Subcommittees haven't started meeting yet. We don't even have a timetable for it. Though the city did reach out for email addresses.

I thought that was a subcommittee meeting?

That was the CAB (citizen advisory board), there are subcommittees (connectivity, civil rights, venues, etc).

Appointments to subcommittees was just made Thanksgiving week: https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3983/140

Thanks for the heads up. It’s exciting though that we’ll soon have some maps 4 projects under construction.

I am glad they rushed $30,000,000 to the Thunder in this time of immense crisis under MAPS4. Really a good thing to do at a time like this.

I am glad they rushed $30,000,000 to the Thunder in this time of immense crisis under MAPS4. Really a good thing to do at a time like this.

Do you really think that the order of MAPS projects matters in this time of "immense crisis." What MAPS project is going to magically end the pandemic?

The MAPS 4 projects will certainly improve many city owned and help build some private 'Not for Profit and Non Profit' entities.

MAPS 4, my top five priorities:


Youth Centers (4) $110 million
State Fair Coliseum $72 million
Homelessness $50 million
Paycom Center & Related $115 million
Beautification $30 million

All 16 projects, hopefully we can get started on. [Let's see if OKC qualifies for some grants in the Biden Infrastructure Bill--signed into law November 15, 2021]. God bless mayors, we need to continue to be proactive about government grants & funds.

The Multipurpose Stadium $37 million needs to be constructed. Prefer it be built downtown or in the core where there are parking garages.

Are there any current apartment housing that can be renovated and used to help reduce the homeless population for individuals & families.
HUD, they have strict guidelines for maintaining affordable housing.

By renovating apartments that can be salvaged it helps clean up some eyesores that don't have to be demolished. Eliminates a haven individuals (squatters) who occupy bordered up projects. Maybe that $50 million could benefits more housing developments without having to build from the ground up.

.


https://cdn.field59.com/KWTV/746445fb2cc922da54d22912123c5ee9a6c16376.jpg

Construction would start in September-November 2022, with work wrapping up in about two years. Money from the MAPS program and the city's hotel tax revenue would pay for most of it.--KOCO-TV new 5 ABC Oklahoma City.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk75SB-DAxk

Economic Impact

The OKC Fairgrounds – including the Jim Norick Arena – is a major economic driver in Oklahoma City. How important? The OKC Fairgrounds generate more economic benefit than the Cox Convention Center, Chesapeake Energy Arena and Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark combined.

An economic study found:


1.1 million – Annual visitors to the Jim Norick Arena
$211.5 million – Direct spending by Big House visitors
10% – Expected increase in direct spending with a new coliseum
$408 million – Expected total economic annual impact of a new facility
370 – New jobs a new coliseum will create

Presuming you posted that because it was briefed at city council yesterday.

https://www.facebook.com/MayorDavidHolt/posts/459197568904340

Presuming you posted that because it was briefed at city council yesterday.

https://www.facebook.com/MayorDavidHolt/posts/459197568904340

Yes. Hit the target Shawnw...

Think the average person like myself misses the many mini-iconic structures that use to call the fairgrounds home.

We also underestimate the economic impact the 400+ acre site contributes new out-of-state money circulating into the OKC economy. Many small shows & events will have the new coliseum booked on the day they open the doors. Also, possibly the return of the International Finals Rodeo (Lazy E Arena, Guthrie) back to Oklahoma City. Meridian Hotel corridor booked the bulk of participants and guests who attend these events.

What will not return: AA & AAA ice hockey to the OKC area.
What we may see in the future: An Oklahoma City Stock Show & Rodeo five day event comparable to the shows in Houston, San Antonio and Fort Worth. Not sure if we need an event because of our large stockyards.

Oklahoma City does have the support facilities like the Bennett Events Center (201,000 sq.ft., of contiguous exhibit space) to bring in the shows and events that accompany the horse shows, also many exhibition buildings capable for use of overflow.

We also have the Paycom Center & the new Oklahoma City Convention Center and plenty of downtown hotels to host an event that may need a facility larger than the new coliseum.

.

.

https://www.okc.gov/home/showpublishedimage/10956/637632488813600000


Oklahoma City Sales Tax Collections:

2021

December: $18,671,331 or 10.9% above projections for the year.
November: $14,814,216 or 10.4% above projections for the year.
October: $10,758,374 or 9.4% above projections for the year.
September: $8,011,787 or 9.3% above projections for the year.
August: $5,995,239 or 10.5% above projections for the year.
July: $3,072,271 or 11.2% above projections for the year.
June: $8,563,891 or 2.6% above projections for the year.
May: $23,283,815 or 8.3% above projections for the year.
April: $14,829,219 or 5.8% above projections for the year.
March: $16,691,901 or 7.2% above projections for the year.
February: $13,631,253 or 6.6% above projections for the year.
January: $13,430,448 or 7.6% above projections for the year.

