By KEVIN CANFIELD
The Frontier
Simon Property Group has pulled its zoning application to build an outlet mall at West 61st Street and Highway 75 near Turkey Mountain.
The company notified the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission of its decision this morning. Simon was scheduled to appear before the Planning Commission on Aug. 19.
Tulsa City Manager Jim Twombly said Simon notified the city of it decision.
“They did give us call and let us know,” Twombly said. “At the same time they said, ‘keep in touch,’ and they still have an interest in the Highway 75 corridor.
“But they did say they are pursuing the Jenks site.”
The retail giant announced plans last year to build Premium Outlet Mall on 48 acres of private property on the northeast corner of U.S. 75 and West 61st Street near Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area.
The proposal drew strong opposition from Turkey Mountain enthusiasts and luke-warm support from city councilors.
In May, city officials in Jenks announced that Simon had decided to move the project south to land across the Creek Turnpike from the Oklahoma Aquarium. But neither Simon nor the city of Jenks has commented on the possible move since.
Tulsa officials responded to that news by intensifying their efforts to keep the mall in the city.
Twombly had said previously that city officials were speaking weekly with Simon to assist in finding a suitable location along the Highway 75 corridor between 61st and 81st streets.
Simon did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and officials in Jenks said the developer has filed no applications for zoning or building permits to build a mall.
Kevin@readfrontier.com
918-645-5452
