The Oklahoma State Capital

The latest chapter in the saga surrounding the construction and development of the Christian Brothers Automotive facility played itself out before the Edmond City council Monday night. The latest action took place as Christian Brothers sought approval from the Council for its Commercial Site Plan. The Plan details the upcoming construction that will occur just south of Danforth and Santa Fe road.

Resident David Miller was the first to lead in opposing the site plan. Miller questioned the absence of the agreement to down-zone the property should the facility go out of business. This agreement was part of the effort to appease local residents when the zoning change was requested.

Miller also noted that the Site Plan did not indicate that no Saturday or Sunday Operation would take place as agreed to by the owners of the new facility. Miller questioned the fact that no fence was planned for the South Side of the property and also felt the 39 parking spaces seemed strange as he saw no potential employee parking spaces. The Chrisitian Brothers owners had agreed that no overnight vehicle storage would occur outside of the building. Miller brought into question this agreement.

Chrisitian Brothers attorney Randell Shadid answered Miller's concerns. Shadid said that he would not put the agreement on the Site Plan until after the zoning and site plans are approved. Shadid also said that the parking requirement was exceeded by the plan. The agreement with the City of Edmond only called for 25 parking spaces and the plan calls for 39. Shadid explained that employees often get to work first and will use the first parking spaces.

Ward 1 Councilman Barry Rice who has until now been opposed to the construction, seemed very impressed by the site plan. He said that he really liked the landscaping, he liked the building structure, and he appreciated the fencing. He than added that he was opposed to the facility as he does not like the use for the location.

With the support of Councilors Huggins, Knox, and Mayor Rudkin the site plan was approved over the No votes of Councilors Moore and Rice.