At this point in this project, the modifications of Layout C or D are still in design. So, adding the Thunder Circle is just that simple. The rest is concrete / steel / signage, etc. It is not that complex. It is just a city street.I know and I agree with you... I want the circle to happen, but how do you propose we do it? I will streak down the BLVD if ODOT decides to build the circle.

I am embarrassed I didn't think of this before today. If the obvious property issues could be resolved this could be the compromise that would satisfy everyone. It maintains the "through movement" and traffic moving by using two roundabouts on the Dewey spine. Traffic light timing will be critical of course.

Probably WAY too late to even be considered. Traffic movement and maximum development potential and walkability.

Fire away.....

7897

Great idea, but the traffic circles should be a block east because of the new school.

I know and I agree with you... I want the circle to happen, but how do you propose we do it? I will streak down the BLVD if ODOT decides to build the circle.

Politics is the art of the possible. If you don't want to get steamrolled, focus on refinement of the existing options. It's too late in the game for grandiosity.

The meeting was well attended. I think had even more people come through than ODOT's official meeting. There were some great comments and plenty of ideas to turn in as official submittals. I will send Pete some pics to post. Thanks to all who came out. We will reattach the official submittal form link with a list of bullet points for people to submit on the last day tomorrow. Thanks to Marva Ellard and the Sieber Apartments for giving us the space. Now THUNDER UP!

When exactly is the deadline to submit comments? I've heard that ODOT won't accept comments when they are submitted on the actual day they give as a deadline.

I only trust electronic or hand-delivered submissions throughout tomorrow till Midnight. The say "by Wednesday". I'll bet they mean it literally. Tomorrow is the last day in my mind.

Oklahoma City downtown boulevard designs prompt varying opinions on traffic, decision process | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/oklahoma-city-downtown-boulevard-designs-prompt-varying-opinions-on-traffic-decision-process/article/4838506)

Thanks Jeff for such a well run event. It was very informative and I appreciate all of the hard work you put into this. I was not able to attend the ODOT open house and could not fully grasp the intricacies of the designs online. I especially appreciate how you are suggesting improvements to the plan that has obviously been preordained to be built by ODOT. There are so many deficiencies to their plan but the one that stupefies me the most is the 7 lanes of concrete that cuts through the new park. If this road gets built as is it may kill the park before it even gets built. Can you imagine a person in a wheel chair or a mother pushing a baby stroller trying to cross 7 lanes of fast moving traffic? Plus I had not even heard half of the information about the politics of this road before this evening. It just makes my blood boil the more I think about it.

Great idea, but the traffic circles should be a block east because of the new school.

That could work too. Might even be easier. I wish Andrew was still around - I think his Thunder circle design could work on the south roundabout and the north one could have a similar design.

Wish I had thought of it a year ago because I think the use of 2 roundabouts on a north / south connecting "spine" would correct just about 100% of the pedestrian/walkability/urban design concerns while providing plenty of traffic capacity AND the through movement ODOT is fixated on. But I understand the reality is this is probably way too late to even be considered. Oh well.

Here is the e-mail I sent the mayor just now:

I don’t know if you will get this directly or one of your assistants will, but I would like to voice my displeasure in the alternatives for the DT boulevard.

None of them have come even remotely close to what we as a city need to have as a boulevard. You stated years ago that this road would be the gateway to our city to introduce people to OKC who would typically bypass OKC on I-40 on their way out of town.

How can we have a Grand Boulevard that introduces people to our city if it is basically another NW Expressway?

How have you and other members of the council not challenged ODOT to create a street the city can be proud of?

The idea of a six lane highway through downtown is ridiculous. The speed limit will not matter because if it is six lanes and the lanes themselves are wide, people will speed through DT. If we wanted that, we should have just kept I-40 where it was and used the current I-40 area for train connections.

I understand the complication of the Reno/Boulevard/Classen/Western intersection, I really do, but to have a cul-de-sac for Western? Really? I am not an engineer by any means, but I know I could design a better boulevard freehand.

ODOT is building this street, then handing it over to the City of OKC. Let’s make them build a street we don’t have to look back on in two years and say, “Well that was stupid…” Instead of listening to engineers who only care about traffic counts (which is a whole different animal to me because there is no way that street will ever carry 58,000 people per day in two years, let alone ten), let’s listen to planners and consultants who are educated in this sort of thing.

