North Tulsa Economic  Development Initiative

Caroline Bennett

Thursday, May 17, 2018: The North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative (NTEDi) nonprofit organization invites you to support and participate in our 6th Annual Book Scholarship Awards Celebration on May 17, 2018 from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm. The theme for the celebration is “Tomorrows Leaders, Excelling Today!”.

The Book Scholarship Awards Celebration will be held at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame; 111 East First Street-Upper Level, Tulsa, Oklahoma. The NTEDi Book Scholarship Awards celebration supports the continued education of deserving Tulsa students. Caroline Bennett, a dynamic Speaker, inspired by her realities and dreams, her passion, purpose, and hustle in life illuminates the lived experience of Black girls and their truths. She uses spoken word, story-telling and song as tools of liberation and resistance to join with Black girls who have been silenced by their past and/or paralyzed by their fears. Caroline believes “Black girls have a right and a reason to survive, 'come alive', and thrive in educational spaces, ‘da streets’ and other institutional spaces that try to “steal, kill and destroy” our identities.” -Caroline Bennett

On a full-ride scholarship at The Ohio State University, Bennett recently graduated with Master’s degree in Women’s, Gender & Sexuality studies. Attending and graduating from two Predominately White Institutions (PWI’s), her position as a Black woman has afforded her a unique “outside-within” status. She was committed to transforming the academy and classrooms from the inside out and privileging the knowledge she possesses to write, sing, speak and live as access- bridging a gap for the communities she writes with, for and to.

Born and raised on the north Side of Tulsa, Oklahoma she is a proud product of the hood. Bennett is notorious for saying, “The ‘Streets’ #RaisedMe, The University of Oklahoma #GroomedMe and The Ohio State University #BloomedMe” in efforts to acknowledge how although her formal schooling has taken place in institutional settings she’d be remised if she didn’t pay homage to where she passed her “first tests”- in ‘da streets.’ Caroline challenges society’s construction and hierarchizing of knowledge and the forms it takes.

The question that the City Council and the Community Leaders should continue to ask, what would people in the community do if the small discount stores had chosen not to make an investment in the community. We are not against a full service store, we need several in the north Tulsa community. However, if the same items sold are unhealthy if sold in a small discount store, than perhaps you can explain to us why they are healthier if sold in a full service store.

A moratorium in north Tulsa would result in a suspension of business development activity (stores, etc.) in certain areas of north Tulsa.

A moratorium in Tulsa would not demonstrate that the City is concerned about economic development, building the workforce and healthier communities in the near future.

A moratorium in north Tulsa does not support revitalization plans for the north Tulsa community that residents have been involved in for the past 10 years are more.

Amongst the highest priorities that municipalities should be concerned with is creating jobs, improving the tax base.

A moratorium in north Tulsa does not support the creation of jobs or building wealth in the north Tulsa community.

A moratorium in north Tulsa disrupts the communities ability advocate for the creating and attracting desirable business into the north Tulsa community; a moratorium does not inspire economic growth.

www.ntedi.net

 

City Council Agenda Item April 11, 2018: Healthy Neighborhoods Overlay aka 180 Day Moratorium becoming Permanent in North Tulsa - Passed 5-2 by City Council.

 

 

(Healthy Neighborhoods Overlay) requested by the Tulsa City Council, amending the City of Tulsa Zoning Code to establish regulations of a Special Area overlay district, to include Small Box Discount and Grocery Stores as specific retail use types to include table notes for Small Box Discount stores, to include Small Box Discount and Grocery Stores as specific retail use types, and to establish minimum motor vehicle parking ratios for such stores. [UED 4/4/18; CC 4/4/18; CC 4/11/18] 18- CLICK HERE FOR BACK-UP DOCUMENTATION.

Old Vision / New Vision has been adopted which includes components of Vision 2017

VISION 2017 

LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION

The renaissance in North Tulsa is amazing! The strong collaborative effort between the public and private sectors, along with the commitment to the area by all Tulsa citizens, has been the force behind this change. Tulsa’s leadership and citizens have worked together to build a bright future for North Tulsa while preserving its heritage and unique assets. The initiative reflects the importance of tolerance and inclusion and serves as a model for our region.

ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

The growth of new business in the area has provided a wide variety of quality jobs for local residents. These businesses are the outcome of a progressive strategy designed to support the attraction of new businesses and the growth of local entrepreneurial ventures. They have had access to creative funding opportunities, special training programs and other incentives that have ensured their success while supporting the employment of North Tulsa residents.

The growing economy is apparent in the numerous retail and entertainment centers strategically located throughout the region. There are new neighborhood grocery stores and shopping areas, as well as, a hotel and shopping complex that offers national franchises with a wide variety of restaurants. These new ventures not only serve the needs of residents in the area, but attract “shoppers” from throughout the region.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Home ownership has skyrocketed as new initiatives have made it possible for more residents to make the move from renter to homeowner. With this has come an increased pride in maintaining the beauty and safety of the neighborhoods.

The neighborhoods reflect the sense of community that has grown from the peace of mind the residents enjoy knowing that their children are safe and thriving. They have great parks to play in, new recreation centers to enjoy, and safe sidewalks to ride their bikes. The schools are some of the best in the nation with a wide variety of learning opportunities for students of all ages.

Along with the growing economy has come access to quality healthcare for all of the residents. The overall physical and mental health of the residents reflects the success of the many programs in the schools and the community health centers that have focused on prevention and wellness.

Another sign of the success of North Tulsa is the new and improved public transportation system. It provides a variety of options allowing for easy access to and from jobs, shopping, schools and healthcare for residents and visitors of all ages.

CONCLUSION

The bottom line is that North Tulsa is a great investment! People want to raise their families here and businesses want to build their futures here. With the efforts to leverage the natural resources for the enjoyment of residents and visitors, North Tulsa has truly become a destination spot!

The North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative (NTEDi) 8th Annual NTEDi Education Gathering, was held November 1, 2016. The very informative discussion held related to ensuring all students receive a quality education and are well prepared to live a fulfilled life beyond high school.

 

This year’s educational theme was “The Time is Now! Parent Engagement, Student Accountability & the Future”. The event focused on engaging parents for student success”. Mr. Eddie Taylor, Chief Operating Officer of Circle ET Ranch LLC and McLain Alumni served as the keynote speaker and shared the importance of "Pushing Students to Success."

http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/retail/new-grocery-store-planned-for-edge-of-north-tulsa-industrial/article_bed03497-f4fe-5b54-897c-33883d1bd348.html?utm_source=WhatCountsEmail&utm_medium=Breaking%20News&utm_campaign=Breaking%20News

http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/retail/quiktrip-to-build-north-tulsa-distribution-and-manufacturing-center/article_f7490e54-6a35-5aa8-8531-ed627ba44801.html

Capital Homes' latest new home development - Ogans Circle - is a brand new neighborhood situated in the heart of North Tulsa. This quiet, self-contained cul-de-sac will contain 14 new single-family homes and provide high quality, affordable three and four bedroom homes starting in the $140s. 

http://www.capitalhomes.com/Find_Your_Home/Tulsa/Ogans_Circle

We hope you had the opportunity to attend the workshops to review and discuss potential routing and station location options. Another series of workshops will be held in early summer 2017 to review and discuss BRT branding, station architecture and amenities. Your input is important.

• Project Area: East 63rd Street north on Peoria Avenue to east 81st Street and Lewis Avenue. BRT stations located approximately every half-mile. See map on adjacent page

• Proposed Work: Enhanced BRT station platforms, shelters and markers

• Funding Source: Improve Our Tulsa (Capital Costs) and Vision Tulsa (Operating Costs)

• Status of Project: Preliminary design phase

• Construction: Spring 2018

• Opening: Spring 2019

For more information visit:

http://tulsatransit.org/2017/04/peoria-bus-rapid-transit-public-workshops/

BRT Fact Sheet