Blair Humphreys Looks at Bricktown, Core to Shore
How can all connect? Blair has some thoughts….
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.
"Core to Shore Sucks."
His words, not mine.
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.
Coffee Talk Time – Core to Shore
What’s the downside if we put Core to Shore on hold for a decade? Get comfortable, pour yourself a cup and talk amongst yourselves.
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.
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 the I-40 relocation and at the time was no “if” about it.
I’ll let you the readers decide if there is an “if” in this answer from Angier:
The reference about the boulevard was not in the statement from ODOT so you’ll have to ask AP about that part. However, we are still committed to building the boulevard and have always included the cost in out estimates.The boulevard was included as part of the official environmental documents.
As is with all ODOT projects, they are evaluated for placement in the 8-year plan each year when the plan is balanced. While the boulevard is not in the 8-year plan at this point because there is still several years of Crosstown construction remaining, the plans are to place it in there as we approach 2012. Until then it can’t be touched since it is being used as our current interstate.
We are in frequent communication with the City on this issue and as we develop plans together on the boulevard the next few years, more details including the actual and not the rough costs can be refined. The City is looking at their options on how they want to see the boulevard and all of that will come into play in planning for the boulevard. I hope that answers your question.
"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 $600 million if a planned boulevard is built along parts of the existing roadway’s path, Ridley said.
What do you mean by “if”????
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, but not at a high level,” Cornett said. “I’ve been assured by the governor, the Department of Transportation, and there isn’t a person of significance denying the boulevard will be built. Until it’s on the eight-year funding plan and it’s only five years away from opening, I will continue to bring it up and talk about. Let’s get it done.”
Cornett admits Core to Shore, the development of mostly blighted area between the river and downtown, can’t be launched without the boulevard. “The city grinds to a halt if that boulevard isn’t constructed when I-40 is relocated.”
