THE ISSUE: Jewel Tavern has requested a license to build a staircase from the roof to the sidewalk in front of their business. The staircase would sit on public property and provide access to and from the roof. The City Council has been asked to approve a variance of zoning code to allow Jewel to proceed. The council has not voted on this. To check the City Council agendas for future meetings go to www.tulsacouncil.org/agendas.php
THE PROBLEM: Jewel wants to use public property to make improvements to their business to increase profits. The staircase would be used not only by the current owner, but also by future owners who may be allowed to use the staircase for any purpose. If this request is approved, other businesses will ask for the same allowance and there will be no reason to deny them.
OTHER THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: The neighbors living around the area will be impacted by additional noise created by an open roof top bar, and there will be additional guests at Jewel Tavern in the newly added bar area with no additional parking added.
BNA has voted to oppose the approval of a license that would allow Jewel Tavern to build a staircase which would occupy public property, siteing it as a poor use of public property.
