Eastland Mall Needs a Comprehensive Plan

written and submitted by Jennifer Weaver

As some of you will know, I began researching Eastland Mall’s new owner in January. When I heard the mall had sold, I became interested in knowing what the new owner would be like. I was disturbed when I began searching the Internet. After a month and a half of research, I gathered my findings into a power point presentation. Through my former councilor, Jim Mautino, I was put on an Urban & Economic Development committee agenda, to present my findings to the entire city council. That’s when Eastland was back in the news.

I had no idea what I would find when I began. Consequently, I realized that Eastland Mall needed the attention of our elected officials. Initially, my concern was that Mr. Whichard would let the mall dilipidate to the point of condemnation. That would involve tax payer dollars to buy Eastland Mall. In an article in The Journal Record, 2/22/06, Mr. Whichard was quoted as saying he ‘welcomed’ condemnation, but to Steve Berg at Channel 6, Mr. Whichard said he did not want condemnation because “it takes forever.” Subsequently, former councilor Medlock informed me that with his resolution on eminent domain, this would not happen. I was somewhat relieved, but still left wondering what would become of Eastland Mall.

I spoke with several city officials around the country where Mr. Whichard, of NSC New Markets Real Estate, LLC, had purchased other malls. One official made a huge point of warning me Mr. Whichard may try to get the property zoned for industrial use. He also warned me Mr. Whichard may try to piecemeal the property.

Since the meeting, The Kallay Group has been in the media as wanting to purchase the mall and have a mix of business, retail, and restaurants. Mr. Kallay seems very enthusiastic in his venture, and a lot of us in District 6 were very excited to hear this news.

Councilor Troyer had a neighborhood meeting about 2 weeks ago, and told all of us that he had met with Mayor Taylor, The Chamber, and Ed Kallay and that there would be another meeting the following Friday. He explained he could not share what the plan is for the mall, but that Mayor Taylor would make an announcement. At that same meeting, where I was in attendence, former Councilor Jim Mautino brought the notice of the IL zoning application and hearing date. Mr. Mautino spoke briefly and the meeting resumed. When it got brought up again, Councilor Troyer made it clear that the meeting was not about Eastland, but about neighborhoods. Councilor Troyer’s purpose with the meeting was encouraging neighborhood associations and the Vision 2025 neighborhood dollars that were available through applying for them in the Phase III.

That meeting still left questions unanswered and people were growing more confused and concerned. Councilor Troyer did not know about the IL application. I spoke with Councilor Troyer, who seemed very enthusiastic about the plan, but didn’t know what IL zoning was.

I have been in communication with Councilor Troyer and he told me the application would be withdrawn, and he even came by in person to tell me the application had been withdrawn. Then, the following day, the Tulsa World had an article (pdf) that states Mr. Kallay realizes he doesn’t need the IL zoning, but some ‘variances’. Mr. Kallay made a point to reemphasize his initial plan. But, as Roemerman on Record states, the application has not been withdrawn, as of today. Councilor Troyer was awaiting a call to verify this.

In the meantime, the rumor mill is churning with even talk of a casino. Now, if Mr. Kallay is seeking variances, that leaves more questions. Moreover, Mr. Kallay does not actually own the mall, it’s still belongs to Mr. Whichard of NSC New Markets Real Estate, LLC. Variances are very wide ranging, and will follow the ownership of the mall.

After the initial Urban/EcDev Committee meeting, there was no follow-up about Eastland Mall at committee. The election was well underway, by then. I never shared the the advice I received for asking Mr. Whichard to submit a comprehensive plan for the mall, so that he wouldn’t be able to piecemeal, or change zoning that would be out of compliance with our own Eastside Plan.

I believe for the benefit of the Eastside community that Mayor Taylor, Councilor Troyer, Mr. Kallay, neighborhood leaders and interested citizens could attend a meeting to learn more about the plan for Eastland Mall. Or, that Mr. Whichard submit a comprehensive plan to the city. It’s not right for the community to be left in limbo wondering what is going to happen to their mall. The people in District 6 are extemely concerned and would greatly appreciate attention to this matter, soon. This will have a vast impact on the eastside of Tulsa, either for the better or worse, for years to come.