District 9 Councilman G.T. Bynum Addresses Brookside Planning and Problems

By Toni Allen

Councilor G.T. Bynum has only represented Tulsa's District 9 for three years, but his vision of incorporating an urban feel into Tulsa’s small neighborhoods has already begun.

At an informal talk last week at TU, Bynum reminisced about riding his bike along Brookside as a child. Now he is working to keep family-friendly environments throughout Tulsa while increasing economic growth.

For the past two years, Bynum has been working to implement “PLANiTULSA,” a comprehensive plan to increase areas of Tulsa that have both residential and commercial opportunities. Brookside is the ideal model of this plan, Bynum explained.

“Brookside is unique within the city,” Bynum said. The neighborhood is one of the liveliest areas in Tulsa, he noted, because residents can live, work and play less than a mile from their homes.

Residents understand that living in such a popular and fast-paced neighborhood has its pros and cons. Bynum explains that it is a challenge to get the Brookside Business Association and the Brookside Neighborhood Association to come to an agreement.

The nightlife, for example, is continuously growing. Residents fought for more than nine months to dispute the new Ivey Lounge and its rooftop bar. They were upset that loud music and an open rooftop would interfere with their personal safety and daily lives.

Bynum finally reached an agreement with the residents and the owner of Ivey Lounge. The club would not use live entertainment on the rooftop and there would be a strict decibel limit for both the main floor and upstairs. Bynum has been contacted with several complaints, and he foresees more complaints in the future.

Another challenge for Bynum is the numerous parades hosted on Brookside. He tackled this problem head on by drastically reducing the number of parades and events. BooHaha, Brookside’s annual Halloween festival and parade, is one of the few left.

Bynum has always enjoyed the area he represents. He remembers the festivities such as BooHaha that he enjoyed as a child. With a family of his own, Bynum is aware of the potential on Brookside.

Henry Aberson sees the potential, as well. In the last seven years, Bynum said, Aberson has come in and spruced up Brookside by renovating and modernizing several buildings.

Tony Henry and Greg Hughes operate the north end of Brookside, Bynum added, and their vision of a modern and lively neighborhood has really come to life.

“There’s been a change in the evolution of stores on Brookside,” Bynum said.

“PLANiTULSA” has only been in effect for two months, and Bynum notices the improvements already. He plans to confront other challenges he faces as District Councilor.

Other challenges in District 9 area include river development, fixing Tulsa’s streets and paving the way for his proposed “Rainy Day Fund.”