At the May 5, 2025, Atoka City Council meeting, a contentious rezoning request concerning a 0.54-acre property on Jackson Street, near 15th and S Dunbar St, sparked a passionate debate between council members and local residents.
Sunview Development LLC sought to rezone the small parcel from R-1 (single-family residential) to R-2 (2-family dwelling). The Atoka Planning and Zoning Commission had forwarded the request to the council without a recommendation.
According to statements made at the Planning and Zoning meeting, the builders intended to construct duplexes on the Jackson Street property and subsequently sell them to the Choctaw Nation for use as transitional homes for displaced families.
However, no formal agreement between Sunview Development LLC and the Choctaw Nation was reportedly in place at the time of the council meeting. There was also no representative from Sunview Development present at the meeting to answer the Council’s questions.
Numerous residents voiced strong opposition to the proposed rezoning. Concerns centered on the potential for 'spot zoning,' which they argued could negatively impact the character and uniformity of their neighborhood.
Residents also cited the property's wooded nature, limited road access, and alleged issues with drug activity in the area as reasons for their apprehension. One resident articulated the sentiment of many, stating, 'We want to help, just not in that area.'
Council member Pogue offered a counterpoint, emphasizing the critical need for transitional housing and homeless support within the community. 'Where do we start if everyone says 'not my neighborhood'?' Pogue questioned, highlighting the difficulty in addressing the pressing issue if all potential locations face similar resistance.
Ultimately, the council voted to reject the rezoning request. While Council member Pogue voted against the motion, the remaining council members sided with the significant number of residents who voiced their opposition.
Their decision reflected a consideration of the immediate neighborhood concerns regarding property values, traffic, and the overall impact on their residential area.
