Tuesday evening, the Norman City Council made a decision regarding the largest development on OU property thus far, Mayor Ron Henderson said.

After unanimously approving 18 other items in its agenda, the City Council began discussion of OU's north base property extending east of Interstate 35 between Robinson Street and Tecumseh Road.

"This is a very exciting project for the city," said Richard Massie, director of planning and community development for Norman. "This is a very significant development opportunity for Norman, and over time it could represent a very critical development area."

The proposed amendments concerning the north base property are very preliminary, said Joe Harroz, OU vice president and general counsel.

The 585-acre piece of property adjacent to Max Westheimer Airport was given to OU after World War II with restrictions on the use of the land, Massie said. After working for many years, the Federal Aviation Administration lifted the restrictions on the land, allowing OU to sell the property for future development.

The unanimous approval of the two items concerning OU's property will grant OU 21 years to plan the development of the area into industrial, commercial, office and residential uses, Massie said.

"OU's commitment to excellence reflects in this plan," Henderson said. "This will literally be the front door of Norman. The OU and city staff have worked together in an unprecedented way."

Proposals for development of the property will go through university screenings before being submitted to the city to ensure the plans meet the university and the city's requirements, Massie said. OU's severe restrictions and qualifications are intended to ensure the quality of the property's development.

The final item the City Council discussed ended in a tabling of an amendment to establish proactive code compliance, which will be discussed at a study session before the next council meeting.
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