The Norman team and representatives from University North Park LLC requested the Norman Planning Commission’s discussion of the proposed University North Park entertainment district be postponed for the fifth time, according to the planning commission meeting agenda.
Sean Rieger of Rieger Law Group requested a delay in consideration of the proposal on behalf of the applicant, University North Park LLC, until the planning commission meeting in June.
In an email to city staff, Rieger wrote that the delay is important as they are working to “align zoning and planning with the project plan (tax increment financing) that is currently working its way through the TIF statutory committee ”.
This is the fifth time the proposed entertainment district has been delayed since plans for its construction became public in September.
“We were excited and hopeful that this would come to council in October. So, you know, it’s something we’re excited about and we think Norman is excited about and we think we need this for the community,” said Dan Schemm, executive director of Visit Norman.
Lawrence McKinney, president and CEO of the Norman Economic Development Coalition, wrote in a text message to OU Daily that discussion of the proposal was likely postponed so the “TIF statutory review committee could make a recommendation.”
A TIF committee analyzes and considers the financial impact of potential TIF districts and reports its findings to the Norman City Council.
TIF diverts business or consumer taxes to support redevelopment, infrastructure and community improvement projects in a given area with the intention of stimulating private investment.
OU Marketing and Communications wrote in a statement sent to OU Daily that support for the entertainment district continues to grow and the approval process continues in an orderly manner.
“The developer team demonstrated flexibility in adjusting Planning Committee dates throughout this fluid process, and we remain committed to our shared vision of growth and opportunity for Norman. We are confident the process will be completed soon and remain grateful for the community’s support as we work to create new jobs, housing and economic growth,” a university spokesperson wrote.
Schemm said he was unaware the meeting was postponed until OU Daily contacted him, but he speculates it may be because the TIF statutory committee intends to present zoning and planning documents at the same time.
“Right now, after hearing about it, I don’t know what the plan is.” Schemm said. “My board meets next week, so we will talk about that at that meeting to see if any next steps are taken in our direction.”
This story was edited by Peggy Dodd and Anusha Fathepure. Nikkie Aisha Copy edited this story.
Ismael Lele covers Norman city issues with the intention of increasing transparency in organizations, municipal government and underrepresented voices. Ismael believes that the more informed Norman is, the greater the chances of the community achieving its goals. He can be reached at ismael.m.lele-1@ou.edu and is originally from Norman.
