On June 23, Oklahomans for Responsible Economic Development filed a lawsuit against multiple authorities, including the city of Norman, in regard to the Rock Creek Entertainment District.
This post will track developments in the case.
Motions to dismiss
Monday, July 6: The city of Norman and the Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority motioned to dismiss the lawsuit, according to the Oklahoma State Courts Network.
The Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority’s motion claims ORED’s allegations provide no facts that the authority committed any act entitling the plaintiffs to relief against the authority.
The city of Norman is seeking dismissal of three out of the plaintiffs’ five allegations on the same basis.
ORED’s two allegations not included in the motion allege the city did not adopt a project plan in accordance with the local development act and that the city did not follow statutory review committee mandates under the act.
Lawsuit filed
Tuesday, June 23: ORED filed a lawsuit against multiple authorities, including the city of Norman, seeking to halt the Rock Creek Entertainment District.
The lawsuit is against the city of Norman, Norman’s Tax Increment Finance Authority, Cleveland County Recreational and Entertainment Facilities Authority and University North Park, LLC.
The lawsuit lists 45 plaintiffs who, according to ORED, believe Norman City Council violated Oklahoma Constitution when it approved the Rock Creek Entertainment District tax increment financing, or TIF, project.
Agenda item
Tuesday, April 14: Council failed to hear an agenda item that would have helped determine if council has the authority to hold a public vote on TIF districts.
Intent to sue
Friday, March 6: ORED sent the city of Norman a letter stating the organization’s intent to sue the city and Cleveland County, claiming the municipalities violated the Open Meetings Act in connection with the adoption of and attempt to move forward with the entertainment district project plan.
The letter stated ORED wanted to work with Council to put the entertainment district to a public vote.
Read more about the Rock Creek Entertainment District:
Read more about TIF districts:
This story was edited by Reagan Rozzi.