This street is not meant to rapidly get people in and out of downtown. It is meant to be a grand entrance to our city and make people stay down there.

Let’s keep in mind what is going to be built along the boulevard over the next five years: The new convention center, the new central park, the new transit parking garage east of the rail lines in bricktown, any development in the Lumberyard plus any other C2S development as the others open.

If you want this street to be pedestrian friendly, you have to make some sacrifices for traffic. You put the whole city on a diet and as a city, we lost well over a million pounds. Why not introduce the idea of bike lanes and wide sidewalks along the boulevard? This would get people moving on foot or bike instead of just sitting in their car.

And on a personal note, I vote and lobbied for you to become Mayor again. Please prove to me and the other residents of OKC that you can be our leader and get this thing done right the first time.

Signed, (me)

I got this response last night from Eric Wenger:

Gary –

I received a copy of your email, and appreciate you sharing comments regarding the design of the new Oklahoma City Boulevard. I don’t know if you had an opportunity to attend the public meeting held on Wednesday, May 7th , or if you had an opportunity to review the design alternatives proposed by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) on their website. Although one alternative suggests a 6-lane design, the alternative that meets the majority of Oklahoma City’s criteria is Alternate “C” which is a 4 lane design (2 lanes in each direction) with 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.

The discussion that is currently underway is to make a decision on the type of street to be designed and there are 4 options being considered. The public comment period is open, and once a decision is made, the City will be prepared to work closely with ODOT on the specific design elements to be incorporated into the project. The design will take several months, and once complete, we should have much better information to share about the project including potential renderings of what can be expected following construction.

Although the Oklahoma City Boulevard is an ODOT project, the City is a partner and we have been included in the design process. Public comments regarding the current alternatives are being received through Wednesday, May 21st, so I invite you to submit your suggestions on which alternate is most appropriate for the City. You can link to comment page from the City’s website at City of Oklahoma City | News (http://www.okc.gov).

Again, I very much appreciate your interest in the project and thank you for your insight and suggestions.

Eric

Eric J. Wenger, P.E.
Director Public Works/
City Engineer
(405) 297-3486
eric.wenger@okc.gov

That could work too. Might even be easier. I wish Andrew was still around - I think his Thunder circle design could work on the south roundabout and the north one could have a similar design.

Wish I had thought of it a year ago because I think the use of 2 roundabouts on a north / south connecting "spine" would correct just about 100% of the pedestrian/walkability/urban design concerns while providing plenty of traffic capacity AND the through movement ODOT is fixated on. But I understand the reality is this is probably way too late to even be considered. Oh well.

It is not too late. These ideas ( Roundabouts )are not so large in scale that they can't be achieved. The Thunder Circle is exactly what should be in-place @ Robinson & Blvd. It is the solution.

This is the time to make the adjustments in the scope and the Thunder Circle is not requiring the purchase of any new property.

The Thunder Circle is a "people mover" in the safest manner for the pedestrian and for the vehicles.

This is absolutely stunning:


Kind of makes a good argument for getting rid of I-235 in the future doesn't it.

Kind of makes a good argument for getting rid of I-235 in the future doesn't it.
No

Kind of makes a good argument for getting rid of I-235 in the future doesn't it.

Yes

I got this response last night from Eric Wenger:

Gary –

I received a copy of your email, and appreciate you sharing comments regarding the design of the new Oklahoma City Boulevard. I don’t know if you had an opportunity to attend the public meeting held on Wednesday, May 7th , or if you had an opportunity to review the design alternatives proposed by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) on their website. Although one alternative suggests a 6-lane design, the alternative that meets the majority of Oklahoma City’s criteria is Alternate “C” which is a 4 lane design (2 lanes in each direction) with 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.

The discussion that is currently underway is to make a decision on the type of street to be designed and there are 4 options being considered. The public comment period is open, and once a decision is made, the City will be prepared to work closely with ODOT on the specific design elements to be incorporated into the project. The design will take several months, and once complete, we should have much better information to share about the project including potential renderings of what can be expected following construction.

