Uh wait so all of Hubcap Alley is coming down? I'm confused, how long until Capitol Hill is in the way of Hargreaves' "creativity"??

So, you believe that this is Hargreaves' plan, not the city's? And that acquisition for the purpose of spurring responsible redevelopment is an improper goal or use of authority?

What is really the issue is the hard guidelines for redevelopment RFPs? That is what we vigorously need to help craft and enforce. What replaces blight is the issue it seems, not the fact that the area needs a makeover.

We can take potshots at Hargreaves or can become activists towards what happens going forward. We need to lead from the front, not to criticize from the back end when it's too late.

Are you saying we don't need a closer examination of what Hargreaves is being paid millions to do for us?

Do you believe they (Hargreaves) is planning the entire area, or just the park?

I have plenty of concern about what Hargreaves is doing. I just didn't think they had anything to do with the acquisition and planned redevelopment for the areas other than the park itself. I see it as two different issues. I am also concerned about the controls, or lack of, on the acquired area that is not in the park. That is what we need to be proactive about. Though it isn't impossible to stop the park and Hargreaves' input at this point, it might be a lot easier to help control what goes on around it that might make it be a desirable area and one that can adequately take advantage of the park and invite others into the area to enjoy the park...flawed as it may be.

Anyone seen Mayor Mick and a few others bringing "OKCFEST" music festival to this land starting later this spring/early summer? Of course he wants to name it OKCFEST, in OKC, OKLAHOMA. Everything he tries to rename is OKC or OKLAHOMA something. Good idea, horrible execution on the name. Could you imagine if Bonnaroo, Woodstock, Burning Man, or Coachella took the same approach? Sorry Mick, but "Big League Cities" don't have to name everything after themselves.

Are you happy, with anything, ever?

We known for years that the western side of Robinson and thus Auto Alley would be bulldozed for lower Central Park.

The only thing that is new is that OCURA is going to proactively acquire the properties immediately west of the park and then put it out for private development.

We known for years that the western side of Robinson and thus Auto Alley would be bulldozed for lower Central Park.

The only thing that is new is that OCURA is going to proactively acquire the properties immediately west of the park and then put it out for private development.

Which in the grand scheme isn't new either. The Core 2 Shore plan essentially labels the entire area blight and therefore infers that all of it will be wiped out and redeveloped at new densities.

Are you happy, with anything, ever?
heheh, that's funny.

Uh wait so all of Hubcap Alley is coming down? I'm confused, how long until Capitol Hill is in the way of Hargreaves' "creativity"??

This is Cathy O'Connor. Quite frankly, she is completely aggressive in her goal to use Urban Renewal as a development mechanism.

I am really surprised that the city has been able to continue using eminent domain in such an unbridled fashion. Not arguing for or against here. Just pointing out that in this day and age with politics the way it is, it is surprising to me that they have been able to use it so broadly without much resistance.

One could argue that the buyouts may really help the folks living in that area and that they may end up with a much better new home. I just hope that they are treated fairly and with respect. Supposedly, they are.

This is Cathy O'Connor. Quite frankly, she is completely aggressive in her goal to use Urban Renewal as a development mechanism.

I am really surprised that the city has been able to continue using eminent domain in such an unbridled fashion. Not arguing for or against here. Just pointing out that in this day and age with politics the way it is, it is surprising to me that they have been able to use it so broadly without much resistance.

One could argue that the buyouts may really help the folks living in that area and that they may end up with a much better new home. I just hope that they are treated fairly and with respect. Supposedly, they are.

The only parcels acquired through the use of Eminent Domain are those that are to be owned by OKC, not flipped for a developer, as I understand it. The use of eminent domain has been for the park and the convention center. The other areas are market rate acquisitions. Am I wrong?

I've spoke with a few people that have reached a settlement by way of eminent domain in the core to shore area. They didn't hit the real estate jackpot like they hoped for but they weren't really complaining either.

[QUOTE=cafeboeuf;774897The other areas are market rate acquisitions. Am I wrong?[/QUOTE]

That is a good point Cafe and I don't know. Is this simply a acquisition zone or are eminent domain capabilities approved as well?

City is asking Planning Commission to close all streets and alleys in the park area.

With work advancing on the Salvation Army's new location at 10th & Penn, this should all start to move forward in terms of clearing the remaining buildings and starting Phase I of the upper park:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/centralparkstreets.jpg

I really like all of the original "platted" names from the old streets.

I really like all of the original "platted" names from the old streets.

Agreed.

This is Cathy O'Connor. Quite frankly, she is completely aggressive in her goal to use Urban Renewal as a development mechanism.

I am really surprised that the city has been able to continue using eminent domain in such an unbridled fashion. Not arguing for or against here. Just pointing out that in this day and age with politics the way it is, it is surprising to me that they have been able to use it so broadly without much resistance.

One could argue that the buyouts may really help the folks living in that area and that they may end up with a much better new home. I just hope that they are treated fairly and with respect. Supposedly, they are.

Because there is no resistance in OKC.

I would guess very few people in that area actually owned the house they were living in. A few quick searches on the county assessor seems to point to mostly rent houses.


