debbie Ruggles said the big deal is the rapid bus route has more permanent stations than ordinary routes.
"So we're looking for opportunities around those major stations to get the kind of business development and growth that we see at some of the other transit agencies across the nation," Ruggles said.
Ruggles said it’s an exciting opportunity to transform part of Tulsa.
"We'll be looking at zoning codes, and they'll be looking at sidewalk access," Ruggles said. "And they'll be looking at developers who might be interested in some mixed-use development and higher density, making sure that is allowed and encouraged."
When land use policies are right, the returns can be high. Tucson, for example, spent $100 million on a rapid transit route.
"Land use, development, around the stations yielded $900 million in development in just 17 months," Ruggles said.
The public workshops are July 26 and 27. Some sessions are outdoors.
July 26
- Spirit Life Church, 5345 S Peoria Ave., 5:30 p.m.
- Central Center at Centennial Park, 1028 E Sixth St., 5:30 p.m.
July 27
- South Tulsa Community House rear parking lot, 5780 S Peoria Ave., 9 a.m.
- Centennial Park parking lot, East Sixth Street and South Peoria Avenue, 11 a.m.
- Gateway Market Parking Lot, 1600 N Peoria Ave., 3 p.m.
- Morton Comprehensive Health Services, 1334 N Lansing Ave., 5:30 p.m.