Although the Oklahoma City Boulevard is an ODOT project, the City is a partner and we have been included in the design process. Public comments regarding the current alternatives are being received through Wednesday, May 21st, so I invite you to submit your suggestions on which alternate is most appropriate for the City. You can link to comment page from the City’s website at City of Oklahoma City | News (http://www.okc.gov).

Again, I very much appreciate your interest in the project and thank you for your insight and suggestions.

Eric

Eric J. Wenger, P.E.
Director Public Works/
City Engineer
(405) 297-3486
eric.wenger@okc.gov

The alternative "C" I saw did not have only 4 lanes of traffic, it had 5, with a continuous turn lane, and it had no median in the blocks between the CC and the park. It looked as if there would be two lanes of parallel parking as well, which would create 7 lanes of concrete, in essence. I was told this lack of grassy median on this block is because Hargreaves Associates wants to be able to close it off for festivals. My thoughts are: If this "boulevard" is so important for traffic movement, how could you ever close it off? Secondly, why should any festival not be able to work around a grassy median, especially if they have an entire 70 acre park adjacent? The adjacent blocks to the east of the park have a very tiny grassy median. Why can't it be as wide as the others? These are the streets that are likely to have a lot of pedestrian traffic, and they're the least pedestrian friendly of the entire at grade portion of the boulevard.

Kind of makes a good argument for getting rid of I-235 in the future doesn't it.

The likelihood is slim and none.

Yes

No

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S5

The alternative "C" I saw did not have only 4 lanes of traffic, it had 5, with a continuous turn lane, and it had no median in the blocks between the CC and the park. It looked as if there would be two lanes of parallel parking as well, which would create 7 lanes of concrete, in essence. I was told this lack of grassy median on this block is because Hargreaves Associates wants to be able to close it off for festivals. My thoughts are: If this "boulevard" is so important for traffic movement, how could you ever close it off? Secondly, why should any festival not be able to work around a grassy median, especially if they have an entire 70 acre park adjacent? The adjacent blocks to the east of the park have a very tiny grassy median. Why can't it be as wide as the others? These are the streets that are likely to have a lot of pedestrian traffic, and they're the least pedestrian friendly of the entire at grade portion of the boulevard.

This was my response to him:

Eric, thank you for your response.

My understanding of the boulevard (with your help) is there would be a bridge over Western, then for it to dip under the Santa Fe rail line with a four lane road in between and then rise back up to connect to I-40/235, would that be accurate? If so, we have a school just west of the Myriad Gardens, a huge park that is going to be built south of the new boulevard and possibly housing built in and around that area for families. Now, think about a person living in housing adjacent to the park and walking their child to school north across the boulevard. Are there going to be proper crosswalks for people to get across the street without getting run over by some crazy guy trying to get to work?

Another thing ODOT has stated is that they expect traffic to increase as employment and residential living increases downtown. What they are not taking into account are the future developments in transportation such as our increased use of buses, the streetcar and the eventual use of light/commuter rail.

Now, you said, “the alternative that meets the majority of Oklahoma City’s criteria is Alternate “C” which is a 4 lane design (2 lanes in each direction) with a landscaped median, reduced speed, wide sidewalks and parallel parking on both sides of the street.” But, when looking at the pdf from odot.org, the area south of the proposed convention center (north of the new central park) and south of the Chesapeake Energy Arena, those four blocks are five lanes due to long turn lanes with no landscaped medians in the middle. Also, the majority of the area south of Bricktown is three lanes on the north side and two on the south side for a total of five lanes. Why is it so necessary for these areas to be five lanes when they are so close to where we expect people to be congregating and living?

The mayor has promoted healthy living in OKC for quite some time now and we need this street to move some people, but it does not have to move 58,825 a day in and out of downtown, regardless of how far in the future we are looking, that is I-40 is for. What I would like to see from the area specifically between Hudson and EK Gaylord is a four lane street with short turn lanes, wide, landscaped medians, bike lanes and street parking on either side with a speed limit not to exceed 25 mph.

Again, thank you for your response and understanding where I am coming from. I am a huge advocate for the city and I only want what’s best for us and our children. This street will help shape the future of OKC for years to come. Let’s get it right the first time.

