I think he means the space available. Otherwise, 4 lanes with a turn lane would be really cramped.
I guess that comes down traffic movements if there are more people trying to move through the street than making left turns. By that we should make a decision on what to do. There are several streets that could viable for lane reductions in favor of active or alternative transportation, 23rd is not one of them, IMO.

For me perfection looks like this:

- Traffic light at each intersection
- Retractable Bollards in line with the median @ Hudson, Walker, Dewey at a minimum, and probably at Havey and Lee as well. From hours of 7AM to 8PM - retractable bollards are up on E/W Greens and down on N/S Greens - guaranteed no left turns there. E/W minimum 3 minute greens during Rush hour (7-9 & 4-6)
- 2 car lanes each way
- Garage on lot across from Tower Theater
- On-street parking removed between Hudson and Walker (at a minimum) and probably Robinson to Shartel
- 2 protected bike lines
- Sidewalk extended with trees between bike lanes and pedestrian space in the sidewalk.

The person who told me the plan said they plan to 1) remove the median and replace with a turn lane, 2) extend sidewalks, and 3) remove on-street parking and replace with bicycle lanes.

I agree removing the median will make 23 and Uptown substantially less attractive. In fact, the area with the median is the only attractive part of the thoroughfare as it looks relatively urban and it's not overrun by cheap strip malls and fast food joints. I also think it will make the street more dangerous, as people will likely speed up.

Hopefully this is not truly the city's plan.

Trees can be added to the sidewalks to separate them from the street. That will be even more beautiful than the median and even more urban as a design.

I hope they're going for the following, left to right: building - cafe space - sidewalk - tree canopy - lighting - curb - bike lake - curb or stripe - lane - reversable lane - lane - curb or stripe - bike lane - curb - lighting - tree canopy - sidewalk - cafe space - building. That's the most urban and how most urban districts design. Throw in bus/rail stops conveniently spaced and it's even better.

This fourplex directly north of the Pump is still moving along, but at a snail's pace.

I could see most the interiors of the apartments look largely finished.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/uptown100420a.jpg

The property is finally available for lease at 507 NW 24th:

https://www.trulia.com/p/ok/oklahoma-city/507-nw-24th-st-oklahoma-city-ok-73103--1022125779

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/uptown061321a.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/uptown061321b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/uptown061321c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/uptown061321d.jpg

What adorable apartments. Just wished it hadn't taken five years to make ready five units of housing, lol (Insert bromide: 'Marva Ellard takes her time.').

Saw a very welcomed sight today. The convenience store that was overrun with weeds, had busted out windows, and chewed up concrete across from OCU has been razed.

Not sure how I missed this until now, but the two proposed concepts for the Uptown 23rd streetscape have been posted and the designers are soliciting public feedback. I encourage you to watch the presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUg-MwMx-r4 and offer feedback at Uptown23rd@halff.com. Design plans will be finalized at the end of 2021/beginning of 2022 and presented to City Council, with bids expected to begin Q3 of 2022.

The overall changes (particularly the middle stretch of 23rd) are consistently bumped out sidewalks at every intersection with much tighter turning radii. This should slow traffic and greatly decreases the crossing distance for pedestrians, often dramatically (I think at Robinson the distance goes from something like 80' to 55'). Underutilized parallel parking is removed for built out sidewalks (patios!) and additional landscaping. Some parking spaces will be converted to buildouts to help "define the lane width". Bikes lanes are proposed for Robinson, and lighting issues (e.g., poles in the middle of sidewalks) will allegedly be addressed and fixed. Hopefully the left-turn issue at Walker is also fixed somehow.

The biggest difference between the two concepts is whether to keep the median on 23rd street. This provides "crossing islands" for pedestrians, but makes the overall distance wider and with less sidewalk space on either side of the street.

Project Area

https://i.imgur.com/FwbPttq.png

West Section

https://i.imgur.com/idquxkG.png
https://i.imgur.com/onyhawX.png
https://i.imgur.com/91qKxHa.png
https://i.imgur.com/zt60Che.png
https://i.imgur.com/yGvEMTw.png

Middle Section

https://i.imgur.com/eJG5scw.png
https://i.imgur.com/CbQV9mZ.png
https://i.imgur.com/idCeMZp.png
https://i.imgur.com/Jj5FNDA.png
https://i.imgur.com/WXBuzgE.png
https://i.imgur.com/YX4ZrTM.png
https://i.imgur.com/25GASqU.png
https://i.imgur.com/pO92rtG.png

East Section

https://i.imgur.com/YoRHeao.png
https://i.imgur.com/YpYYVEb.png
https://i.imgur.com/IVFLOMD.png

Summary

(I assume listing more space for trees/aesthetics and fewer right-of-way impacts as Disadvantages for Concept 2 is a mistake??? lol)

https://i.imgur.com/MtWuFyh.png

After looking through all of this, I think Concept 2 is slightly preferable. It makes crossing distances shorter, brings the street "together" with more pedestrian/patio space, and I think medians, while potentially pretty (not always), are a) ultimately wasted space and b) still given the street the feel that cars and not pedestrians are the priority. Then again, they do provide refuge and reduce the risk of head-on collisions. They are suggested to slow traffic speeds, but I would have thought having opposite-direction traffic immediately adjacent to you would slow one down even more... Either way should be a big improvement!

