Rather than wait until May, the Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO) filed suit against Pointe Vista Development in Oklahoma County District Court last Thursday (1/9). Their petition asks the court to either force Pointe Vista to move ahead with the project or sell the former state park land back to the state.
Since Pointe Vista failed to secure project environmental approvals, private financing, or water and sewer services, it would appear that they will be unable to move forward, and will have to sell the land back to the state.
Neither the CLO, nor the Governor's office, had a public statement when the suit was filed, but a spokesman for Fallin provided one for The Oklahoman on Saturday (1/11).
Alex Weintz stated, "The legal action they took will move the Pointe Vista issue off high-center and closer to a solution that leads to economic development and allows the state and local residents to fully utilize the area's natural resources and beauty." He continued, "The Governor still believes the Lake Texoma property has great potential for tourism and job creation for southern Oklahoma."
It is hard to imagine what "high-center" means since they have yet to break ground. But, if this is the Governor's way of saying Pointe Vista will be given more time, then she is not listening to her constituents or serving the public interest. Pointe Vista had six years to fulfill their contract and they blew it.
Restore Lake Texoma State Park supports the creation of a public benefit authority to oversee the restoration of the park within its historic, federally-protected boundaries. We support a more modest resort development to the north of Hwy 70E, without condos or private residences, surrounding Chickasaw Pointe Golf Course. This was the original vision promoted by the CLO in 2004 when they put the redevelopment project out for bids.
We believe this is not only achievable, but it is the fastest way to restore a thriving tourism-based economy which was destroyed when the CLO shut down the lodge and state park cabins in 2006. They broke it. They should pay to put it back together. The CLO has $15 million to invest and this is the place invest it.