Comments on: Confuse and Delay?

By: Steve

Steve — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 09:00:40 +0000

I am sorry, but who cares! Bricktown renovation has only made my life more boring in OKC. As a resident I have seen no improvement that affects my life in a positive way since The MAPS began. My rent has gone up, groceries have gone up, my pay has not kept up with the rising cost of living here. I can no longer afford to go downtown or to bricktown for even just an evening. The last time I went downtown was in 2010, A movie parking and dinner cost me over $60.00, someone whose family now has to live on a tighter budget is not made to feel welcome in a place that I am paying for so a few can get rich off taxes that I cover for them. The kids cant even bring text books home to aide them with their homework, because there is no money for them. I have to buy extra school supplies for the class, because someone’s parents couldn’t or wouldn’t pay for their own kid’s supplies. But it is ok because Bricktown is bringing in tourist. Where are the tourist spending their money? Bricktown. It appears money made in Bricktown stays in Bricktown. OKC Thunder while I am proud of them, I dont know anyone who has been able to get tickets as an individual. I know a few people were able to go when their company gave them tickets. And you are whinning about confusing streets? That is absolutely insane. OH but look at the construction work the plan has generated? I know right? How long will this last? In a few years most construction will be done and 60% of these workers wont have a job. And I am waiting to see on the news the reports of vandelism that is plaguing all the beautiful work that went into building I-40 to attract tourist to Bricktown.
To the OKC government, You have enough of my tax dollars. Time to make Bass Pro Shop to pay for anything else you need. One more thing, List of Tourist places in Oklahoma City, 6 are hotels, Really?

By: Larry OKC

Larry OKC — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:32:00 +0000

"Why is this taking 13 YEARS to complete?!?" Council members and mayors come and go, but who has been the City Manager for the vast majority of the 13 years since this was decided by Council (and the one that is ultimately responsible for all of the City's departments including Public Works?). Mr. Jim Couch was appointed to that position in November 9, 2000. He was the "Assistant City Manager/MAPS Director for 2 1/2 years" before that. That pretty much covers it doesn't it?

By: david ball

david ball — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:58:22 +0000

c’mon guys, get real. do you have any idea how outrageously expensive it is to have a city worker go out and remove a one-way sign from a pole? not to mention how long it takes to actually get him to do it?

By: Pete Brzycki

Pete Brzycki — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:10:24 +0000

I just saw on the Devon TIF Implementation Agenda that Proejct 180 is now being billed for the connection of Devon Tower to the skywalk/underground system through the City Center East garage.

This was approved by the Downtown Design Review committee about a year ago but I never saw this listed as a P180 project and it makes no sense to include it.

Total cost was budgeted at $605,000 for architectural fees and construction and current figures are now asking for a total of $750,000.

This has yet to be approved by City Council… I wonder how far three-quarters of a million dollars would go towards finishing at least one of the street projects?

By: Wylie H.

Wylie H. — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:52:29 +0000

The issue of 2-way versus 1-way streets in downtown areas has been studied EXTENSIVELY by some of the nation’s top urban planners.

Why is this taking 13 YEARS to complete?!?

By: MikeN

MikeN — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:53:51 +0000

Steve I may be having a “senior” moment. However I recall in the past that some professional urban planner commented about this situation. I recall his statements were to the effect that the BEST way a city could open up and make their downtown business core more user friendly was to get rid of one way streets. Sadly I do not recall when, where, or who about this but it does make logical sense.

Keep up the good workand keep the pressure on.