The proposed development is currently locked in a legal dispute between opponents and the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority, which owns the property. A court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon to set the schedule for hearings in the case.

An alternative path — which has been suggested by opponents in their lawsuit as the legally correct path — is for the council to declare the park “vacated,” clearing the way for the property’s re-purposing.

The Tulsa World polled city councilors to gauge their mood on the issue. Councilors spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the pending legal challenge and because several felt uncomfortable discussing their position on a possible vote that may not even reach the council for consideration.

Beyond the objection to the current proposal, the majority of councilors also said they wouldn’t support the development at Helmerich Park, even if minor changes could be made to make the proposal more appealing.

Several, however, said they would support the project as proposed, saying the park is already designed to limit access to the busy, adjacent intersection at 71st Street and Riverside Drive.

Not all of the nine councilors could be reached for comment Monday.