Social Pickle (SE corner 63rd/MLK)

[Pete]

I wonder how far along this Pickleball complex is in the planning phase. Is this going to be another announcement with plans filed that fails to materialize like the multitude of other proposed projects in the area over the years? I feel like there is almost enough momentum to start attracting a project or investment that will draw in other development. It feels like everyone is waiting for someone else to do it first.

As you can see from the photo at the top of this thread, they have already started on substantial site work.

[BoulderSooner]

I wonder how far along this Pickleball complex is in the planning phase. Is this going to be another announcement with plans filed that fails to materialize like the multitude of other proposed projects in the area over the years? I feel like there is almost enough momentum to start attracting a project or investment that will draw in other development. It feels like everyone is waiting for someone else to do it first.

they have been planning for a long long time ..

this is moving forward ..

[Pete]

[Pete]

[Pete]

[Pete]

[bison34]

Doesn't actually look like the pickleball complex has started yet. Those are the 2 volleyball buildings (larger is indoor volleyball, smaller is sand).

[Pete]

This project is set to get $1.5 million in TIF, which requires completely redoing the boundaries for the NE TIF district.

[BoulderSooner]

This project is set to get $1.5 million in TIF, which requires completely redoing the boundaries for the NE TIF district.

wouldn't this pull from the getting ready to be created Adventure District TIF(s)

https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/5038/140

https://www.okc.gov/home/showpublish...80111442670000

[Pete]

^

Nope, they are redrawing the boundaries of the NE District specifically for this project.

[onthestrip]

This project is set to get $1.5 million in TIF, which requires completely redoing the boundaries for the NE TIF district.

Getting TIF money after the project has begun? And more TIF for more pickle ball? Why exactly?

As I've said, just make OKC city limits one giant TIF instead of picking winners and losers.

[bison34]

Getting TIF money after the project has begun? And more TIF for more pickle ball? Why exactly?

As I've said, just make OKC city limits one giant TIF instead of picking winners and losers.

I don't think it's just for the pickleball facility. And it is the fastest growing sport in the country, by far. And OKC is woefully short on the number of courts. This will be a very good investment, as the volleyball area will hold many tournaments, as well, both sand and indoor. Those people travel, as well, so area hotels and restaurants will benefit.

Not sure what your complaint is on this one. $1.5 million is a fart in a hurricane for OKC.

[BoulderSooner]

This project is set to get $1.5 million in TIF, which requires completely redoing the boundaries for the NE TIF district.

https://nondoc.com/2024/10/22/northe...sa-volleyball/

the fact the John pettis is involved in OKC gov in any way (even on a committee like this ) is crazy town ..



there are also rumors that he is going to try to run for the Nice council seat when she leaves next month ..

[warreng88]

https://nondoc.com/2024/10/22/northe...sa-volleyball/

the fact the John pettis is involved in OKC gov in any way (even on a committee like this ) is crazy town ..



there are also rumors that he is going to try to run for the Nice council seat when she leaves next month ..

I talked to Camal Pennington and he said there are four people running for it and John is included in it.

[BoulderSooner]

I talked to Camal Pennington and he said there are four people running for it and John is included in it.

i thought part of his deal to avoid jail time was to never run for office again ??

hmmmm

[ManAboutTown]

i thought part of his deal to avoid jail time was to never run for office again ??

hmmmm

I believe the Oklahoma County DA actually dropped the embezzlement charges against him. He was convicted of tax evasion instead but I don't think he served any jail time.

[BoulderSooner]

I believe the Oklahoma County DA actually dropped the embezzlement charges against him. He was convicted of tax evasion instead but I don't think he served any jail time.

right that was his plea deal ...

but IIRC part of that deal was to never again run for public office ..

[Pete]

Former Oklahoma City Councilman John Pettis pleaded guilty Wednesday to a misdemeanor count of failing to file state tax returns and was put on probation for five years.

Pettis agreed to pay a $5,000 fine as part of an arrangement with prosecutors. He also agreed to not seek public office again and to never be in a position to control public money, Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said.

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news...n/60439847007/

[Pete]

Pettis has a current case pending for expungement of his crime, but the state has contended that he has to wait a full year after his probation period before he would be eligible.

https://www.oscn.net/dockets/GetCase...6&cmid=4316214

[BoulderSooner]

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news...n/60439847007/

thanks pete .... any idea on how he is trying to (or attempting to try to get ) get around that??

[Pete]

thanks pete .... any idea on how he is trying to (or attempting to try to get ) get around that??

It may be as simple as having the whole incident expunged.

And it looks like he'll be able to do that, but it may take another year.