2020:

December: $10,668,616 or 7.1% above projections for the year.
November: $9,635,356 or 7.7% above projections for the year.
October: $7,868,102 or 7.8% above projections for the year.
September: $6,803,339 or 9.1% above projections for the year.
August: $4,926,797 or 10.1% above projections for the year.
July: $1,461,467 or 6.0% above projections for the year.
June: $7,777,079 or 2.4% below projections for the year.
May: $3,409,810 or 1.1% below projections for the year.
April: $229,841 or 0.1% above projections for the year.

The overall sales tax rate in most of Oklahoma City is 8.625%, and 4.125 cents of each dollar in taxable sales goes to the City. Of that, 2 ¼ cents is allocated to the City’s General Fund, one cent goes to MAPS 4, three-fourths of a cent is dedicated to Police and Fire, and one-eighth of a cent goes to the Zoo. The rest of the sales tax belongs to the state.


MAPS 4 sales tax collections started at midnight Wednesday, officially kicking off the ambitious program to transform our community with public investments for everyone.

MAPS 4 is a debt-free public improvement program funded by a voter-approved temporary penny sales tax. The tax will raise a projected $978 million until it expires March 2028.

The sales tax rate is staying the same. The temporary sales tax included in the Better Streets, Safer City program ended when MAPS 4 began. The bond-funded projects in Better Streets, Safer City will continue through 2027 and beyond. Visit okc.gov/tax for more on taxes in Oklahoma City.

Source: Budget and Tax Reports - https://www.okc.gov/departments/finance/financial-and-budget-reports/budget-and-tax-reports

17259

Meetings start next week!

Looking at the sales tax collections trend (April 2020 - December 2021); collections over an 8 year period could exceed more than the projected $978 million. We could see some MAPS 4 surplus funds. We may need that cushion to absorb inflation prices on raw materials.

Man I really wish we could see a revised plan for the state fair Colosseum. Build one on part of compete with Fort Worth.

Man I really wish we could see a revised plan for the state fair Colosseum. Build one on part of compete with Fort Worth.

The Horse Shows that Oklahoma City currently have signed on at the State Fair Arena wants something smaller and cozy here where the arena doesn't feel empty. The State Fair Coliseum was designed to do just that with less than 5,000 seats.

They don't need an 8,400 seat coliseum or a bigger 14,000 seat Dixie's Arena (Taj Mahal Rodeo Arena). These shows will draw 1,500 to 4,000 on a nightly basis.

They only need to improve the structure for utilities. Possibly a parking garage on par with the downtown convention center parking garage would enhance parking.

The amenities to house trailers, a sea of barns and the Bennett Events Center (200,000 sq. ft ., exhibit hall) are already in place with the Meridian Hotel Corridor (Tru by Hilton, Hyatt Place, Marriott Residence Inn, Comfort Suites to name a few) less than 1.8 miles away. Also a choice of luxury hotels in downtown OKC within 4 miles.

WRWA is within 5 miles of State Fair Park.

The Horse Shows that Oklahoma City currently have signed on at the State Fair Arena wants something smaller and cozy here where the arena doesn't feel empty. [...]

My personal opinion here - As OKC continues to grow, we need to consider more than just our current usage and need. This building will almost certainly be in service for 50 or more years, and if the city wants to be good stewards of public money, it'd be extremely foolish to only build to meet our current needs. Even if we don't build something like the Taj right out of the gate, it's very important that whatever we do build is designed for (relatively) easy expansion and growth, when needed. Of course, I have no special insight here, but from what's been made public so far, I'm not convinced that the current plans will meet the demands of tomorrow.

I want to see Oklahoma take full advantage of the $5 billion Oklahoma will receive from the hard infrastructure bill signed into law by President Biden in November. Doesn't matter whether or not Oklahoma's two senators and five house of representatives voted to support it--$5 billion for Oklahoma is there.

Funds for roads, streets, bridges, Will Rogers World Airport and specialty projects like the State Fair Coliseum, Multipurpose Stadium & related are there.

Our Mayor Holt will welcomes these funds to improve our city with the grants that will be available from this bill. The WCWS Softball Stadium complex, Paycom Center Arena and the new State Fair Coliseum could each use a parking garages and more upgrades.

State Fair Coliseum wouldn't need the MAPS 4 hotel-motel taxes to fund construction if a grant could be secured. The city could also consider building the Aquarium downtown.

