Jana HayesOklahoman
Oklahoma City could be getting a new OnCue as part of a proposal to upgrade a public housing complex.
The Oak Grove Apartments, located at SW 15 and Interstate 44 and operated by the Oklahoma City Housing Authority, are set to receive a renovation over the next few years. The housing authority is requesting $1.5 million in tax increment financing dollars to do some streetscaping along 15th, a road extension for a new entrance, storm-water channel improvements and a city land transfer that can then be sold to OnCue.
The potential new gas station would sit east of I-44 on the corner of SW 15 and S Grand, right across from the Dell corporate campus.
Kassy Malone, director of real estate and planning for the housing authority, said OnCue has agreed to provide easy pedestrian access for apartment residents, install bike racks and other pedestrian friendly amenities, host a job fair for residents and give an annual donation to the complex's afterschool program.
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"OnCue has been a very good partner in this," Malone said. "They've been very receptive to all of the requests that we have made."
Emily Fate, an OnCue spokesperson, said the locally-owned company is excited to expand and invest in the OKC metro and hopes to share its "community-minded approach" with more neighborhoods in Oklahoma City.
Is a new OnCue right for this location?
Does Oklahoma City really need another gas station? Is there something that could benefit the community better?
Those questions were raised by Councilperson James Cooper in a recent city council meeting.
"That just doesn't strike me as the sort of developments we should be continuing … That's almost all the I-35 corridor is just gas stations," Cooper said.
Councilwoman Nikki Nice hailed OnCue as a certified "Safe Place" for youth in crisis, and Councilman Matt Hinkle said gas stations can provide something to do on a hot summer day. The closest gas station for residents is a Valero at Portland and SW 15, which can be accessed after a winding walk through the neighborhood to Portland, or by crossing 15th and taking the sidewalk.
"I remember going to 7-Eleven with all my friends and getting icees every day during the summer," Councilman Matt Hinkle said.
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Cooper backed off of his argument against placing an OnCue on the property, but said he wants to see OnCue help make 15th Street a "safe, walkable, aesthetically pleasing experience."
"A scene of filling pumps," Cooper said. "Who's going to want to walk alongside that? Ask yourselves, does that make you feel good, walking alongside filling station pumps? Does it put you in a good mood? Does it make you go, 'I want to go on a walk and get a breath of fresh air.'"
Possible OnCue would be better walk for Oak Grove residents
Carol Gunville, 54, has lived at Oak Grove for about five years in a couple different units. She lives with her three grandchildren, ages 4, 5 and 6.
"Yeah, that would be good," Gunville said about the potential OnCue.
She often sees people walk from the east end of the complex all the way to the Valero — at least a 20 minute walk each way — and sometimes offers them rides because of how far it is.
There's also not a grocery store within walking distance, but the OnCue would serve fresh produce and grill items, Malone said.
Malone said the housing authority had not considered a commercial pad on the property before being approached by OnCue about purchasing the OCHA and city land next to the parcel of land they already own.
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The housing authority would sell its land, which 18 units currently sit on, as well as city land if the city agreed to transfer it, and use the money to build 18 new units on the southwest end of the property.
Zoning and design for the gas station is still in the approval process, and is expected to come before city council on Aug. 15 if first approved by the Riverfront Design Committee and Planning Commission.
What else is coming to Oak Grove?
The 288-unit complex featuring one- to five-bedroom options is getting a complete makeover. It serves over 1,000 residents, 61% of whom are under 18.
Most of the units are being renovated, besides the 18 units that will be demolished and relocated to make room for the OnCue.
Gunville said the apartments definitely need renovation, and her main complaint is that the sewer often gets backed up. The sliding closet doors often fall off as well, she said.
Also planned for the property is a renovation of the headstart and a new building for it, as well as a new community center and community plaza. Gunville said she hopes the kids can get some newer playgrounds, and would like to see more activities offered for younger children.
And on SW 15, a new main entrance will be created for the property, which Gunville said will be useful.
"I have a lot of people that are like, 'I can't find your place,'" Gunville said. "I'm like, let me meet you at the front."
