Oklahoma City Council Denies Proposed Jail Location In Vote

The Oklahoma City Council voted on Tuesday to determine the fate of the new Oklahoma County jail location after receiving vocal opposition from a neighboring city.

The council decided in a vote of 7-1 to deny the special permit for the proposed new location.

The proposed spot on East Grand Boulevard sits roughly 800 feet from Del City limits and faced pushback from the town's residents.

Del City Mayor Floyd Eason said he expects a huge crowd draped in rec Tuesday morning in downtown Oklahoma City, urging the council to vote "no" this morning.

Eason said he and his residents are adamantly against the new jail location on East Grand Boulevard due to its close proximity to Del City’s homes, schools and nursing homes.

Tuesday morning’s vote comes as Eason gathers 5,000 signatures for a grand jury investigation against county commissioner Miles Davidson, accusing him of having a conflict of interest concerning the proposed property.

"If they allow the zoning to put the jail there, that's going to impact over a thousand homes right in the heart of Del City," Eason said. "We're trusting them to be compassionate and understanding of our situation."

Eason said a "yes" vote today will trigger the next round of the fight.

"This is not the end of it," Eason said. "If the commissioners continue to ignore their constituents and persist in placing the jail on Grand Boulevard, we will take whatever legal action is available to us."

Davidson responded to the allegations, saying he made his decision in good faith and will cooperate with the investigation.

City councilors are also set to vote on raising the city-wide hotel tax to 9.25%.

City leaders said the funds would promote tourism and improve city attractions.

If councilors approve the tax increase, the decision goes to Oklahoma City voters, who will decide the issue during the August 27 election.

Earlier on Tuesday, councilors voted to approve the development plans for a new downtown arena.

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