City should consider hiring a couple of grant writers to secure more funds that will be available beyond the $5 billion. The grant money alone would justify salaries.

My personal opinion here - As OKC continues to grow, we need to consider more than just our current usage and need. This building will almost certainly be in service for 50 or more years, and if the city wants to be good stewards of public money, it'd be extremely foolish to only build to meet our current needs. Even if we don't build something like the Taj right out of the gate, it's very important that whatever we do build is designed for (relatively) easy expansion and growth, when needed. Of course, I have no special insight here, but from what's been made public so far, I'm not convinced that the current plans will meet the demands of tomorrow.

Excellent point, Baralheia

Definitely something we need to take into full consideration, the future needs for the State Fair Coliseum with expansion in mind. An upper deck seating for 3,000 that can be sealed off when not in use, this will increase minimum seating to 8,000 if needed for growth potential and keep the high school events here. Hope this coliseum daft is not the final design. Also consider a larger multipurpose stadium (downtown) to accommodate soccer and other events.

Also see my post #678 in this thread that deals with alternative funds available thru infrastructure bill.

The Horse Shows that Oklahoma City currently have signed on at the State Fair Arena wants something smaller and cozy here where the arena doesn't feel empty. The State Fair Coliseum was designed to do just that with less than 5,000 seats.

They don't need an 8,400 seat coliseum or a bigger 14,000 seat Dixie's Arena (Taj Mahal Rodeo Arena). These shows will draw 1,500 to 4,000 on a nightly basis.

They only need to improve the structure for utilities. Possibly a parking garage on par with the downtown convention center parking garage would enhance parking.

The amenities to house trailers, a sea of barns and the Bennett Events Center (200,000 sq. ft ., exhibit hall) are already in place with the Meridian Hotel Corridor (Tru by Hilton, Hyatt Place, Marriott Residence Inn, Comfort Suites to name a few) less than 1.8 miles away. Also a choice of luxury hotels in downtown OKC within 4 miles.

WRWA is within 5 miles of State Fair Park.
Good points but it could be better looking. They scaled it back and removed the LED screen. Not happy about that.

It's okay, they ask for money for all that from MAPS 5 (more likely from MAPS 4 excess collections) or the next bond issue or whatever they need to do. In the end, they'll get what they want.

My personal opinion here - As OKC continues to grow, we need to consider more than just our current usage and need. This building will almost certainly be in service for 50 or more years, and if the city wants to be good stewards of public money, it'd be extremely foolish to only build to meet our current needs. Even if we don't build something like the Taj right out of the gate, it's very important that whatever we do build is designed for (relatively) easy expansion and growth, when needed. Of course, I have no special insight here, but from what's been made public so far, I'm not convinced that the current plans will meet the demands of tomorrow.

Excellent point, Baralheia

Definitely something we need to take into full consideration, the future needs for the State Fair Coliseum with expansion in mind.

Would it be economically feasible to go ahead and build a 3,000 seat upper deck that can be used if needed and hidden. Hope
ECHL AA hockey might be an option for this coliseum.

Agree with PluPlan, nothing should be scaled back.


It's okay, they ask for money for all that from MAPS 5 (more likely from MAPS 4 excess collections) or the next bond issue or whatever they need to do. In the end, they'll get what they want.

We definitely need to be thinking ahead to 2028 MAPS 5 like an addition to the Omni Hotel expanded to 1,000 rooms, 13 more floors --30 stories.


https://media-api.xogrp.com/images/3bf41b75-6944-4794-8dc5-e64790e89778
BTW Birmingham built a 747 room Sheraton hotel to anchor their remodeled convention center. OKC 601 rooms, far short of the recommended 735 rooms.

Also see my post #678 in this thread.

Should the thread title be changed or a new thread made? These projects are the official projects now.

According to the MAPS 4 Twitter page the first subcommittees meet tomorrow.

Yep, will be an interesting experience.

Yep, will be an interesting experience.
Are you going to be there or be a part of it?

I'm on the connectivity subcommittee, yes

I'm on the connectivity subcommittee, yes
Awesome! Can’t wait to see the accomplishments. Thank you for service in all of this. I am excited to see the first projects come about.

