Norman City Council contemplates halting "Large Projects"

Proposed moratorium resolution would temporarily stop permit issuance for large projects

Well. Another sound strategy bites the dust.

Last night, the Norman City Council discussed a temporary moratorium on City Permitting of large projects at a study session. The OU Daily reports on the play-by-play of the meeting.

Michael Nash, Ward 5 Council Member brought the resolution to the Council for discussion. But the City Council didn’t have the foresight to understand the six month, AKA TEMPORARY, ramifications of this resolution.

The City Council's failure to accept this novel idea in temporarily stopping LARGE projects until stronger environmental ordinances can be put in place marks a colossal misstep. The initiative was not just a good idea—it was a critical safeguard, a mechanism to hold massive projects like the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s disastrous 59-mile turnpike proposal accountable.

It’s intent was to hold City Permits hostage until the City could get stronger environmental ordinances in place that would force the OTA to do what the City wants... you know, like actually conducting credible impact and environmental studies and presenting an actual designed and reviewed plan to protect our watershed….. ensuring transparency and responsibility.

You can watch the discussion here starting at minute 38.

This temporary moratorium on large projects wasn’t just about bureaucracy; it was about giving the City more time to get new ordinances in place that would compel agencies and industries to do what’s right—not what’s easiest or most profitable. It was a shield to protect today’s citizens and generations yet to come from irreversible harm to our land and communities. Large projects like these don’t just inconvenience us—they scar our environment and heritage forever. Turning away from this obligation is a failure we cannot afford.

I feel like I’m screaming into a chilling north wind where every word is swallowed by an unrelenting, icy silence.

But in case it makes you feel better, the Council formed a consensus that they should keep “considering further environmental protections.”

Ok. I’ll believe it when I see it. But while they are “considering,” and kicking the can and responsibility down the road, the OTA is full steam ahead on the east-west connector.

This moratorium would have put the brakes on.

We are running out of time.

Tick tock.

---