I love this so much. Kind of like keeping the median but not a strong opinion.

I love this so much. Kind of like keeping the median but not a strong opinion.

I feel the same, but the trees provide such a nice canopy. I'd hate to lose that, but I get the benefits to walkability are huge.

I feel the same, but the trees provide such a nice canopy. I'd hate to lose that, but I get the benefits to walkability are huge.

But who do those trees shade -- the cars? I'd much rather have trees over the pedestrian areas unlike what we have now. It's unclear to me if added trees are a proposed part of the landscaping.

But who do those trees shade -- the cars? I'd much rather have trees over the pedestrian areas unlike what we have now. It's unclear to me if added trees are a proposed part of the landscaping.

I totally get that. I'd love trees in the median and on buffering sidewalks on both sides, but I get that's probably not possible.

Having watched the video, concept two. Sad to lose the median and the trees, but the improvements are worth it.

I agree with David. The expanded sidewalks and the shorter distance is a big W. One vote for median gone.

I also like the part in front of Tower with no parking on either side. There is plenty of parking to be had elsewhere and people trying to squeeze in and out of spots creates dangerous traffic scenarios and blind spots.

I feel the same, but the trees provide such a nice canopy. I'd hate to lose that, but I get the benefits to walkability are huge.

I am for the trees. Oklahoma has to few.

I voted for Option 2 as well but reqested they design more trees, lighting, and sidewalks (along with recommendation for transit improvement) and sidewalk connectivity to existing neighborhoods as part of not only the 23rd traffic project but also to serve as a master plan template for all inner city districts. ....

I think we should have trees on both sides of the street that separate well defined sidewalks from traffic. Lighting should be throughout at the pedestrian level and transit should have exceptional egress with sheltered stops at the best catchment areas. Sidewalks (and lighting, trees) should extend from the district into the neighborhoods serving as gateways for locals to patronize the district but also feel safe while doing so as pedestrians.

I hope this gets implemented and hopefully some of my ideas as well by the city going forward here and elsewhere in the inner urban city.

This will do basically nothing to improve traffic on this street. Either lights every block or no left turns between Harvey and Shartel. We're basically pitting beautification vs walkability

Having a tree canopy is important for pedestrians. Even if it doesn’t shade people directly if it shades pavement and keeps it cooler than that is still a win to lessen the urban heat island effect. Both of these proposals suck. Unless I’m seeing something wrong,

The median should stay. Remove a lane of traffic where the median exists then keep the road at four lanes elsewhere. Expand the sidewalks a little bit. Add protected bike lanes. Those planter boxes they build in front of the development with the drake should be pushed all the way to the curb.

Both of these proposals are just underwhelming, IMO.

The unfinished poke bowl place on 23rd and McKinley has a for sale sign I noticed

The unfinished poke bowl place on 23rd and McKinley has a for sale sign I noticed

It's for lease.

I guess the dispensary deal fell through. I'm sure they'll find another one.

Oh okay saw it has a rent-a-fence around the perimeter

Both of these proposals are a huge flop.

I was very surprised at how bad these were in the sense of not seeming like much improvement...

If we have to keep 4 thru lanes then the only acceptable option from the perspective of pedestrian and cyclist safety is to remove the median.

Having a tree canopy is important for pedestrians. Even if it doesn’t shade people directly if it shades pavement and keeps it cooler than that is still a win to lessen the urban heat island effect. Both of these proposals suck. Unless I’m seeing something wrong,

The median should stay. Remove a lane of traffic where the median exists then keep the road at four lanes elsewhere. Expand the sidewalks a little bit. Add protected bike lanes. Those planter boxes they build in front of the development with the drake should be pushed all the way to the curb.

Both of these proposals are just underwhelming, IMO.

They cited that they were constrained by the allowed budget. Also, what you described is in many ways what is planned, sans the bike lanes which are apparently off the table for 23rd but planned (in some capacity... hopefully not just sharrows) for both 24th and 22nd.

Even though these are being presented as the only two options, I encourage folks who don't like either of them to still share their thoughts and feedback with the developers. It's important they hear it.

They cited that they were constrained by the allowed budget. Also, what you described is in many ways what is planned, sans the bike lanes which are apparently off the table for 23rd but planned (in some capacity... hopefully not just sharrows) for both 24th and 22nd.

