Scissortail Park

[HangryHippo]

however one of cusack's claims was that the lot in question was neccessary for the operation of their building for truck back in ... and with out is they would have to renovate their building and in doing so would have to update a bunch of things that they are currently grandfathers in on and that was why their ask at the ED was going to be so high ..

now that they are marketing this property for sale for parking the previous claim seems like it was untrue? that being the case the city IMHO should refile their ED claims

This.

[David]

however one of cusack's claims was that the lot in question was neccessary for the operation of their building for truck back in ... and with out is they would have to renovate their building and in doing so would have to update a bunch of things that they are currently grandfathers in on and that was why their ask at the ED was going to be so high ..


now that they are marketing this property for sale for parking the previous claim seems like it was untrue? that being the case the city IMHO should refile their ED claims

This is my biggest issue with now seeing this sign. Makes it look like what was said before was a front, and in reality they are a company full of liars.

[BoulderSooner]

No. I get that gripe. I think it was simply their positioning to try and get the city to give in. I don't necessarily like it, but it's not much different than you get from many sales people/positions. I wouldn't say it rises to the level of 'exploitive' or 'extortion.' The city didn't bite, and the price will be the price. If it's reasonable now, then the city should relook at it, but, if they can get a much higher price then they should IMO. But, yeah, I get where that might annoy some - but to me, that's as outraged as I think the matter deserves.

then we are in total agreement

[mkjeeves]

Maybe the price they want is big enough to solve problems losing the property causes. Or not.

[Pete]

It's helpful to understand the eminent domain process...

If terms can't be reached amicably, the city can file an eminent domain proceeding and the court then appoints 3 independent commissioners who determine the fair market value. Once that value is established, both sides are obligated.

So, it's not a simple matter of a property owner wanting too much. The city either chooses not to file or pulls out before the commissioners determine the value, which was the case with UHaul.

The only reason the city doesn't file (they've done it dozens of times for Scissortail alone) and/or pulls out once they have filed, is because they realize the established price is going to be higher than they want to pay. It has nothing to do with what a property owner is asking because in the end, all that matters is the fair market price established by the court.

[mkjeeves]

Understand. If any of that is in response to what I posted, I am referring to whatever the price they want now on the open market.

[Pete]

Understand. If any of that is in response to what I posted, I am referring to whatever the price they want now on the open market.

Just meant that info to clarify because property owners get blamed for being greedy but that is not how it works when it come to government agencies who want to take their land.

[mkjeeves]

But I will add to that, owners who have property taken under imminent domain are entitled to fair market value plus just compensation. That includes things like relocation costs.

So if the city took their empty lot at fair market value and the owners had to move, the city could be on the hook for all those costs too.

[Pete]

But I will add to that, owners who have property taken under imminent domain are entitled to fair market value plus just compensation. That includes things like relocation costs.

Right.

The whole idea is the government has to treat property owners fairly, and the court does it best to determine the amount they should be paid.

And to put it another way, when the city doesn't file or pulls out before the value is established, that is an indication they are not willing to pay an owner the fair value for their property. They went through this with REHCO which owns the vacant lots between the Myriad Gardens and Scissortail Park. The city wanted it for the convention center, swore up and down REHCO was being unreasonable, filed eminent domain but then pulled the plug when they realized the court was going to come in with a number close to what was being asked by the owners. Same exactly thing happened with Uhaul.

[Rover]

But if they were insisting they HAD TO move BECAUSE of the acquisition, it would be pretty disingenuous to then sell the subject land and NOT move. It would prove it wasn't really necessary and just done to try to get the city to pay for a relocation that wasn't necessary.

Are they just selling the parking area or their whole facility?

[Pete]

^

Or maybe they think they can get enough on the free market to justify whatever changes would be necessary to their facility.

Again, the city could have pressed this issue but they chose not to because they did not want to pay the amount determined by an impartial legal process.

[aDark]

For clarity, is Cusacks trying to sell their entire property or just the space that cuts into the lower park? Do we think Cusack eventually shuts down that entire operation?

[Pete]

For clarity, is Cusacks trying to sell their entire property or just the space that cuts into the lower park? Do we think Cusack eventually shuts down that entire operation?

The sign says 3.2 acres so that would be all their property, not just that empty lot.

[PhiAlpha]

Charging a highly inflated price, along with that stupid saying on the sign, is exploitation at least, extortion at worst.

Yeah saying that a company is extorting the city because the city can't force them to sell their property for what they city thinks it's worth is just stupid. They own it, it's private property and despite what anyone else wants them to do with it...it's not anyone elses decision to make for them. I wish they would sell too but to act like they owe anything to anyone is just ignorant and selfish.

[jonny d]

Yeah saying that a company is extorting the city because the city can't force them to sell their property for what they city thinks it's worth is just stupid. They own it, it's private property and despite what anyone else wants them to do with it...it's not anyone elses decision to make for them. I wish they would sell too but to act like they owe anything to anyone is just ignorant and selfish.

I am just saying that the city shouldn't buy it just because. If they get a fair deal, sure. If not, screw it. No sense paying more than the city feels it's worth.

[catcherinthewry]

The sign says 3.2 acres so that would be all their property, not just that empty lot.

So how does $5.6M for 3.2 acres compared with other land in the area?

[GoldFire]

The lighting on the bridge turned out really nice with the water all around it.

[Laramie]

Thanks for sharing, Goldfire...

[mugofbeer]

It's impressing me more and more. I love the bridge lighting. I'll be interested to see Christmas errr; Holiday lighting.

[PaddyShack]

So has anyone else noticed the number of people disregarding the signs every couple of yards asking to not walk through the plants on the steeper side of the hill? My wife and I were out walking through the park on Sunday and couldn't believe the number of people who appeared to see the sign and read it but still proceed to walk off the path.

Also, when we were in the dog park area we witnessed an older gent stand next to his pup as it pooped. The guy looked around, saw us watching him and then quickly left the dog park and start running along the lake. We didn't see him again until we were leaving the dog park in which he still seemed to be looking around to see if anybody was going to say something or just let him get away with it.

Oh and is the entire park non-smoking? We passed by two couples in the middle of the park that were smoking on a bench. Now I am not entirely upset on this one as we are in an open air place, however the rules are stated and if I am following them then I expect others follow them too.

Just a few gripes about patrons of the park rather than the park itself.

[Pete]

[swosuknight]

OSU/OKC Farmers Market merging with Scissortail Park for a new destination Saturday Market.



https://osuokc.edu/articles/osu-okc-...issortail-park

[Pete]

^

This is a great idea. More room, more vendors, more centrally located.

[jennydahl]

^

This is a great idea. More room, more vendors, more centrally located.

I think it's a lousy idea. The parking is going to be a nightmare. It doesn't look to be at all handicap friendly. It's definitely going to drive me back to the old Farmers Market... buying my locally-grown fruits and veggies doesn't need to be part of a 'destination experience'.

[BBatesokc]

OSU/OKC Farmers Market merging with Scissortail Park for a new destination Saturday Market.



https://osuokc.edu/articles/osu-okc-...issortail-park

Big fan of this idea. I'm much more likely to attend at the new location.