Thanks Jeff for such a well run event. It was very informative and I appreciate all of the hard work you put into this. I was not able to attend the ODOT open house and could not fully grasp the intricacies of the designs online. I especially appreciate how you are suggesting improvements to the plan that has obviously been preordained to be built by ODOT. There are so many deficiencies to their plan but the one that stupefies me the most is the 7 lanes of concrete that cuts through the new park. If this road gets built as is it may kill the park before it even gets built. Can you imagine a person in a wheel chair or a mother pushing a baby stroller trying to cross 7 lanes of fast moving traffic? Plus I had not even heard half of the information about the politics of this road before this evening. It just makes my blood boil the more I think about it.


Thanks!

Today is the last day to submit your comments to ODOT. We have had quite a bit of trouble making their automatic forms work. Here is the link for those of you who can make it work-

http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/meetings/a2014/140507/commentform.pdf


Many of us are advocating for several specific improvements to the "Option C" proposal as well as advocating for Option D. Several of these ideas came through the meeting last night.

1. Introducing a proper four-way intersection at Lee
2. Closing 3rd street between Lee and Walker
3. Removing parallel parking lanes in front of the park and Convention Center to reduce the distance a pedestrian has to cross the street at that critical location.
4. Introducing a median in front of the Park/Convention Center site instead of one, singular, continuous turn lane.
5. Promoting a mid-block crosswalk to continue the "Harvey Spine" across that section, through the proposed median, and into the park.
6. Introducing a roundabout at Exchange and Western instead of closing Exchange.

I will send Pete pics of the marked up drawings.

The 3rd street issue is particularly disheartening as a proper grid solution would potentially make prominently connectivity to the Farmer's Market area much likely. Thanks to David Wanzer for pointing that out right now.

We just pulled out the drawings in Coffee Slingers and practically ended up having another public meeting explaining to people what was going on. I took photos of the recommended changes and have sent them to Pete B. Each photo shows ODOT's original proposal with secondary photos showing changes proposed through the public meeting.

ODOT's suggestion for a one way street at the 3rd street this location really causes a challenge and a terrible intersection at Lee for pedestrians.

I was sad I couldn't make the meeting but sounds like some great ideas came out of it! One thing I have noticed with ODOT comment form is that the browser being used makes a big difference. I found that it works on internet explorer(least favorite) and safari. I never could get it to work with Google chrome. Urban, the only question I have is that with option C is it still possible to do the "thunder circle" or a roundabout of sorts at Robinson?

I don't think any roundabout is possible anywhere through ODOT. The engineers seem to be fundamentally opposed to them and simply escalate the traffic model projections 20 to 30 years into the future to justify throwing them out. If we want those sorts of changes, I fear we will simply have to tear out new street and do it the way we want later.... if roundabouts are what we really want at such intersections.

I don't think any roundabout is possible anywhere through ODOT. The engineers seem to be fundamentally opposed to them and simply escalate the traffic model projections 20 to 30 years into the future to justify throwing them out. If we want those sorts of changes, I fear we will simply have to tear out new street and do it the way we want later.... if roundabouts are what we really want at such intersections.

Urban, and this is the same group ( ODOT Engineers ) that loves "The Cloverleafs". ?!?!?! They like the cloverleaf because it is cheap, not because of any Engineering Formula for success! NO, Not again.

There comes a time when we just "get passed their opinion" and tell them we want a Thunder Circle there. Then, if & when it becomes a problem for the city in 20 / 30 years in congestion, then we can rip-it-out at our expense.

Thunder Circle.

That will be what is seen on National TV every game. Marketing 101. Let's Wow them w/ OKC !

OKVision- I like your visions. But, I think we have to practice the art of what's possible to strike some wins here.

OKVision- I like your visions. But, I think we have to practice the art of what's possible to strike some wins here.

Exactly, what would you rather have: a four lane street with a wide median, bike lanes, wide sidewalks and lots of street interaction or a six lane super highway that is basically NWE 2.0. I am all about things being done right the first time but one or two of the intersections could be turned into roundabouts in the future with not a huge amount of fuss or money. The actual street part of this has to be done right the first time or it will cost a ton of money and be a pain in the @$$ to switch over to something we wanted to begin with. Gotta pick your battles.

I have sent a couple of e-mails strongly advocating option D.