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Because there is no resistance in OKC.

OKC will be the first city in the world to be assimilated into the Borg.


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okc will be the first city in the world to be assimilated into the borg.

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lol!!!

OKC will be the first city in the world to be assimilated into the Borg.


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Lol I was going to post a Borg meme but didn't think people would get it. Well done sir.


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Lol I was going to post a Borg meme but didn't think people would get it. Well done sir.


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Thank you! ;-)


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when are they tentatively looking at starting to clear all the land? Later this year?

when are they tentatively looking at starting to clear all the land? Later this year?

Probably around then. They have to wait for the new Salvation Army headquarters to be built on 10th and Penn which probably won't be completed until later this year. Then they can tear down the old one.

Then all the urban campers will make their max exodus from the SW side of downtown.


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from News9


OKLAHOMA CITY - It's a term that's sure to get folks fired up: Eminent Domain. That's when the government says it has the right to acquire private property.
Oklahoma City now has the right to acquire more property when building it's MAPS 3 park and convention center.

The move gives the city more control over how the area around the park and convention center will be developed.

"We need all the tools that we can to help high quality developments adjacent to the park," Alliance for Economic Development Director Cathy O'Connor said.

One of those tools is eminent domain, a power a private investor does not have.

The new area, where the city can acquire land, now stretches south of 3rd in between Walker and Santa Fe all the way down to S.W. 15th.

The other new area is north of S.W. 4th going to California Avenue and stretching from Western all the way to Shartel in one spot.

Some city council members argued that the government should not be trying to dictate development around the park and convention center.

The Alliance of Economic Development said this is a long-term plan, and there isn't any plan to acquire additional land right now.

- OKC To Acquire More Property For MAPS 3 Projects - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/25508498/okc-to-acquire-more-property-for-maps3-projects)

Park plans forcing businesses to move | Oklahoma City - OKC - KOCO.com (http://www.koco.com/news/park-plans-forcing-businesses-to-move/25985350)

I guess we're the only people in OKC that realize this park is being built. I'm sure the city will pay the business owners handsomely.


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Lovely renderings, but where are all those people coming from?And where are they getting the water to keep it nice and green? Canton never filled back up and we're in exceptional drought. It's Son of Pei- the horror, the horror.

Lovely renderings, but where are all those people coming from?And where are they getting the water to keep it nice and green? Canton never filled back up and we're in exceptional drought. It's Son of Pei- the horror, the horror.

Too easy! Bring all the manure from the Stockyards and the fairgrounds and irrigate it with the Oklahoma River.

Too easy! Bring all the manure from the Stockyards and the fairgrounds and irrigate it with the Oklahoma River.

We have a far more immediate source, some of the posts made on this forum.

We have a far more immediate source, some of the posts made on this forum.

Not sure what you are saying, but it was a joke.

Not sure what you are saying, but it was a joke.

Don't worry, Edgar's back !

Not sure what you are saying, but it was a joke.

So was mine.

So was mine.

Yep I get it now.

This project is long overdue, they should be moving dirt by now, really?

This project is long overdue, they should be moving dirt by now, really?

Waiting on the new Salvation Army building to get finished at 10th and Penn before serious dirt movement.

Salvation Army building is looking very close

I agree!

This has been the timeline for Phase I all along. Construction not slated to start until next year:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/5496d1387379903-central-park-central3.jpg

Wow...the City is super slow when it comes to implementing projects. I know originally they had construction starting in 2012 with a 2014 completion for the upper park, crazy!

Wow...the City is super slow when it comes to implementing projects. I know originally they had construction starting in 2012 with a 2014 completion for the upper park, crazy!

I think it also has a lot to do with the Salvation Army taking so long to move as well. I am curious as to what the hold up was for that to move along.

You can't start every MAPS project on Day One. It's a pay as you go program so the city has to wait until the taxes are collected. Every MAPS has been like this. Have a little patience.

Also the Salvation Army is a non-profit and probably had to take some time to raise funds in the same way Catholic Charities and Sunbeam has...

Salvation Army is pretty much finished at 10th & Penn.

They should be moving very soon.

They are not holding up anything on the timeline.

Wow...the City is super slow when it comes to implementing projects. I know originally they had construction starting in 2012 with a 2014 completion for the upper park, crazy!

This project is a huge dissappointment. It will be a money pit on the city.

Salvation Army is pretty much finished at 10th & Penn.

They should be moving very soon.

They are not holding up anything on the timeline.

Sounds good, just thought that this would move more quickly than any other project, but I guess not. Oh well...

2021??http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/08/30/272048e404f9b81145cfc72bc4f8fdd4.jpg

Also the Salvation Army is a non-profit and probably had to take some time to raise funds in the same way Catholic Charities and Sunbeam has...

Hadn't the Salvation Army been promised completion money from Chesapeake that went away when Aubrey was sacked?

The other reason for the delay in park creation, besides the Salvation Army moving delay, is that the Boulevard is in limbo. I don't think they wanted to start construction on the park until it's configuration has been determined.

You are correct about CPK money drying up at many of the NFPs.

