Not “if” on the Boulevard?
After seeing repeated references to the planned downtown boulevard couched with the word “if” when describing its construction, I contacted Oklahoma Department of Transportation spokeswoman Terri Angier to see if they see it as an “if” as well. After all, it was former Secretary of Transportation Neal McCalebl who promised the boulevard as part of [...]
“If a Planned Boulevard is Built …”
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the fact funding has yet to be secured for a boulevard promised as part of the relocation of the Interstate 40 Crosstown Expressway.
Now, a story on Tom Elmore’s fight against the project includes the following tidbit from ODOT director Gary Ridley:
The project’s total cost will rise to [...]
Before You Make Those 2012 Core to Shore Plans …
Oklahoma has seen an influx of federal stimulus money for highway projects - but a boulevard promised by the state to replace the current alignment of the I-40 Crosstown Expressway has yet to appear on the Department of Transportation’s eight-year funding plan.
Mayor Mick Cornett tells me he’s quite aware of the situation.
“It’s a continuing concern, [...]
Deadlines
I’m not a guy who does a lot of crying about deadlines. They’re a part of my job on a daily basis. But sometimes you’ve got to wonder about the timing.
When it comes to City Hall, I’ve heard people complain, usually after the deadline has passed, that the date was set in order to [...]
Too Much Focus on Core to Shore?
That’s the question being asked in some quarters. If one listens to Mayor Mick Cornett, it seems that there is more being discussed with a potential MAPS 3 for projects along the river and in Core to Shore than in downtown itself. And certainly the city is already pouring millions into the area to buy [...]
New Convention Center: Discuss Amongst Yourselves
Breaking story today about study suggesting up to $400 million be spent to build a new convention center. More coverage in tomorrow’s paper. So what do you think? Should this be the centerpiece of a MAPS 3? If so, when should it hit the ballots? Or should we simply stick with what we’ve got?
Where would [...]
Idea for the New I-40 Crosstown Expressway
Fellow Business Writer Don Mecoy wonders if the highway relocation couldn’t incorporate some wind-energy into the design.
Wow… Is Monday Already Over?
OK, coffee talk time: should Oklahoma City approach Core to Shore as it did downtown in the 1960s - acquire the entire area, clear it and start again? Or is a more nuianced approach called for? Or should it leave the area’s fate to private developers and land owners?
More Images of the SkyDance Bridge
You win some, you lose some. Sadly, I was unable to get all the images into the paper that I wish I could have - so here they are without any further delay. Above, Stan Carroll and Hans Butzer, lead designers of the proposed “SkyDance Bridge” being considered today by the city council.
The SkyDance Bridge [...]
Will the Skyline Continue to Rise?
I’m having some pretty interesting conversations with people in the know today. They’re saying yesterday’s Devon tower unveiling makes it more and more likely we will see more high-rises announced nearby.
But where? Who? When?