Wenger added he has concerns about the no-boulevard option, including costs the city might have to pay and traffic that would terminate at California and Walker Avenues.
This quote came from the DOK’s article regarding the FBB process. This immediately made me angry. Traffic won’t terminate where ODOT quits building. It will dissipate seamlessly into the grid!
It’s like they think OKC drivers will exit the Crosstown Freeway and suddenly get lost or go tharn like a deer in the headlights when faced with … with what? Project 180’s beautiful city streets? Bring it ON!

The ODOT form doesn't work with browsers except the antiquated Internet Explorer. Just another sign of either incompetence or not actually wanting public feedback.

I submitted comments even though I live in Texas. I emphasized WHY I bring my money north of the Red River to spend - vibrant urban environment, not quick moving freeways. Hopefully, they'll consider my comments.

Urban, and this is the same group ( ODOT Engineers ) that loves "The Cloverleafs". ?!?!?! They like the cloverleaf because it is cheap, not because of any Engineering Formula for success!

When was the last time ODOT built a cloverleaf? The only one I know of is I-35/I-240, and that is scheduled to be replaced.

When was the last time ODOT built a cloverleaf? The only one I know of is I-35/I-240, and that is scheduled to be replaced.When was the last time they re-built an interchange period? Every upcoming interchange, they are half-assing it. Two clover leafs and two fly-overs. It's a joke.

When was the last time ODOT built a cloverleaf? The only one I know of is I-35/I-240, and that is scheduled to be replaced.

240 / 35 is scheduled to have 2.

OKVision- I like your visions. But, I think we have to practice the art of what's possible to strike some wins here.

Urban, Thank you.

The reality is this, it looks like the C option is what will be implemented. With that, we will be getting the more Pedestrian Friendly versions the ( People ) are submitting today. I'm just adding the next obvious ( lego building block ) to this project. The corner of Robinson & The Blvd will be the most "visible" scene of OKC. The cost structure of today would be at minimum factor of ( 2 x ) in a 10 year window. Plus, the City will have to come up with the funds for the Thunder Circle.

If we do this now, the cost can be shared w/ ODOT and at a cost structure of today. This is the time we have our "red pencils for changes" & we can take advantage of the concrete not being poured yet.

The greatest adavantage with the Thuder Circle is this, Pride starts today! Pride does not have to "wait until next time". The econimic advantages will begin in 2016, not 2026.

In addition, this will not Hold things up in the process, it may just be the one thing that truly provides a "solution" in moving the mass of people in both vehicles & the conventioneers.

Here is the email I sent to my city councilman:

Dear Councilman Greenwell,

First of all, thank you for you service to our city; I support you as our councilman. My name is Rick..., and I live at...within Ward 5.

I wanted to write you a brief email about the Crosstown Boulevard project currently being proposed by ODOT. I have taken the time to review the options and would like to share my thoughts. While I don’t live downtown, I believe this boulevard project has important implications for the whole city and its future development.

I am excited about Alternative "C." I know that people have a variety of opinions regarding the boulevard options—some want it to be more urban; others, more suburban. I personally think Stan-Tec and ODOT have done a great job arriving at a good consensus boulevard that will both move traffic and keep the area as walkable as possible. I would like to ask that the following adjustments be considered. These adjustments are not major, and they would help to make the boulevard a more grand, beautiful, and pedestrian-friendly street with better connections for the local residents.

1. Please make sure that the Western-Classen underpass under the new boulevard includes 10-12 foot wide sidewalks so that the pedestrian traffic moving from north to south through the area will still have a safe and commodious option.
2. Please create a full, four-way intersection at Lee. This will allow people to get from the new Core-to-Shore area to the up-and-coming film district without unnecessary back-tracking.
3. Please consider closing 3rd street between Lee and Walker. The one-way street as it is currently rendered is not necessary for traffic flow.
4. Please remove the parallel parking lanes in front of the park and Convention Center to reduce the distance a pedestrian has to cross the street at that critical location.
5. Please make sure that there is a landscaped median in front of the Park/Convention Center site instead of one, singular, continuous turn lane. The turn lane is not needed there, and it creates too wide a crossing space for pedestrians.
6. Please design a mid-block crosswalk between Hudson and Robinson to continue the "Harvey Spine" across that section, through the proposed median, and into the park.
7. Please design a roundabout at Exchange and Western instead of closing Exchange. This area still needs to be easily accessible for people, and a connection to both the Farmers Market district and Stockyards City is vital to both of these areas.

