— Public Works Committee members pushed forward a plan to address problems with overflow parking at the VA Call Center despite objections by property owners.

A resolution approved Tuesday would authorize the city manager to buy five parcels of property needed for the parking project. If property owners refuse to sell, the city could exercise its power of eminent domain and condemn the property within the project area.

If the measure is approved next week by the City Council, officials could move forward with plans to raze the area and construct the parking lot. The proposed parking lot would be within an area bounded by North F and G streets and East Broadway and Callahan Street.

The proposed parking lot would be conveyed to the Muskogee Parking Authority, a public trust that would realize a financial benefit by providing space for call center parking.

One resident who owns some of the property within the targeted area urged committee members to table the issue for a month, saying he has similar development plans. Sam Eagan said in addition to his home, he owns other lots the city would have to acquire in order to build the parking facility.

Eagan said his investment was made in anticipation of meeting the same needs the city would attempt to fulfill. Eagan said he has been working with an engineer and city planners attempting to move his parking project forward. He requested additional time to present his plans, which would be ready by mid-February.

“I believe you should give me ample time — one more month would be ample — out of courtesy,” Eagan said, noting he has the means to complete the project. “By passing this you can start condemnation (proceedings) whether I agree or not.”

Mayor John Tyler Hammons and Ward II Councilor James Gulley agreed with Eagan’s request to table a vote on the resolution, but six other councilors voted to push the plan forward. Ward IV Councilor Jackie Luckey was absent during Tuesday’s meeting.

Hammons said he believed city government should steer clear from interfering with private economic development and moved to table action for a month.

“Government exists to provide a public good when the private market is unavailable or unwilling to fill a need,” Hammons said. “If you have a private individual who is willing to risk his capital, why should government step in?”

Ward I Councilor David Jones suggested approving the resolution without the clause that authorizes condemnation proceedings. Ward II Councilor Shawn Raper said without the power of eminent domain, “we don’t move the ball forward.”

City Manager Greg Buckley told committee members traffic congestion in the neighborhood near the call center has been a problem for a couple of years.

“It (the call center) continues to expand along with the problems for neighbors,” Buckley said. “The VA anticipates future growth. I think this is a viable option to get some parking in that area and relieve the congestion.”

Buckley said there are 12 parcels within the project area. All but five have been acquired by the company that owns the building occupied by the call center. The seven parcels already acquired would be gifted to the city for development.

Orlin Phillips, who owns one of the five properties that would be targeted for acquisition or condemnation, said he and his would be displaced from the home in which he has lived 40 years. Phillips joined Eagan in opposition to the city’s plan.

Despite residents’ objections, Ward I Councilor and mayoral candidate Bob Coburn moved to approve the resolution authorizing the city to move forward with the parking project. His motion passed 6-2. The City Council will consider the resolution when it meets at 7 p.m. Monday during its regular meeting at City Hall.

Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 684-2901 or dsmoot@muskogeephoenix.com.

If you go



WHAT: Muskogee City Council Meeting.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Monday.

WHERE: City Council Chambers, Muskogee Municipal Building, 229 W. Okmulgee Ave.