Hochatown Development

[PhiAlpha]

My family has gone annually to Broken Bow for 15 years so we've really experienced the growth down there. When we first started going, we'd see Texas plates, but nowhere near the level of now. While all this has brought in extra amenities, a lot of the reason we started going there was because it was low key and not a huge destination. Now, when we go, we feel like it's become of shell of what it used to be. It's way commercialized now, and a lot of that rustic charm has worn off. We dread leaving the cabin and having to drive anywhere now, as most have mentioned traffic is a nightmare. We started going there to avoid the crowd and sadly that is over. We aren't casino people and tend to avoid the developments with them, just not our style at all. Oh well it was a good run, on to a new annual family tradition, wherever that might be.

yeah that was my concern.

[Zuplar]

yeah that was my concern.

Yeah cause you are totally right, one of the best wilderness areas in the state. Was very underrated for years, then everybody that went told everyone they know and now it'll never be what it was unfortunately or fortunately depending on who you ask. I would have preferred for it to stay as it was with minimal amenities and rustic. But I'm sure from an economic stand point the development is a net positive for the community.

[sooner88]

Yeah cause you are totally right, one of the best wilderness areas in the state. Was very underrated for years, then everybody that went told everyone they know and now it'll never be what it was unfortunately or fortunately depending on who you ask. I would have preferred for it to stay as it was with minimal amenities and rustic. But I'm sure from an economic stand point the development is a net positive for the community.

There was an RFP put out to develop an area similar to Horseshoe Bay outside Austin, on a smaller scale. Due to the Swadley’s fiasco, the RFP was reissued and a winner will be selected soon. All to say, while this area has seen massive growth, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. While it’s sad to lose some of the rustic charm of SE OK, it’ll be a big win for the state. The only other major issue impacting this now is McGirt, as the tribes are claiming the sales tax revenue would be due to them.

[Plutonic Panda]

It looks like they will be voting on forming a local government on November 8th

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/busi...n/65410157007/

[Plutonic Panda]

From what I understand the local government proposal was approved.

[Plutonic Panda]

ODOT also released proposals for US-259 improvements through the town.

https://freese.mysocialpinpoint.com/...p-3433304-home

[fromdust]

A town that became one giant airbnb

https://www.businessinsider.com/hoch...true&r=US&IR=T

[Plutonic Panda]

A section of US-259 will be widened to 5 lanes(two each way plus a turn lane) and added sidewalks. It begins next year.

https://oklahoma.gov/odot/programs-a.../20221027.html