Would you please consider exerting your influence upon other council members, the mayor, and ODOT to consider making these adjustments to the Alternative “C” plan before it is approved?

Thank you, sir!
Your Constituent,
Rick...

^^^ I've been saying that for over a year now. But that rustling sound you hear? That is the city rolling over.....regardless of anything ODOT has told Public Works or the elected leadership, it needs to be taken with a grain of salt. They have demonstrated they are quite capable of duplicity in their actions.

Unfortunately I sense the opportunity to "do it right" slipping away due to political expedience or other influences. The city will be worse off for it and will realize it eventually. I am disappointed at opportunity lost. It isn't often a city has the chance for redemption of a disaster like the original Crosstown and Pei Plan and I honestly believe we are blowing it.

ODOT’s Traffic Projections for the OKC Boulevard
http://www.betterblockokc.com/blvdtraffic/

http://www.betterblockokc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/traffic2-01.png

This is what I just submitted on the Public Comments Form and CC'd to the mayor, my ward representative, the ODOT coordinator (he got it twice) and the feds:

"First and foremost, my preferable option for entry to downtown OKC would be "Alternative D", which is to return the grid to its former glory to allow for larger sized land development. In this option the boulevard would be a grand boulevard along and slightly north of the SW 3rd Street alignment between the east end I-40 connector and Hudson. That boulevard would be tree lined on each side with a half lane for urban cycling, two full through lanes in each direction, extended left turn lanes for Robinson and Hudson and a landscaped center median between the opposing directions. This landscaped center median would be a refuge between the Harvey Spine north of the boulevard where the new convention center will be and the Central Park to the south. If I could provide pictures in my comments, I would, but alas, you make this as complicated as possible.

If we are going to go along the lines of "Alternative C", then these are the changes that I would like to propose as viewed from west to east.

First, at Western and Reno, there needs to be a roundabout here and if ODOT doesn't do it then the City of Oklahoma City needs to do it and include Exchange as it is an integral connection to the Farmers Market area from the newly enriched and expanding area in an around Film Row and where the 21C Hotel will be located. It is of vital importance that as many links as possible are connected to each "district" so that we don't have to detour.

Second, there needs to be a full access intersection at Lee Avenue, to tie Film Row in with the Core-To-Shore area--again, future development, as envisioned in bringing residential back down to the downtown area.

Third, the segment of SW 3rd Street, between Lee & Walker, where you have a one way street with parallel parking on either side of it needs to be closed off, so as to allow a much larger parcel of land to be available for development fronting the new boulevard.

Fourth, as stated in my "Alternative D" narrative, it is VERY IMPORTANT that the main stretch of our downtown boulevard not be 100' of solid concrete with cars zipping by in each direction. Please imagine your kids kids trying to get to school downtown but they can't because they're scared to cross the highway, which is basically what you have created as a part of your vision of a boulevard. Instead of parallel parking lanes (2), two thru lanes in each direction (4) and a center turn lane (1), for a total of SEVEN lanes, lets decrease the count and make this boulevard something iconic that will be remembered in a good way. This DOES NOT need to be a NW 39th Street or a Northwest Expressway. When I was a kid, I was fearful for my life of crossing May Avenue. Imagine how these kids would feel. I would also suggest that your intersections at Walker, Hudson and Robinson, all have very wide crossing stripes and keep in mind that in the future you may want to allow for diagonal crossings through the middle of the intersection so that pedestrians can stay ahead of vehicular traffic. I would also suggest a pedestrian crossing midstreet along the Harvey Spine between the future convention center and the Central Park. If you can't do these then you need to include subterranean pedestrian tunnels or skybridges that tie into the new convention center from the Central Park area. It's hard to imagine it all now but when the Central Park is built, the land around it will be prime for residential development and we just need to be prepared to think about families actually living close to downtown and that they will have kids who are going to have to cross the streets at some time or another.

That pretty much sums up my views on how the boulevard needs to be designed and built. With newer modes of transportation becoming available to our city and the millennials and younger generations looking at living close to their jobs in a downtown environment, you're going to see a shift in traffic counts that you've never witnessed before because, honestly, times are changing for the better. Why not a BETTER BOULEVARD?"

To be cautious, we recommend people submit their comments by Midnight.

