Petition to the City of Bixby Leaders
We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders of Bixby, Oklahoma, respectfully request that the City of Bixby heavily scrutinize or deny approval of any new rezoning of agricultural land or Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) related to new residential development south of the Arkansas River until critical infrastructure and community resources have been adequately expanded to support past growth.

While staff has stated that the most recent PUD application meets our Comprehensive Plan under RS-2.5, nearly every metric is overridden, making it far more consistent with the retired RS-4 zoning standards. This practice undermines the integrity of our Comprehensive Plan and erodes public trust.

Our Concerns

Infrastructure Strain
At the most recent Special Works session, it was reported that our sanitary sewer treatment plant is already at 85% capacity under normal conditions and overflows during heavy rainfall. Adding hundreds of new units will only worsen this problem. The application also lists “Sewer Extension” as a public enhancement — but is this being fully funded by the developer, or are taxpayers being asked to shoulder the burden?

Circumvention of Review Process
We are told that the school superintendent has an opportunity to review rezoning and development applications through the TAC process. However, the TAC only reviews projects after rezoning or PUDs are already approved, leaving no opportunity to weigh in on density or scale. This backwards process deprives citizens and schools of meaningful oversight.

Community Impact
Recent high-density PUDs have already created significant traffic congestion, overcrowded classrooms, and added pressure to police, fire, and emergency services. Citizens have voiced these concerns repeatedly, yet approvals continue. We also note the developer’s behavior at the last council session — the temper tantrum on display was disrespectful to the community and does not inspire confidence in their willingness to work in good faith.

Lack of Housing Study
At the last reading, this decision was deferred until a housing study was completed. Has this study been provided? If not, how can council move forward responsibly?

What We Ask
We urge the City to prioritize the following before approving any further residential rezonings or PUDs:

Construction of a Second Bridge Over the Arkansas River
A second bridge is essential to reduce traffic congestion, ensure efficient transportation, and provide reliable access for residents and emergency services.

Expansion of Schools
Current schools are nearing or exceeding capacity. High-density developments will further strain educational resources, reducing the quality of education for our children.

Enhancement of Police and Emergency Services
Adequate coverage is critical for community safety and must grow alongside population.

Improvement of Roads and Infrastructure
Our road network is already insufficient. Safe, expanded arterials are essential to handle increased traffic and preserve livability.

Focus on Commercial and Employment-Based Development
Bixby should stop incentivizing residential developers at the expense of infrastructure. Instead, the City should attract commercial and employment opportunities that keep jobs local, reduce commuter traffic, and strengthen long-term economic stability.

Conclusion
According to U.S. Census data, Bixby’s population has grown by over 20% in the past decade, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in Oklahoma. This rapid growth underscores the urgent need to pause, address infrastructure, and adopt a balanced approach to development.

Until these foundational issues are addressed, approving new rezonings or high-density developments would only worsen existing problems, reduce the quality of life for current residents, and strain public resources beyond sustainable limits.

We call on the City of Bixby leaders to take a measured, community-focused, and responsible approach to growth. By prioritizing infrastructure, promoting commercial investment, and requiring lower-density, high-quality housing, the City can ensure a sustainable, livable future for all residents.

Together, let us work toward growth guided by smart planning, strong infrastructure, and a commitment to preserving the character and well-being of Bixby.