May 06--BROKEN ARROW -- Voters threw their support behind a hotel and conference center nearly a decade ago, but developers have shown little interest in launching the project.

That's changed, officials say.

City Manager Thom Moton said at a work session recently that developers are now expressing a significant interest in the long-delayed project.

Wes Smithwick, president of the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation, said that six national hotel companies have expressed interest in the project. In coming weeks, he expects to receive more detailed proposals for a public/private partnership.

"We are very excited that there appears to be significant interest from firms who want to partner to do something like this," Smithwick said. "I think we have some positive traction going now."

He attributes the interest to the improving economy and the continued growth the city has experienced in the past three to four years.

"The population is officially over 100,000 now. That's kind of a benchmark developers use in a lot of cases," he said.

A consulting group hired by the EDC has concluded that there is a market demand for a 120- to 150-room select-service hotel in Broken Arrow.

Officials say they are missing out on holding all kinds of corporate, school and business conferences because there isn't a facility big enough in Broken Arrow.

"They go to other cities," Smithwick said. "We just have a void of meeting space in our city short of renting a school gym."

There is also the issue of funding.

The project was originally going to be funded with a $6.5 million bond issue which voters approved in 2004, but estimates for the design came in more than twice that allocation.

In August 2009, the city asked citizens to approve an additional $8 million for the project, but it was rejected. There is now an estimated $9 million to $11 million funding gap.

Moton said there are significant opportunities for a public/private partnership to bridge that gap through leftover bond monies, hotel/motel taxes, revenue bonds or a tax-increment financing district.

A TIF district allows cities to divert taxes from a particular area from their normal purpose to use for projects in that area.

The 2004 bond issue called for a 50,000-square-foot facility along the Broken Arrow Expressway in the Bass Pro Shops area.

Officials originally wanted the conference center/hotel to be east of Bass Pro on the hilltop because of its spectacular view.

But Moton said that he and other city officials walked along there recently and found it challenging due to the steep and rugged terrain.

The top of the hill would have to be chopped off just to make it walkable, Moton said.

"When we first looked at the hilltop ... it was a great view. But over the years, I'm glad everyone has come to that conclusion," said City Councilor Richard Carter.

Officials are now considering purchasing a site northwest of Bass Pro. A pedestrian bridge is envisioned that would connect convention and hotel guests directly to the shops in Stone Wood Hills.

"I do think it's a long time coming," said Mayor Craig Thurmond.

Susan Hylton 918-581-8381 [email protected]

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