Update! Since the ODOT form is not working for most people, please email the form to m-coordinator@odot.org.


Then follow up with your comments to:


Mayor Mick Cornett: mayor@okc.gov
Your Councilperson: Ward6@okc.gov (Change the number for your ward)

Federal Highway Administration: elizabeth.romero@dot.gov

CC'd to all the above!

But that rustling sound you hear? That is the city rolling over......

If you are hearing a noise that isn't the city rolling over. The City rolling over is soft and bouncy, like a marshmallow landing on a pile of other marshmallows; it doesn't make a sound at all.

Update! Since the ODOT form is not working for most people...

The ODOT form works fine with Internet Explorer.

Will all these comments be made public? If so, and ODOT goes against the will of the people, are there consequences or means of addressing it?

The ODOT form works fine with Internet Explorer.

Maybe so but only working in IE & Safari today is a joke for a currently active website

Extension sought for public comment on Oklahoma City's new boulevard | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/extension-sought-for-public-comment-on-oklahoma-citys-new-boulevard/article/4844770)

This article pretty much regurgitates everything I've seen posted in this thread regarding creating a pedestrian friendly street.

Did Cooper Stock really have to die? (http://news.yahoo.com/cooper-s-story--a-preventable-traffic-tragedy-200552242.html)

This article pretty much regurgitates everything I've seen posted in this thread regarding creating a pedestrian friendly street.

Did Cooper Stock really have to die? (http://news.yahoo.com/cooper-s-story--a-preventable-traffic-tragedy-200552242.html)

It is quite a world we have created for ourselves isn't it.

The 20 Deadliest U.S. Cities for Pedestrians | Autopia | WIRED (http://www.wired.com/2014/05/most-dangerous-pedestrian-cities/)


Pedestrian deaths in the United States are at a five-year high, and if you’re among the few people who walks around Orlando, you’re more likely to be killed by a car than anyone else in the nation. You can thank 60 years of auto-centric planning and transportation policies for that.

Things aren’t much better elsewhere in the southeast or southwest, two regions that account for the majority of the 20 most dangerous metropolitan areas for pedestrians. All of them boomed after World War II, an era when urban design and transit planning favored the almighty automobile above walking, cycling and mass transit.

...

The report notes that 45,284 pedestrians were killed between 2003 and 2012 (the latest year for which data were available). The numbers have spiked in the past few years, from just over 4,200 deaths in 2007 to nearly 5,000 in 2012


OKC comes in at 20th most dangerous. With some help from ODOT maybe we can move up to 19. Watch our Richmond, VA - we have you in our sights.

Extension sought for public comment on Oklahoma City's new boulevard | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/extension-sought-for-public-comment-on-oklahoma-citys-new-boulevard/article/4844770)

After reading the article, it sounds like ODOT is done talking about it.

After reading the article, it sounds like ODOT is done talking about it.

ODOT doesn't care what anyone else thinks. Any interest groups trying to sway them are always going to fail when they are protected by the Governor and her staff. It is going to take a complete change in leadership to get new thinking in there.

ODOT doesn't care what anyone else thinks. Any interest groups trying to sway them are always going to fail when they are protected by the Governor and her staff. It is going to take a complete change in leadership to get new thinking in there.

Surely ODOT cares what the city thinks, though. Surely ODOT sees the city as the customer here.

Surely ODOT cares what the city thinks, though. Surely ODOT sees the city as the customer here.

I wouldn't be so sure. Earlier this week an ODOT spokesperson said if the City didn't like what ODOT built they could tear it out later and rebuild it. If I painted your house and I told you if you don't like the color I pick you can paint it yourself later, would that seem like I cared what you thought?

Extension sought for public comment on Oklahoma City's new boulevard | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/extension-sought-for-public-comment-on-oklahoma-citys-new-boulevard/article/4844770)

Great article! Kudos SW Aviator.

Steve summarizes FBB proposals:
Design Changes Proposed for Downtown Boulevard | News OK (http://newsok.com/design-changes-proposed-for-downtown-boulevard/article/4845069)

Wow, every aspect of our state government is just awful. Seriously, someone start an initiative petition to cut it by 75%.

I wish all my tax money paid to this state could instead go to the city. Okc is so much more in tune with its citizens, and when they're not... they stop and listen. And not for appeasement, they actually do listen. I can't think of a single state entity I currently feel that way about.