He new building still has Chesapeake Energy's name plastered all over it...

As far as I know, Chesapeake delivered on their pledge to the Salvation Army and I don't believe there was any delay in the construction of the new facility.

None of this has affected the timeline for any phases of the park. The plan has always been for the Phase I to start construction in the 2Q of 2015.

Took this the other day...looks like a picture that would say "central park plans dead"
9107

Took this the other day. Would look good with the title "central park plans dead" But really I am excited for this massive project
9108
(Not too sure how to post proper pics or delete posts so I apologize)

OKC's biggest park planned, but can it surpass Myriad Gardens? | News OK (http://newsok.com/okcs-biggest-park-planned-but-can-it-surpass-myriad-gardens/article/5340122)

I personally really like what Myriad Gardens has become. It makes me wonder if the new Central Park is really even necessary at all. Thoughts?

OKC's biggest park planned, but can it surpass Myriad Gardens? | News OK (http://newsok.com/okcs-biggest-park-planned-but-can-it-surpass-myriad-gardens/article/5340122)

I personally really like what Myriad Gardens has become. It makes me wonder if the new Central Park is really even necessary at all. Thoughts?

Yes it is necessary, it just needs to be designed right to compliment, not take away from the Myriad Gardens. I like the overall design of it with lakes for paddle boats, a large space for larger concerts that the Gardens could not handle and a compliment to Union Station, but think it still needs tweeking and possibly reconfiguring. It will be the center piece south of the Boulevard and if residences are to be built adjacent, they will have great views and amenities due to the park. I would love to see the outer area designed like Forsythe Park in Savannah with a few larger buildings surrounding it, but nothing shorter than three stories. Oh and lots of mature trees. That part will take time.

I really like the transformation of the myriad gardens but it is very limited in Size. I like the idea of an even greater great lawn. this could be great for music festivals and actually have room. there are times when the great lawn at the myriad gardens is packed for events and larger space could create an even larger crowd. I think it would be useful for events like the Arts festival as well and would just be a larger area to roam around as the Myriad gardens are very limited. I think its a missed opportunity for the two parks to be seperated but can perhaps make the Myriad gardens even more special..

OKC's biggest park planned, but can it surpass Myriad Gardens? | News OK (http://newsok.com/okcs-biggest-park-planned-but-can-it-surpass-myriad-gardens/article/5340122)

I personally really like what Myriad Gardens has become. It makes me wonder if the new Central Park is really even necessary at all. Thoughts?

I think the programming and the needs can be intermingled well enough; I need to look a the master plan for the new park, but I believe it has more open space for general use. The great lawn at Myriad is nice for concerts and small events, but it's not spectacular for a pick-up game of soccer or throwing a frisbee around.

The biggest key to making both parks work is the surrounding uses. Will the City be able to fill the Core to Shore area with housing and have enough people always around, wanting and needing the open space?

OKC's biggest park planned, but can it surpass Myriad Gardens? | News OK (http://newsok.com/okcs-biggest-park-planned-but-can-it-surpass-myriad-gardens/article/5340122)

I personally really like what Myriad Gardens has become. It makes me wonder if the new Central Park is really even necessary at all. Thoughts?

Necessary?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUFQ2ECfPOw

Depends on your definition of necessary, but I think it would definitely be nice to have. MBG isn't that big and is already often packed. With the continued influx of people downtown, I think the additional green space will be very beneficial. I'm only concerned with how they will interact and if they will be too redundant (like having two concert stage spaces). If they connect them right it will be like one massive park, which will be pretty cool.

OKC's biggest park planned, but can it surpass Myriad Gardens? | News OK (http://newsok.com/okcs-biggest-park-planned-but-can-it-surpass-myriad-gardens/article/5340122)

I personally really like what Myriad Gardens has become. It makes me wonder if the new Central Park is really even necessary at all. Thoughts?
It's been said before, but not having these parks connected is a huge missed opportunity. The Convention Center and Boulevard will be a huge barrier to the utilization of the park unless there is significant development that takes place in the C2S area.

But yea...that ship has sailed.

It's been said before, but not having these parks connected is a huge missed opportunity. The Convention Center and Boulevard will be a huge barrier to the utilization of the park unless there is significant development that takes place in the C2S area.

But yea...that ship has sailed.

I am not an architect, but repositioning the convention center area to where the hotel butts up against Robinson and there is a green space connecting the two will help since there will not longer be a super block dividing the two. I received a personal e-mail from Eric Wenger saying, the boulevard in that area will have "a landscaped median, reduced speed, wide sidewalks and parallel parking on both sides of the street. The City envisions a new street similar to Reno Avenue in the downtown area, but enhancing the streetscape elements to provide connectivity, a destination and a gateway to the downtown area." Again, I am not holding my breathe that anything Wenger said will actually come true, but if that is what happens, I would be ok with it.

It's a long term project. Nobody will be bitching about the Central Park (unless it is horribly maintained) in 2040. There are a lot of things MBG will never work for…it's by no means a comprehensive Park and by no means will render the Central Park unnecessary or visa-versa.