Oklahoma City, OK – At a recent Oklahoma City Council meeting, members found themselves divided over a proposed rezoning request that could lead to a new residential development near the Wildewood neighborhood. The developers are seeking approval to rezone a vacant field located near I-235 and I-44, adjacent to Wildewood Drive and NE 59th Street. The plan includes the construction of both single-family homes and an apartment complex.
While many residents of the Wildewood neighborhood have voiced support for the idea of new development, several expressed concerns about the potential impact on their community, particularly regarding increased traffic congestion. These concerns have led some to call for a more involved role in the planning process to ensure the development aligns with their needs.
“We’re not against development, we just are concerned about congestion in our neighborhood,” said Vicky Hooks, a local resident. “What we want to do is be active participants in the planning of this development.”
The rezoning request seeks to change the zoning on two tracts of land, one for single-family homes and the other for multi-family apartments. Developers are asking for an additional 62 units on the property, which they say would bring the total density of the development to a more viable level. In exchange for the increased density, the developers have proposed several adjustments to address community concerns. These include increased landscaping buffers, larger setbacks from neighboring properties, reduced building heights, and enhanced screening to shield the new development from surrounding homes.
Mark Zitzow, Director of Urban Planning at Johnson & Associates, explained that the new plan incorporates feedback from multiple neighborhood meetings held throughout the process. “Our request is essentially to add 62 additional units, and in exchange for that increased density, we’ve made several changes to reduce the impact on the surrounding neighborhood,” Zitzow said.
The original Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the site was approved by the city council in 2021, but the developers revised their plans in response to ongoing discussions with local residents. Zitzow noted that the process has taken longer than usual due to the thorough engagement with the neighborhood, including four community meetings to address concerns and gather input.
However, some residents remain worried about the environmental and safety implications of the development. One Wildewood resident raised concerns about the influx of wildlife that emerged after nearby construction projects, particularly following the building of the nearby highway. “My property, my backyard, will be greatly affected by this change,” the resident said, referencing increased encounters with animals after the construction of I-235. “That’s safety, and that is a great concern of mine.”
Despite these concerns, many residents emphasized that they are not opposed to the development itself, but rather to the potential negative consequences it may have on their daily lives. They expressed a desire for continued dialogue with developers and city officials to ensure that the development is well-planned and considers the needs of the existing community.
The zoning request and the developer’s proposal are still under review, and councilors are expected to continue discussions in the coming weeks. As the process unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the developers and local residents can come to a consensus that addresses both the need for new housing and the concerns of the neighboring community.
