RESPONSES:

1. State Fair Speedway (SFS) is hardly an “eyesore.” It is a historic and valuable amenity that would cost $60 to $100 milion to replace.

2. One of the problems with MAPS 3 is the “coyness” of Fair Board officials about SFS. It’s not shown on the artwork promoting the fair park revisions. Thus, the “master plan” for Fair Park is unreasonably vague. SFS may be gravely endangered by MAPS 3 and the officials in charge apparently lack the candor to be truthful about it.

3. It is unrealistic to presume that any private entity can or would build a motorsports facility as good or better than SFS. Any replacement would likely be an inconveniently-located, cheaply-built “erector-set” facility.

4. Considering that SFS is “paid for,” it’s wholly unreasonable to penalize Central Oklahoma’s racing fans and racers with the cost of a new facility (the money would have to come from somewhere, and the costs of a new facility would be passed along).

I was thinking the same thing, that perhaps it was the difference between “Modern” and the old-style trolley look. However when I went back and played the clip of the Mayor’s speech where he made the statement, he didn’t use the word “modern” (may have been an accidental omission, but it wasn’t there).

The fact they areHerutage replicas immediately takes them out of the “moder” category.

The system is actually 4 mile long currently with planned expansions. People often hear that it is 8 miles of track, which is technically true, but that is counting “double tracking” (tracks on both sides of the street). So it actually only covers 4 miles of distance.

They are talking about a three mile extension. Which would eclipse us if it is funded and completed before our project is.

Oregon Iron Works (a local company) has decided to get into the streetcar business.

http://www.unitedstreetcar.com/

They are partnering with Skoda to start producing American made streetcars. This move is a great one as it will help with attracting federal funding and creating manufacturing jobs in the United States.

While I cannot proactively endorse one streetcar company over another, I think that given the opportunity of creating jobs in the US and having an American manufacturer accountable for maintaining our proposed system, this company is worth keeping an eye on. Especially if it helps our chances on enticing federal matching funds.

So,yes Blair, Portland is really the base model of which all proposed systems are compared. The new American manufacturing facility element is another reason.

Either way, I think it is great Oklahoma City is joining the ranks of cities throughout the world with modern streetcar system. That is reason enough to be for it!

Air-conditioning and ADA compliance does not necessarily mean that it is a “Modern” Streetcar.

I looked at New Orleans very carefully. They are using vintage, refurbished, and/or replica cars from what I can tell. If they plopped something new from Europe on the lines then I am obviously mistaken and mis-informing the mayor. I have not found evidence as of yet that we “you/I” are talking about the same thing.

Modern Streetcars are usually European with no historical characteristics. The first American “modern” is rolling out in Portland this fall. It seems that the the word “Modern” is defined by the appearance of the tram and that is “curb height”.

I appreciate the size of the New Orleans System and had a great conversation with Mayor Ray Nagin about it last year at the DNC.

What Mayor Cornett said should be accurate with regard to what the MTP is proposing. There are many operating streetcar system in the United States, but we very well may have the largest system utilizing “Modern” streetcars at one time.

We may be eclipsed by Portland during our process, but the proposal is significant and one to be proud of.

I think the Mayor is trying to convey that message, we should be proud of this proposal.

If I find evidence that we are “mis-characterizing” something than I will gladly clear the air with corrected information.

The lines you speak of are all “historic” and/or historic replica trolley lines. So you are correct, but it is that this will be the longest Modern System done at one time. Big difference.