I really enjoyed Steve's blog post on this subject that made the front page of NewsOK a while back. Kudos.

Wow, every aspect of our state government is just awful. Seriously, someone start an initiative petition to cut it by 75%.

I wish all my tax money paid to this state could instead go to the city. Okc is so much more in tune with its citizens, and when they're not... they stop and listen. And not for appeasement, they actually do listen. I can't think of a single state entity I currently feel that way about.

I really enjoyed Steve's blog post on this subject that made the front page of NewsOK a while back. Kudos.

I don't want to derail this thread but just want to pass this on without comment.

From US to China: the fall of nations and the rise of cities | Local Leaders Network | Guardian Professional (http://www.theguardian.com/local-government-network/2013/oct/24/benjamin-barber-fall-of-nations)

I don't want to derail this thread but just want to pass this on without comment.

From US to China: the fall of nations and the rise of cities | Local Leaders Network | Guardian Professional (http://www.theguardian.com/local-government-network/2013/oct/24/benjamin-barber-fall-of-nations)

I definitely could see this happening. If so, hopefully it's a positive and not a negative... I no longer remember the title, but years ago I read a book set in the future where states had been replaced with corporate controlled city entities. It was fairly dystopian. I remember thinking it was all pretty outlandish at the time. Now days, maybe not so much.

I definitely could see this happening. If so, hopefully it's a positive and not a negative... I no longer remember the title, but years ago I read a book set in the future where states had been replaced with corporate controlled city entities. It was fairly dystopian. I remember thinking it was all pretty outlandish at the time. Now days, maybe not so much.

I missed the book, but did see a movie with something that sounds a bit similar

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4REs-gYcx0/Uv2O86bhTGI/AAAAAAAAFVE/mzNNYNe8BmU/s1600/robocop__s_ocp_logo_by_derekfrost-d2yk7s8.png

I'm hearing ODOT had to extend the comment period....

Agency extends deadline for public comments on Oklahoma City boulevard designs | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/agency-extends-deadline-for-public-comments-on-oklahoma-city-boulevard-designs/article/4850056)

Basically it means what we're doing is working. I have been told the Feds have reacted.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2014
PR# 14-024


ODOT Extends Comment Period for Oklahoma City Boulevard

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is extending the public comment period for the Oklahoma City Boulevard until June 13. The decision to continue to accept comments longer than the standard 14-day period was made after careful consideration of the public comments and questions received to date and because ODOT is working on additional information to be placed on the project website.
The refined information will be posted on ODOT’s website at Oklahoma Dept. of Transportation (http://www.okladot.state.ok.us) by May 30, in order to help address questions and eliminate confusion on the project. All comments received to date, as well as any new comments, are important and will be considered as part of the overall environmental process.
ODOT and the City of Oklahoma City are jointly asking local citizens to take advantage of the longer comment period to voice their opinions about their priorities for the Boulevard. An outreach will be made to inform those members of the public that have previously provided comments or attended meetings that additional information is being made available. The public is encouraged to continue to check ODOT’s website for additional information.
Because the Oklahoma City Boulevard is a complex issue, ODOT offers the following facts to be considered as the public provides input:

· The massive I-40 Crosstown relocation interstate project including the future Oklahoma City Boulevard has experienced some of the highest level of public involvement and participation success.

· ODOT, in conjunction with the City of Oklahoma City, has worked beyond the standard requirements for public involvement so that the Boulevard project is transparent and effective for local citizens.

· There have been several public meetings held for the Boulevard. The May 7 Open House was successful in that it produced many public comments. The next meeting to be scheduled will be the final public hearing.

· All four conceptual design alternates under public review were evaluated using the same criteria.

· As part of federal requirements, ODOT cannot begin final design efforts until an environmental process is complete.

· Advanced design features such as sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian accommodations and other roadway features will be developed for consideration with input from Oklahoma City and the community and can be incorporated into any of the four conceptual designs being considered.

· ODOT remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the City of Oklahoma City in its efforts to expedite the design and construction of the Boulevard as the final part of the original I-40 Crosstown interstate project.

Success! (of a sort)

Could the "Facts" sound any more demeaning and defensive?

More time to get the Chamber form letters in.