Even though these are being presented as the only two options, I encourage folks who don't like either of them to still share their thoughts and feedback with the developers. It's important they hear it.
Why aren’t they even considering a road diet for at least part of the project? At least study it and give it as an option. And yes you are right I need to submit my opinion formally of the city I have yet to do so:

we don't have a good budget for this so let's spend some money to look like we did something even though the end result won't be very different from what we have now

Neither proposal would decrease traffic speeds through the area, neither would make it easier for pedestrians to cross, and both predict a high number of traffic accidents to continue. So what exactly is the point of this?

I was most surprised to see 11 ft lanes proposed

we don't have a good budget for this so let's spend some money to look like we did something even though the end result won't be very different from what we have now

The sidewalk improvements are worth it to me alone. Right now it is terrifying to be a pedestrian on the southside of 23rd and this will help that. I agree it doesn't do as much for the cars but f*** those guys.

I agree the sidewalk improvements are good since we at some point decided light poles smack in the middle of sidewalks were ever a good thing.

If you haven't submitted your thoughts on the proposed streetscape plans yet, the city has a simple survey to fill out which is due today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PL5M7X3

Construction on NW 23: Tree-lined median may get yanked to make road safer for pedestrians
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/10/10/uptowns-nw-23-corridor-could-lose-median-pedestrian-safety-project/6019657001/

17152

Was at Cheever's last night and the server said one of their chefs has been over developing the new menu (good reviews from the staff) and that they should be open in the next couple of months.

I noticed some work being done to the building directly west of Craig's Emporium.

I noticed some work being done to the building directly west of Craig's Emporium.

Noticed that as well. Looks like the glass window/doors have already been installed. Would like to know what is going in here.

There have been no permits for tenant build-out.

I suspect they are just continuing to clean up the space in order to lease it.

Saw a very welcomed sight today. The convenience store that was overrun with weeds, had busted out windows, and chewed up concrete across from OCU has been razed.

Dirt work has commenced on this site for something.

Dirt work has commenced on this site for something.

Tropical Smoothie.

Here's a quick overview of all the new projects along 23rd:

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/uptown021322a.jpg

Isn't Dutch Bros. dead? And if so, why (since they've opened other locations here)? Did the land-owners want too much money?

Is the Korean restaurant on 23rd west of Classen still going forward?

Isn't Dutch Bros. dead? And if so, why (since they've opened other locations here)? Did the land-owners want too much money?

I was told not dead, but still negotiating.

Is the Korean restaurant on 23rd west of Classen still going forward?

I didn't include it because I saw a new 'For Lease' sign out front.

I'm watching the building permit application that was filed and thus far there has been no movement, so I'm not optimistic.

Salad and Go will be a great addition in this part of town.

I saw a couple of Cox Communications vans alongside the former Goodwill Donation Center near 7-11 on the corner of NW 23rd and Penn, with workers going in and out of the building. Anything set to go in here?

I saw a couple of Cox Communications vans alongside the former Goodwill Donation Center near 7-11 on the corner of NW 23rd and Penn, with workers going in and out of the building. Anything set to go in here?

I couldn't find any sort of permit or planning filings and the property hasn't recently sold.

I may have overlooked it but does anyone know what is going in on 23rd west of Craig's curious emporium? the west end of the building has the windows uncovered ( still obscured from inside however ) and has had people there working on it pretty regularly.

I may have overlooked it but does anyone know what is going in on 23rd west of Craig's curious emporium? the west end of the building has the windows uncovered ( still obscured from inside however ) and has had people there working on it pretty regularly.

I've looked into this but I can't find any building permits.

They've been working on that space for a while and it may just be to get it into better shape for leasing.

The NW 23rd and Robinson Starbucks won their vote to unionize 15-2. They are the first unionized Starbucks in Oklahoma

^^ Wow.

Seems strange that Starbucks stores have been a union target the last year or two when I've always heard that they are one of the best employers. I know people who work there part time because even at part time, they are eligible for health insurance.

Seems strange that Starbucks stores have been a union target the last year or two when I've always heard that they are one of the best employers. I know people who work there part time because even at part time, they are eligible for health insurance.

i would guess that it may go poorly for the employees of this store

i would guess that it may go poorly for the employees of this store

Why?

Why?

Yeah, it's gonna suck having better wages, benefits, paid time off and a retirement

I'm kidding of course

Why?
Over 100 Starbucks in this country have unionized many located in states regarded as anti-union. The NLRB has over 260 petitions for votes in other stores. It's a movement not an abertion.

Yeah, it's gonna suck having better wages, benefits, paid time off and a retirement

I'm kidding of course

none of that is of course guaranteed .. in what ever their CBA might be

I don't think Starbucks will punish those workers at all. That would be terrible for their PR. Also, the article I read indicated other metro-area stores will soon follow the 23rd Street location.

I noticed some work being done to the building directly west of Craig's Emporium.

Cannabis dispensary has filed plans for this spot.