Midwest City residents give feedback on Comprehensive Plan

By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon

Midwest City is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, which will guide future land use, budgeting and development decisions over the next two decades.

Residents were invited to share their feedback on the project during an open house event at the Nick Harroz Community Center on Jan. 14.

Freese and Nichols was contracted by the city to assist in the Midwest City Comprehensive Plan 2045 project. Their staff put on the open house event.

“We wanted to provide an opportunity for the public to tell us their thoughts and interests and what they want to see in Midwest City over the next 20 years in relation to some of these different plan topics,” said Jake Lange with Freese and Nichols.

The event was a come and go format that allowed people to learn about the Comprehensive Plan process and answer questions. It did not include a formal presentation. Earlier in the evening, Freese and Nichols staff gave a presentation to the City Council and Planning Commission.

Midwest City last updated its comprehensive plan in 2008.

Guests shared thoughts with sticky notes and stickers on boards for each topic. The topics included land use, housing types, neighborhoods, transportation, community elements, retail/business/entertainment, what do you love about Midwest City and where people live and work.

Johnny Reiniger, a Midwest City resident, recalled attending a similar public event for development of the city’s 2008 Comprehensive Plan. Some of his priorities included accessibility for all residents and having electrical vehicle charging stations on city property.

Reininger said he will be 65 years old in 2045 and admits it’s hard to tell what the future holds.

“It’s difficult for me to even imagine how different the world will be at that point,” he said.

Rob Akerman, a resident, believes the city has had good intentions towards development but doesn’t think it aligns with the desires of residents. He pointed to a lack of development along NE 10th St. and an abundance of outdated apartment complexes as some of his main concerns. He also wants Midwest City to develop some unique businesses or attractions.

“There is nothing really fancy or eclectic about Midwest City, you need to go to the northside or Midtown or the Paseo District for those kinds of places,” he said. “Make Midwest City have some hype to it. And I’d like to see equal attention given to all parts of the city.”

About 100 people attended the open house.

Robert Coleman, Director of Economic Development for Midwest City, and Julie Shannon, City Planner, were present for the presentation and to answer many questions.

The city will host additional public meetings about the Comprehensive Plan process.

Residents can also participate in the Comprehensive Plan online at https://www.midwestcityok.org/community-development/page/midwest-city-comprehensive-plan-update