The proposed University North Park leisure district, together with an area that OU basketball and ladies’s gymnastics can be the anchor tenant of, will likely be postponed for a fourth time by the Planning Commission, according to the agenda for Thursday’s meeting.

The agenda learn that the applicant, University North Park LLC, has requested to postpone consideration of the proposal till the May Planning Commission assembly.

The proposal became public in September when city, university and private sector leaders unveiled plans to build a new OU arena and entertainment district. Since then, the proposal may have been mentioned at a number of Planning Commission conferences, however has been postponed every time.

A key piece of the proposal is the creation of a tax increment finance district. In November, a TIF overview committee was fashioned to debate the potential of a TIF district, and potential influence. The committee met for the primary time Friday.

Due to the delay, the earliest the general public may even see a completely developed ultimate plan can be on the May Planning Commission assembly. As of now, a ultimate plan has not been launched to mission companions. Dan Schemm, the chief director of Visit Norman, which is closely concerned with the plan, mentioned he has not seen an in depth ultimate plan for the proposal.

Scott Martin, president and CEO of Norman Chamber of Commerce, mentioned he has not seen something resembling a ultimate plan, however expects the method to maneuver extra shortly because the TIF committee takes form.

Ward 7 Councilmember Stephen Tyler Holman beforehand instructed OU Daily growth proposals usually don’t go in entrance of the Planning Commission till a ultimate plan has been developed.

The postponement comes virtually every week after OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. threatened to move the arena to a neighboring city if the Norman City Council doesn’t approve the proposal.

On Monday, Martin instructed the OU Daily he isn’t stunned Harroz would make such a menace.

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and Moore Mayor Mark Hamm have said they have not been in contact with OU regarding the arena, but would be open to discussions.

Schemm instructed OU Daily he is aware of different cities have approached the college about constructing the sector. 

Some metropolis council members have expressed concern because of the lack of particulars and not using a plan. 

Ward 8 Councilmember Matt Peacock has repeatedly mentioned he’s ready for extra concrete particulars earlier than deciding on his place.

Peacock lately gained the Ward 2 council seat, defeating electrician Russell Rice in a runoff election in April. Because of latest adjustments to Norman’s ward boundaries, Peacock is not a Ward 8 resident, which is the ward the place the district can be.

Holman said he needs to see studies about the economic and traffic impact the development might have on Norman. Holman is especially involved with University North Park harming present companies in core Norman.

Holman instructed OU Daily he doubts the proposal would cross the present metropolis council. As for the incoming council, to be seated on July 2, he’s equally skeptical in regards to the proposal passing.

At the April Norman City Council assembly, council members will vote on the consent docket, together with a contract with Coalign Group. If handed, the contract would enable Coalign to proceed analyzing the influence of the proposed area and the accompanying TIF district.

The evaluation by Coalign is unlikely to incorporate info concerning the broad financial influence the event would have.

According to Coalign’s web site, they supply consulting and steerage concerning tax credit, financial growth, land acquisition and different associated subjects.

Consent dockets are a portion of the town council agenda during which noncontroversial objects are grouped collectively. Council members vote on the group of consent docket objects.

Norman residents and leaders will seemingly keep watch over the May Planning Commission agenda for additional OU area and University North Park leisure district updates. 

If the proposal passes the Planning Commission, it can transfer to the town council for 2 reads earlier than it’s mentioned and formally voted on.  

This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure and Peggy Dodd. Natalie Armour and Grace Rhodes copy edited this story.