Developers Unite In Effort to Establish Better Community Relations

By: Lori Johnson

Local community developers recently announced the formation of the Norman Developers Council. Comprised of more than 20 developers, the group meets monthly to address issues critical to land development and the quality of life in Norman.

“Developers are such an integral part of building healthy communities and strong neighborhoods that it is important we take a proactive role in working with citizens in shaping Norman’s future,” said Trey Bates, Norman Developers Council chairman.

A subcommittee of the Norman Builders Association, the Norman Developers Council’s mission is to promote the quality of life in Norman by presenting a unified voice that fosters open and constructive dialogue with city staff, city council and the public.

“We are part of Norman’s family,” said Bates. “Our families work here, live here, our children go to school here—it is important for all of us to work together to develop sensible growth strategies that meet the needs of the entire community. Developers are often characterized as self-serving and not acting in the best interest of our city. Nothing could be further from the truth. Successful development in Norman is 100 percent dependent on a financially sound and successful city, where people love to live, work, and play”

A developers’ council is not a new idea to Norman. Throughout the years developers have convened at various times to address issues as needed. Bates said the difference is that this council meets regularly to avoid reactionary responses to individual items, and to show a commitment to an ongoing process that promotes a positive image and positive growth in Norman.

Building One House, One City

Part of promoting a positive image is informing the public about the extensive and thorough process a developer goes through to develop land. To a casual observer, a developer is the one who clears the land to prepare it for building. In reality, a developer is building an entire community long before the first hammer hits a nail. Developing a vacant tract of land means studying site topography and geology, the presence of environmentally significant areas, the current zoning on the site, and the proximity of the site to existing services (water, sanitary and storm sewer) and roads. Developers must pay for all the roads, sewer lines and water lines in any project, often times including upgrading existing roads and other infrastructure. Before construction begins on any new project, developers are required to go through an intensive approval process which involves traffic and drainage studies, various City of Norman departments, neighboring communities and adjacent landowners, the Parks Board, Planning Commission and finally City Council.

Only after approval on all applications and completion of the improvements to the land, can the developer sell the land to a builder to build the first house and ultimately a community where families can live and play.

This ongoing process affects the overall look and feel of Norman, fostering pride in the city, attracting new businesses and new families to Norman.

Economic Development

Developing land requires vision, commitment and financial strength to implement high caliber, sound development plans. That is why the real estate development industry is one of the largest economic engines in Norman. According to a 2000 economic impact study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, a one year impact of building 525 single family homes in Norman resulted in more than $45 million in local income, $2.1 million in taxes and other revenue for local government, and nearly 1,300 jobs for Cleveland and surrounding counties. Ongoing, annual local economic impacts accounted for $12.8 million in local income, $4 million in taxes and other revenue for local government and nearly 393 jobs.

“Many people are unaware that developers pay for everything including: the stripping and grading of a site, the placement of utilities and city services, the construction of roads, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, a range of municipal fees and assessment rates, and landscaping,” explained Bates. “And that is just a small part of real estate development.” The bottom line translates into increased revenue for local business, jobs and generated taxes for the City of Norman and surrounding areas.

Being a Part of Norman’s Family

A quick glance at any volunteer list reveals that developers not only invest a lot of time and money into real estate development, but also Norman’s community services.

“When you decide to become a land developer, you commit to doing all you can to help make Norman great,” said Bates. “Your business venture not only involves your bottom line, but also affects the environment, the marketability of your community, economic growth of the city and a host of other factors. I think that is why so many developers are active in the community through leadership positions and charitable contributions.”

Norman developers serve on the boards of several charities, citizens groups and are usually at the top of the list volunteering to lend a hand when needed.

Bates said the Norman Developers Council is also exploring community service ideas as a group project.

“We are all part of Norman’s family,” said Bates, “and developers play a large role in shaping the city we all call home. The formation of the Norman Developers Council is a tremendous step toward bringing together developers, city staff, city council and the public, to help Norman reach its full potential.”