Opinion
Reverter issue needs deciding
EDMOND — The current debate about developer Derek Turner’s wish to complete the Planned Unit Development at Coffee Creek with a 345-unit apartment complex is really about more than just building apartments.
The Edmond City Council is scheduled this Monday to hear a new application from Turner to rezone the remaining 14.5 acres where he would like to see apartments developed. But residents who already own homes in the Coffee Creek area want the city to answer another question first.
Some residents believe that under previous Title 22 subdivision ordinances, the land in question actually reverted back to single family zoning in 2001 because the PUD was not completed within a five-year time frame. The City of Edmond has disagreed up to this point, stating that as long as developers continue work on a PUD, then it has not expired.
Both sides of the issue have made strong arguments for their cases.
While we see the city’s argument in how it should define “ongoing development” and whether the reverting back to an original zoning might constitute a taking of the land, the problem remains that this large legal question hangs over the head of every Edmond resident who has a home near a similar undeveloped, but planned project that has gone past the initial five-year time frame.
It’s not just the Coffee Creek residents who have a stake in the city resolving the so-called “reverter issue.”
We just hope the City Council figures out a solution to this question before homeowners take matters into their own hands and tally up more legal fees for taxpayers.
- Opinion
-
-
Ready, set, wait for grocery tax cut
This past week the Oklahoma State Senate approved a measure to eliminate the sales tax on groceries. However, you shouldn’t be counting all the money you will save just yet — unless you are already preparing your shopping list for 2016.
-
Spring break ideas for families
The old saying, “No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow” comes to mind this time of year. Robins are taking wing and the daffodils are starting to peek out of the ground.
For many boys and girls, the traditional “spring break” cannot come soon enough, and most Oklahoma schools will observe this time off between March 15 and March 19. However, some school boards do not schedule a spring break, and a few opt to schedule a one- or two-day break only. -
Daring to dream can bring fulfillment
The Everly Brothers sang, “All I have to do is dream.” Dreams are of pretty cool stuff but also about aspirations and hopes for a lifetime. Growing up we all have dreams we reach for. To some it’s in sports, others politics, others to be in the movies. We “dream” of what things will be like when we only get older.
-
Deficits have their dark sides
Once upon a time there was a deficit. By our standards, it wouldn’t amount to much, but in its day, it was big enough and unruly enough that it managed to set historical forces in motion and we’re still hearing echoes of that little deficit today.
Now this little deficit, like all deficits, didn’t have a name of its own. It was just called “deficit.” And, like many other deficits, it was cultivated, nourished and born with the idea it would serve a good purpose. This particular deficit was meant to cover a war. -
Resident offers health care rebuttal
Congressman Tom Cole continued the Republicans’ misleading depiction of the health insurance reform bill and congressional machinations related to it in his essay in Tuesday’s Edmond Sun. He included so many inaccuracies that it is hard to clarify everything.
He falsely called the proposal a “government takeover of health care.” Health care is delivered by providers. Under both the current system and the proposed revisions of the system, a consumer selects a provider based on whether or not there is a means to pay that particular provider. -
Partisan political tactics stifle health-care debate
The process Democrats are pursuing to pass government-run health care has become as flawed as the legislation itself. And that’s really saying something. From the beginning, the attempt to force through a government takeover of health care has been marked by disregard for the views of the American people. Now, Democratic leaders are disregarding standard legislative procedures and well-established precedents, as well.
-
South of border business deals could expand local economy
There is one of the original copies of the Magna Carta on display in the British Museum in London, England. That document, which was signed by King John of England in 1215 under duress, imposed limits on the power of the monarchy.
A copy of the Magna Carta, along with the American Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Oklahoma Constitution are included in the volumes that contain the statutes enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature. Paragraph 41 of the Magna Carta mandated that “All merchants shall have safe and secure conduct, to go out of, and to come into England, and to stay there, and to pass as well by land and water, for buying and selling by the ancient and allowed customs, without any evil tolls.” -
Oklahoma College Savings Plan an investment
In today’s workforce a college degree is a vital tool for landing a great job, and the necessity for higher education only will increase in the coming years. Studies show that workers with college degrees earn, on average, twice as much over a lifetime than those with only a high school diploma.
A college education is an investment for a lifetime. Unfortunately, affording college is beyond the means of some families and, especially in today’s economic climate, a struggle for many others. -
Budget-cutting measures make way through House
This week marks the House of Representatives’ deadline for voting on legislation before it goes to the Senate, so this is the time of year when representatives begin to spend a significant deal of time on the House floor. It also is the first major test for many of the more interesting and controversial issues.
One of the bills recently considered by the House was House Bill 3393, which was sponsored by state Rep. Jason Nelson. Nelson has invested significant effort in developing HB 3393, which provides a method for special needs students to go to schools which provide them with needed support. -
The moral argument for health insurance reform
Grace is a sweet little 6-year-old girl who likes soccer and science. Matthew is a curly-haired 3-year-old who likes balls, books and going to his Bible study.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Ready, set, wait for grocery tax cut
