By John Dobberstein, Editor
The city of Broken Arrow is giving residents two chances to provide input on how the south half of the Rose District will develop.
The city hired consultants earlier this year to create a new Downtown Master Plan that builds on the foundation of the inaugural plan for Rose District created 20 years ago. The new plan being developed will serve as the strategic roadmap for, “the next chapter of downtown growth and revitalization,” the city says.
Input from a citizens advisory committee, city staff and focus groups helped the consultants create three big ideas to provide a general vision for the plan so input can be gathered. The ideas include:
Culture of Enterprise: This builds on Broken Arrow’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by organizing Main Street into a series of connected districts, each celebrating local businesses, creativity and community investment. This could be an entrepreneur neighborhood, food incubator/market hall, updated housing development and potentially a boutique hotel.
Downtown as a Destination: This could include a destination park and sport facilities, active entertainment, a town square and enhanced gateways from neighborhoods into downtown.
Green Connector: Separated paths for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians to enhance safety; convenience retailers, indoor/outdoor music venue and infill multi-family housing.
Some of the projects that will already be anchoring the southern Rose District are a relocated military history museum, Senior Center expansion, a new city hall, and an expanded Rose District plaza — all projects funded by the recently approved general obligation bonds.
The city is asking residents to attend an open house from 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 13 at the Central on Main Ballroom, 210 N. Main St., “to learn about the history of Broken Arrow, gain insight into what makes a vibrant downtown and the array of potential housing, entertainment, recreational and destination options being considered for inclusion of the Downtown Master Plan.”
City staff will also attend the Rose District Farmers Market on Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. to noon to answer questions take comments.
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