Ask Jenks with Mayor Cory Box

This episode of 'Ask Jenks' features Mayor Cory Box, who sits down with Communications Director Katie Butterfield to discuss the recent purchase of 'The Ranch' property. They cover what the property is, why the city bought it, how it was funded, and future plans for the community.

The Ranch Property: What It Is and Why We Bought It

So, what exactly is this 'Ranch' property everyone's talking about? Mayor Box clarifies that it's a 25-acre plot located just west of Puryear Elm and north of 106. The community has long called it 'The Ranch,' and there's no plan to change that. A common misconception is that it's solely for the Chamber of Commerce, but that's not the case. While the Chamber does occupy some office space in the building on the property, the larger part is intended to become a community center that people can rent or use.

The decision to purchase the property came about for several key reasons:

• Controlling Development: One of the property owners approached the Mayor with plans to sell. The city felt it was important to own the land to control its zoning and future use.

• Avoiding Traffic Issues: A previous proposal for the property included a boutique hotel, a steakhouse, and office headquarters. This would have significantly increased traffic, especially with ongoing construction on Puryear Elm, which the city wanted to avoid.

• State Land Surplus: The state was planning to sell over 400 acres of land behind The Ranch. If another entity bought that land, they might have wanted to develop it for athletic fields, which would have added more cars to Elwood Road, a road already slated for redesign.

• Preserving Green Space: The city's 'Horizon Jenks' initiative, a community-wide effort from a few years back, highlighted the public's desire for more parks and green space. Building a fire station on potential green space wouldn't meet this need.

Funding the Purchase and Future Plans

The purchase of The Ranch property was funded using federal government money allocated post-COVID. The city had about $5 million in these funds, which had to be used or returned. As the rules for spending this money became more complex and restrictive, the city explored options. Building a fire station with these funds would have come with many strings attached regarding materials and labor, making it less cost-effective than using the city's own funds for that project.

Instead, the city unanimously decided to use the federal money to purchase real estate, seeing it as a sound investment. The property was acquired for a very reasonable price, significantly less than what another interested buyer was willing to pay. This move also helps preserve green space and avoids potential traffic issues associated with other development plans.

What's Happening Behind the Scenes?

While it might not be obvious from the street, the city has made significant investments in the property to bring it up to code and prepare it for future use. These upgrades include:

• Infrastructure Updates: New pipes were installed for a sprinkler system and to meet fire code requirements.

• IT Infrastructure: Investments were made to support more events, including a large television for a community space.

• Equipment Donation: Exercise equipment worth $150,000-$200,000 was donated to first responders.

• Parking: Around 150-200 parking spots have been created in the back, which are necessary for any future events or rentals.

• Equipment Acquisition: Tractors and backhoes now belong to Jenks Public Works.

The city has also focused on maintaining the property's charm, improving the road access, adding a new gate, and stabilizing the small lake. These efforts ensure the property remains a beautiful asset for the community.

The OTA Land Acquisition

In addition to The Ranch, the city now controls over 300 acres of OTA land behind it. This acquisition is seen as a way to preserve the area and prevent potential overdevelopment, like more sports fields, which could increase traffic on Elwood Road. While the land is difficult to build on due to floodplains, the city envisions low-impact uses like nature trails for mountain biking and walking. This approach aims to keep the area natural and accessible for outdoor enthusiasts without significant development, preserving the peace and quiet for residents.

Mayor Box is confident that purchasing this land was a smart move, offering a low-impact alternative to more developed areas, perhaps like a "flat Turkey Mountain" for Jenks. The goal is to create a safe place for residents to walk and bike, connecting to The Ranch property and offering a new amenity that the community has wanted for years.

Key Takeaways

• The Ranch property is a 25-acre community asset, not just for the Chamber of Commerce.

• The city purchased the land to control its development and preserve green space.

• Federal funds were used for the purchase, allowing the city to use its own funds for a new fire station.

• Significant, though not always visible, upgrades have been made to the property's infrastructure.

• The acquisition of over 300 acres of OTA land aims to preserve natural space and offer low-impact recreational opportunities.

For more detailed information on the economics of the purchase, a link to the City Council meeting where the City Manager discussed these aspects is available. Residents are encouraged to submit questions for future 'Ask Jenks' episodes.