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Report by Nehemiah Frank
Tulsa, Okla – District One City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper and residents of the councilor’s district Lakeshu Whitley-White, Kristi Williams, Stephen Williams, and Farmina Williams have filed a lawsuit against the Tulsa Development Authority (TDA).
“this lawsuit arises as a result of violations by the TDA of the Open Meeting Act, 25 O.S. §§ 301-314.”
“for purposely instituted a vague and ambiguous agenda item because it related to the proliferation of discount dollar stores in District 1 of the City of Tulsa, a highly contested and politically divisive issue.”
Original TDA Agenda Document
No visible adjustment with action item “h.” above or below;
however, action item “i.” shows visible changes which is problematic.
Visible Adjusted TDA Document
The lawsuit came after the long-awaited proposed moratorium vote Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at the City Council Meeting, which did not occur but rescheduled for this coming Wednesday, August 30, 2017. The reason for a later vote, North Tulsa residents, as well as citizens from around the city, spoke out against having the fifteenth Dollar General store built. Issues of race, equity, and the life expectancy gap were discussed.
The court documents are embedded below. We’ll keep you updated on this rapid developing story.
