Downtown Oklahoma City 2020
For months now we’ve had discussions on OKC Central in which we’ve scrutinized different plans for a potential MAPS 3, asked difficult questions and discussed differing visions on what downtown should look like in the future.
Today this blog takes a different direction.
I’ll still be delving into the daily events, happenings and items of interest involving downtown and the urban core. But when it comes to MAPS 3 and the future, I’m going to be silent. From here on out, this blog will instead feature guest posts from people of different backgrounds. And I’m going to ask each person to write on the same topic: What should downtown Oklahoma City look like in 2020, and how can this vision be best achieved?
The next couple of months may very well be a critical turning point for downtown. I look forward to seeing how this new discussion evolves.
Yep – That Was Quite a Storm …
Warning – you may want to watch paint dry instead of this video. Only for the truly fanatical Bricktown weather watchers.
The Truth Comes Out About MAPS 3
Mayor Mick Cornett came right out and said what a lot of people behind the scenes have known for weeks if not months – that a MAPS 3 ballot may be set for December and that in his words ”we” are looking at it including a new convention center Core to Shore and transit.
Oh really? What the KWTV report doesn’t mention, nor does the mayor, is who this famous “we” is. And there’s a reason for this – this we does not include a unanimous city council. It doesn’t include a unanimous civic and business leadership. And it certainly doesn’t involve any vote by any group or body.
To be honest, my numerous, numerous sources indicate that when it comes to what will be on a MAPS 3 ballot, the only concensus involves Mick Cornett and his assistant David Holt, who is dividing his time between city affairs and running for state senate.
A lof of downtown dreams, plans and ideas are in the balance here. And while Mayor Mick Cornett is a likable guy, someone who most agree has done a great job as a spokesman for the city, his vote at City Hall is one of nine. That’s it.
Get ready for some big discussions ahead. We’ve seen to date big pitches by advocates for a State Fair exhibition hall, a transit system, a convention center and tomorrow Bricktown begins to make its case for a canal extension. Still ahead – the river and the mayor’s own pitch for a central park and Core to Shore, a project that has plenty of people questioning whether it could do more harm than good to downtown.
In the old days these decisions were made behind closed doors and voters were simply told vote yes or else. Starting in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a different process emerged that involved concensus building and public discussions on how best to advance this city’s development. This process was credited for what we’ve seen to date – successful citywide bond issues upgrading infrastructure, parks and public safety; and the MAPS, Fix MAPS Right and MAPS for Kids ballots.
What process will see emerge with a MAPS 3? I’ll be asking tomorrow who this “we” is that has already decided on the basic MAPS 3 ballot and I’ll be interested in hearing from you, the readers, whether we’re following the pre-MAPS way of getting things done.
UPDATE: Mayor says the MAPS 3 ballot is not a done deal.
Lil Can't Take the Heat…
Liliana Lovell, Coyote Ugly Saloon Founder, apparently didn’t enjoy the heat too much while she oversaw the opening last week of the Bricktown Coyote Ugly. From her blog:
I am freaking exhausted~!!! The opening week of Oklahoma City was fantastic. The bar did freaking phenomenal!! I am bringing in a few veterans in next week and the week after that as well to ensure success for these girls.
Today I am going home and people keep saying ” You don’t like our city Oklahoma?” It’s not that I don’t like Oklahoma but I have been away from home for two weeks. My clothes are so dirty that I swear my jeans can stand up on their own. Also, It truly has been the kind of hot that erodes your insides. I need to take a shower in my own home, sleep in my own bed, and eat something that is not friend or BBQ’d.
Tomorrow night Jackson gets home from sleep away camp! I can’t wait to see him.
Go Oklahoma!!!
Funny Moment
Bob and Norm ... under water.
I’m pretty certain Bob Bekoff (the guy on the sidewalk above) enjoyed yesterday’s coverage of the upcoming 10th anniversary for the Bricktown Canal. So here’s a snapshot that is blatantly aimed at reminding him of a somewhat embarassing moment from those early giddy days (that’s his son Norm in the boat). To be fair, these guys pulled off a miracle getting such a big operation launched within just a few weeks when the canal opened July 2, 1999. To read more about their adventure, pick up tomorrow’s Oklahoman.
The Bikers Invade Bricktown
Thanks to Leslie Spears, queen of all media at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, we’re getting a good idea of the number of Harley Davison enthusiasts who attended the national Harley Owners Group rally in Bricktown Saturday night.
Her one observation: Jim Cowan didn’t sweat at all. He literally kept his cool during what was one of the hottest, busiest days ever in the entertainment district.
One more week to go, Jim, and then maybe you can take a couple days off!
The Bricktown Canal: 10 Years Later
Lot’s of cool photos and perspective on what’s transpired along the Bricktown Canal since it opened a decade ago. Read the story here.
Coyotes Take the Stage
It’s a tough job. But someone has to do it. Coyote Ugly is open in Bricktown. And no, I’ve not asked for a water.
Will You Have Your Say?
Last night while speaking at MidTown Rotary I was asked what will be on a MAPS 3 ballot. I will tell you what I told them: if you want the items on this ballot to be decided by this city’s top business and civic leaders, then stay quiet. If you want the council and mayor to reflect your wishes, then NOW is the time to let them know what they are.
To date we’ve heard the following items pushed for a MAPS 3 ballot:
- $450 million to $600 million for a new convention center (this one is almost a certainty being pushed by Mayor Cornett and the chamber).
- $79 million for a new State Fair Park exhibit hall (question: why can’t this be funded by the permanent hotel room tax?)
- Unspecified amount for river improvements (this one has strong momentum among the city’s civic leadership).
- Unspecified amount for a central park (which many say is Mayor Cornett’s desire for a “legacy”).
- Unspecified amount for an extension of the Bricktown Canal which would connect Bricktown with a new convention center, Ford Center and the Myriad Gardens. This one has been supported by Urban Neighbors, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the All Sports Association. But it has not gained a lot of visible support by the mayor or civic leaders.
- Transit. Many say a poor presentation by COTPA’s Rick Cain seriously hurt this proposal, but Cornett insists there will likely be a transit “component” on a MAPS 3 ballot. But what does this mean? Supporters are suspicious.
You can email Mayor Mick Cornett at mayor@okc.gov or call his office at 297-2424. Other council members’ contact info can be found at www.okc.gov.
You’ve been advised.
