Commissioners say no to TIF

McClain County Commissioners “declined to move forward” with a Tax Increment Financing Project Plan for development of property near Santa Fe Avenue/N.W. 24th Avenue in-between West Burr Avenue and West Chestnut Road.

The TIF had been proposed for “facilitating the development of property” in the area, composed of a housing addition and ancillary community features.

County Commissioner Wilson Lyles said the commissioners have voted not to pursue it anymore.

He said this is just not the right time for McClain County to consider something like that, and there’s not enough beneficial objectives to it to consider it.

Lyles said McClain County is growing, and there is a possibility that in the future commissioners may revisit a TIF proposal, but he said it just depends on what people bring to the table.

“You want to bring good things to the county and bring things here locally,” Lyles said. “But there has to be enough positive to outweigh the negative in order to obligate the county and citizens to a long-term commitment.”

The TIF was in regard to the proposed Selah community.

Tina Adkins, founder, designer and builder with Southward Hills Home & Design LLC, describes Selah, as an up and coming 540-acre wellness community unlike any of its kind in Oklahoma just 10-15 minutes southeast of Newcastle in unincorporated McClain County.

“Selah offers front porch living, fresh air, fresh food and a focus on reconnecting family, neighbors and the local community,” she said. “This walkable community is set among acres of preserved green space with miles of nature trails connecting homes and restaurants with arts and businesses for those living within Selah as well as the public at large who choose to visit.

Adkins said, “Our vision for Selah has and always will be inspired by the past, built for the future. With this in mind, Selah will be an ever evolving project as we truly listen to the needs and desires of our local community members.”

Planned amenities at the community’s public spaces are a pool house and restaurant, a lake for fishing and kayaking, walking trails, a working farm with farmer’s market, flower gardens, and space for the agriculture community and visitors to attend educational classes.

They also plan skate parks, soccer parks, playgrounds and animal amenities including horse stables and boarding, and riding classes.

If the county commissioners had eventually approved a Tax Increment Financing District, the private developer would have received for an agreed upon time, any new taxes created in the district to pay for public infrastructure.