By John Dobberstein, Editor
Broken Arrow has continued to head down a path of growth and prosperity, even in the throes of a nationwide pandemic.
But crucial times lie ahead as the city continues to work on infrastructure challenges and public service demands to support future growth, said City Manager Michael Spurgeon Wednesday during the annual State of the City address.
More than 200 people packed the main ballroom at the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the address.
Spurgeon credited the Chamber, Northeastern State University, Tulsa County and Wagoner County officials, state and federal lawmakers, the Muscogee Nation, utility companies, business community, City Council and city leadership team as important players in the success.
Big projects emerge
This year has seen a string of major projects surface in Broken Arrow. The Rose District continues to expand and draw new restaurants and businesses, the newly named New Orleans Square district at W. New Orleans St. and S. Elm Pl. is seeing renewed life and the $31.6 million Aspen Ridge commercial and residential development was announced this year near at Aspen Avenue and the Creek Turnpike.
Just to the northwest, the city closed on a $5 million purchase of 90 acres of property that will become the Innovation District. It will include residential, commercial and educational components while focusing on high-paying career opportunities.
Nearby is the proposed Elam Park, a large public park with a price tag of $25 million to $50 million. City councilors approved a master plan for the park at last night’s regular meeting.
And in November, Bell’s Amusement Park announced it planned to re-open its amusement park along the Creek Turnpike and E. Kenosha St., along with a large water park and indoor activity center.
“Our economy is strong, our streets are safe, we have the best schools in the state and we have an unmatched quality of life. And Broken Arrow BA is recognized as a great private sector investment,” said Spurgeon, who became city manager in 2015.
“This all happened in the midst of a pandemic, the likes of which our country has never seen. Our community’s success during unprecedented times is a true testament to the resilience of everybody in this room, and to the fortitude of our community to stand tall in the face of adversity.”
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Goals being met
To date, Spurgeon said, the city has added police officers and firefighters, opened new fire stations, developed a flexible plan for infrastructure improvements and in 2018 saw the passage of the $210 million Go Bond package – the largest in the city’s history.
Spurgeon also shared some more current economic numbers:
· Broken Arrow’s population increased 13.5% from 2011 to 2021, with this year’s estimate at 114,250 residents.
· Average household income is up, with a median income of $74,290 and mean income of $98,410.
· Job growth in Broken Arrow is projected at 5% through 2025. The city is home to 320 manufacturers.
· The city’s Community Development department has issued 3,241 single-family residential and commercial permits since 2015.
· The city’s assessed value has increased 33.2% since 2015, from $790 million to approximately $1 billion.
Maintaining a “major emphasis” on economic development is a priority for the city, Spurgeon said, through maintaining an environment that promotes private investment, facility job growth, encouraging transformational public-private partnerships, providing competitive “but responsible” economic development incentives, and increasing opportunities to shop locally.
Spurgeon said he wants to see Broken Arrow work further toward being a “health and thriving community” and doing that through “creating and maintaining public spaces that foster social cohesion,” as well as improving transportation and connectivity and enhancing neighborhood revitalization.
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The City Council has authorized spending on some transportation studies to better utilize the funding the city receives – especially when it comes to the underserved.
“There are a lot of people that can’t get to the doctor, can’t go out to get their prescriptions, and the city has a responsibility to help those people,” Spurgeon said. “We also need a rideshare program to get those who are staying in our hotels to the Rose District, New Orleans Square and Tiger Hill.”
Challenges ahead
In spite of Broken Arrow’s record of growth, Spurgeon acknowledged the city faces some major infrastructure and public works challenges. In 2027 or 2028 he expects the city could be going before voters for a bond package that may have a price tag of $300 million to $400 million to continue widening streets, caring for parks and supporting public safety.
The city has adequate supplies of drinking water now but capacity may be used up in 10-15 years, so a possible new source of raw water is being studied. Fixing traffic congestion on the Broken Arrow Expressway at Kenosha, Lynn Lane and Elm interchanges may cost $15 million to $20 million each and state and federal lawmaker may need to help, he noted.
Addressing sanitary sewer and stormwater issues in the Adams Creek basin, which could include a new treatment plan, may cost $30 million to $40 million. And Spurgeon believes a solid waste transfer station is needed for Broken Arrow so the city doesn’t have drive trash trucks to Tulsa for disposal. This could cost $10 million to $15 million.
Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a law that allows communities to increase the millage on property taxes to support public safety, and that will be seriously considered, Spurgeon says.
“In order for us to continue to have a safe city we’re going to need the support of the public,” Spurgeon said.
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