A Surprising 5 p.m. Press Release on the Walker Avenue Bike Lanes
When I left for the John Belt funeral this afternoon, OKC Central readers were not happy campers. First I shared news of City Engineer Eric Wenger removing the dedicated bike lane along Walker Avenue that was promised as part of Project 180. Then I shared news of David Box planning to tear down the Gold Dome.
The funeral, by the way, was a wonderful goodbye to John Belt, and many of his friends gathered on what was the perfect early evening in the Paseo. Patio dining tables were filled, live music filled the street and the colors of the streets were especially vibrant.
Happy birthday John. Thanks for leaving us with such an incredible gift.
So as I return home, I’m surprised to discover the following press release was sent by City Hall at 5 p.m.
To quote Emily Litella…. “never mind….”
Walker will transition to two-lanes by March 29
Walker Avenue between Reno and Couch in downtown Oklahoma City will transition to a two-lane street by the end of March.
The Avenue is currently marked for a four lane, two-way traffic.
On-street parallel parking will be located on the east and west sides Walker. Dedicated bicycle lanes in both directions for exclusive use by cyclists will remain on the street.
The transition, which is a part of Project 180, will make Walker more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly.
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Comments
Ok folks of OKC time to make this building our own again. I have been in there and it is a great venue for parties etc. What a great place for a wedding. My son almost got married in there. I am willing to put some in the jar….we can put a dome on the capitol. We need to keep the dome on 23rd and Classen!!!
[...] was no mistake in my post at OKC Central. Yes, it's true – the city quickly reversed course. A Surprising 5 p.m. Press Release on the Walker Avenue Bike Lanes | OKC Central Reply With [...]
And the city didn’t put this “notice” on their website before the street was transitioned because……… seems like they always do everything in hinds sight, not foresight. Time to hire a big city manager.
The bike lanse should be there. As to the Gold Dome it is a has been that has outlived its usefullness. Keeping it alive on the taxpayer dime for nostalgia is semi-legal THEFT. If private industry cannnot make a go of it to the wrecking ball it should fall.
I am an architect working here in the city. The Gold Dome site is large enough that it could easily be redeveloped with retail and an apartment tower, AND keep the dome. The dome could be a grand lobby space that connects the new functions.
What sort of protections can be put in place to keep these types of things from happening in the future (city staff “going rogue” and implementing capital programs in a manner that runs contra to that approved by City Council)?
Great job Steve. Sticking to the vision can be difficult but will prove beneficial for downtown in the long run. Street scapes can be difficult to preserve over time. We can all do our part to encourage the City to continue raising the standards for public projects.