The Norman City Council approved Bob Moore Farms North Addition, the purchase of cages and kennels for the Animal Welfare Center, and a final payment for the Senior Wellness Center at its regular meeting on Tuesday.
Bob Moore Farms North Addition
Council unanimously approved rezoning property and a preliminary plat for the Bob Moore Farms North Addition, a proposed multi-use development district.
Bob Moore Farms North, LLC is a Norman-based horse breeding farm created in 1963 by Bob Moore, a deceased Oklahoma auto dealer and entrepreneur.
The property currently owned by Bob Moore Farms North, LLC measures 55.56 acres and is located about one quarter mile south of West Main Street on the east side of 36th Ave. SW. Bob Moore Farms North, LLC requested to rezone the property into a planned unit development to develop a master planned community, according to an application packet.
Bob Moore Farms North, LLC also requested a preliminary plat.
According to a staff report, the mixed-use development would include 25,000 sq ft of retail space and 642 multi-family residential units. Tuesday’s agenda includes a concept map of the area.
According to Gunner Joyce, an attorney from Rieger Sadler Joyce, LLC, the designs took eight months of feasibility studies. Joyce added the plans intend to meet community needs.
“Something Norman desperately needs is housing,” Joyce said. “So that's what this applicant, the Moore family, has done.”
Joyce said Norman needs to create 23,225 dwelling units to meet the needs of AIM Norman, Norman’s infrastructure master plan, by 2045.
Richard McKown, chair of the AIM Norman Housing Subcommittee, said the subcommittee is in favor of the project.
“This is a great project,” McKown said. “It creates a place people want to be, activities, things to do, libraries, restaurants, all that's dependent on the concentration of people. We need this in Norman.”
The meeting agenda includes seven protest letters and one letter of concern.
A letter by Dr. Boris Apanasov cites concerns in traffic and safety issues, environmental damage, and declining property values.
“I urge you to not approve the proposed rezoning,” Apanasov wrote. “And from recent meetings and discussions with my neighbors, I know my opinions are shared by many who have not managed to attend meetings or write letters and emails.”
Another letter by Don Brakhage writes the complex would be too large and would not reflect the character of the neighborhood.
“I strongly urge you to reconsider this proposed development,” Brakhage wrote. “I recognize the need for housing but it needs to fit in the neighborhood it's being built. This doesn’t.”
Boys & Girls Club of Norman payment
Council approved a $150,000 payment to Center for Children and Families, Inc. to assist the Boys & Girls Club of Norman.
According to a staff report, funding agreements were submitted to multiple non-profit agencies, including Center for Children and Families, Inc. The report adds either the city or Center for Children and Families, Inc. can cancel the contract within 30 days of written notice.
Senior Wellness Project final payment
Council approved a final payment of $649,450 to Crossland Construction for the Norman Forward Senior Wellness Project.
The Senior Wellness Center, or the Adult Wellness Education Center, is a part of the Norman Forward initiative – a 15-year plan to create multiple quality-of-life projects using ½% sales tax. The center opened to the public in November 2023.
In April 2021, council first approved a contract with Crossland Construction, according to a staff report. The report adds construction on the facility began in November 2021 and was completed in October 2023.
Crossland Construction submitted the final payment application on May 14.
Animal Wellness Center
Council approved a $79,591 purchase for replacement kennels and cages in the Animal Welfare Center from Midmark Corporation, an Ohio-based medical, dental and animal care company.
According to a staff report, the center’s dog kennels are seven years old and must be replaced due to deterioration. The report notes the center plans to replace the kennels in each of the nine dog rooms per year to spread out replacement costs.
Norman’s 2025 fiscal year budget includes $120,000 for kennel system replacements, according to the staff report.
