Tulsa business owners seek city council help over road construction losses
Tulsa business owners near Pine and Mingo asked the City Council for aid after road construction caused sales to drop by up to 75 percent.
Tony Alkhouri and Timothy Kok asked the Tulsa City Council for help during road work on Wednesday. Their businesses lost up to 75 percent of their sales over the past five weeks. Nearby street improvements caused the sharp drop in customers.
Alkhouri owns Christy’s BBQ near Pine and Mingo. Kok works with Batman’s Good Food and Convenience Store. Both men had to cut back on staff.
“I built it like a baby; now they want to destroy it,” Alkhouri said.
ODOT made minor adjustments for the area. The agency added business access signs. It also allowed two-way traffic in front of the stores.
Business owners said the small changes made no real difference. Drivers still face heavy travel limits.
“You still can’t get in from State Highway 11,” Kok said. “You can’t get in from 169.”
Kok reported that Batman’s lost about $45,000 in five weeks. This began when the current traffic layout started. Both owners want a direct meeting with decision makers.
“We need to meet with who’s responsible, who’s making decisions for this construction,” Alkhouri said.
The shop owners want officials to rethink the timeline. Kok asked why access from State Highway 11 and Highway 169 was blocked simultaneously. He also asked about financial assistance.
“Please identify what financial assistance may be available to businesses experiencing extraordinary losses,” Kok stated.
Alkhouri warned that his restaurant might close permanently. He hopes leaders act before December ends.
“If nothing changes before the end of the year, I may be forced to close my business,” Alkhouri said.
Open records requests went to the city and state regarding the road work. The inquiries focus on how these projects unfolded.
City councils hold public meetings to hear concerns from local residents and merchants. Municipal leaders can communicate with state transit agencies to review ongoing street plans. Public comments help officials evaluate neighborhood disruptions.
The shop owners await action from the Tulsa leaders. Kok said they want to find a better path forward.
