4 days ago
OTA asks for public input on new alignment of South Extension
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — There was a tense back and forth exchange in Norman on Tuesday evening with hundreds of people who live in the path of the proposed Turnpike letting the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) know how they feel.
Most of those in the crowd didn't care one bit about what the OTA had to say, but they definitely let them know not to put a Turnpike in their backyard.
'The big reason for why we are here is that the alignment has to move west,' said David Strep, President and CEO of POE and Associates.
The meeting over a proposed extension through Cleveland County quickly turned tense.
'We want to be able to help you to make this a good Turnpike,' Strep said.
OTA changing route of south extension, asking for public input
Though after every few sentences, most in attendance were letting him know they don't want a Turnpike at all.
'We will repeat again to them tonight, which is no Turnpikes,' said Dave Moore, who is against the Turnpike.
'The town hall meetings that they had back in, I believe, the spring of 2022, were nothing more than the same kind of meeting we're having tonight,' said Randy Carter, who is also against the Turnpike. 'They just were showing people where the turnpike was proposed to go, and they didn't ask us if we wanted it.'
The OTA says Tuesday evening's meeting was to gather input on where the south extension could go.
'How can you help us? We would love to hear your input to make this alignment as could as it can be,' Strep said.
All of this comes after the OTA was told they could not build as close to Lake Thunderbird as they initially planned.
'The Turnpike Authority is going to do everything possible to even improve the water quality coming into the lake,' Strep said.
However, some found that hard to believe.
There are also concerns about what the new alignment will possibly mean for hundreds of homes.
'Obviously there is no way we can build these Turnpikes without impacting homes,' Strep said.
Continuous outbursts led to one woman being escorted out of the meeting.
A short time later, a man stood up to the rowdy crowd.
'Will you all please be quiet! I came here for some public information. I'm a member of this community, and I'm tired of hearing all the hysteria about this. Hush, let them talk.'
After the presentation, tables were set up to receive public input.
Those opposed say they will not provide input on the new alignment, but will continue to do more to prevent it from happening at all.
'We, as Oklahoma citizens, are appealing directly to Executive Director Kelly, to Secretary of Transportation Yates, and to Governor Stitt do what Secretary of Transportation McCaleb did in 1999, tell the Turnpike Authority to stop and let our people go,' Moore said.
The OTA says you have until June 30 to weigh in on the new alignment for the South Extension.
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