County trying to grab maps 4 funds for the jail, who could have predicted

https://www.news9.com/story/61d8dcf296eadd0bf8a454b3/county-leaders-eye-state-covid19-maps4-funds-for-new-jail

County trying to grab maps 4 funds for the jail, who could have predicted

https://www.news9.com/story/61d8dcf296eadd0bf8a454b3/county-leaders-eye-state-covid19-maps4-funds-for-new-jail

If you feel negatively about this call Mayor Holt's office and your city council person on Monday. As always be respectful of the staff that answer and let them know exactly why you disagree with the jail getting MAPS money. I wouldn't mind if the mental health and addiction facility is right next door to the jail, but it shouldn't be in the jail. Ideally I would like to see mental health and addiction services being the first thing offered instead of a night in jail and a record for individuals that are struggling.

^^^^

The new State Fair Coliseum needs to be built with potential expansion in mind. Hope the new coliseum will be built with an upper deck expansion option for portable riser chair back arm rest seats for events like 'AA level' ice hockey where OKC joins Tulsa and Wichita in the
ECHL. This league is better caliber of players than the old CHL in the mid 1990s.

Definitely understand why you wouldn't want Ice Hockey on the AA level or higher at the Paycom Center because of the condensation (moisture) buildup that would affect the basketball court.

Many hoped the Cox Convention Center Arena now Prairie Surf Media could have been renovated and upgraded as a potential overflow facility used in conjunction with the new Oklahoma City Convention Center Complex.

Larry, you and I know it wont. It will be built for the horse shows alone, those other "uses" will have to adapt to what's being built on MAPS' dollar or find other facilities like Lloyd Noble Center that are true arenas for sports and concerts.

We definitely need to be thinking ahead to 2028 MAPS 5 like an addition to the Omni Hotel expanded to 1,000 rooms, 13 more floors --30 stories.

https://media-api.xogrp.com/images/3bf41b75-6944-4794-8dc5-e64790e89778
BTW Birmingham built a 747 room Sheraton hotel to anchor their remodeled convention center. OKC 601 rooms, far short of the recommended 735 rooms.

Also see my post #678 in this thread.

couldn't agree with this more, but very likely not possible since people couldn't even hold the Omni design we received to account. Yet again, instead of OKC contributing to a project, OKC funded MOST of it with the Omni. That - and that alone - is why we got the 17 floor 605 room hotel we see today rather than the at least 24 floor 750 hotel we should have got out of this.

County trying to grab maps 4 funds for the jail, who could have predicted

https://www.news9.com/story/61d8dcf296eadd0bf8a454b3/county-leaders-eye-state-covid19-maps4-funds-for-new-jail

I don't think that the County can actually do this. They are just looking for ways to pay for it. With that being said, it does make a little sense since they are building a mental health facility as part of the jail. The criminal justice system probably has the most need for mental health treatment. When Vera did the initial study on the jail there were 400 mentally ill people in there.

I don't trust the county to operate such a facility the way it needs to be operated. Unless they contracted out the operations I would not personally be in favor of that.

https://freepressokc.com/maps-4-citizens-advisory-board-recommends-operating-partners/

couldn't agree with this more, but very likely not possible since people couldn't even hold the Omni design we received to account. Yet again, instead of OKC contributing to a project, OKC funded MOST of it with the Omni. That - and that alone - is why we got the 17 floor 605 room hotel we see today rather than the at least 24 floor 750 hotel we should have got out of this.
I’ve gone into much detail in this regard over the years, but the size of the Omni is based on the projected organic demand for that flag, combined with the number of rooms that are needed to have blockable rooms for the convention center. Blocked rooms are sold below market and are not profitable for the hotel. However even when they go unsold, they still require significant overhead and operating costs.

To sell convention space the CVB must be able to block rooms below market rate, and must have a blockable hotel who cannot say “no” to the request. THIS is the reason for the City’s subsidy, and THIS drove the room count.

You want a bigger Omni? Get behind a convention center expansion. Building the Omni bigger simply because you prefer taller buildings would have been a gross dereliction and would have led to vastly more subsidy with zero ROI to be had.

couldn't agree with this more, but very likely not possible since people couldn't even hold the Omni design we received to account. Yet again, instead of OKC contributing to a project, OKC funded MOST of it with the Omni. That - and that alone - is why we got the 17 floor 605 room hotel we see today rather than the at least 24 floor 750 hotel we should have got out of this.
The hotel was right sized based on sound judgement coupled with successful business experience and was never going to be sized because for some emotional need to just be bigger.

https://www.okc.gov/home/showpublishedimage/11314

$978 million initiative

https://www.okc.gov/government/timeline



MAPS 4 includes $105 million for several phases of improvements to the 20-year-old downtown arena and $10 million for improvements to a practice facility on North Oklahoma Avenue. The new amenities and improvements are designed to enhance the guest experience at Oklahoma City Thunder NBA games and other live entertainment events. Initial improvements include $4 million to replace seats in the lower, middle and upper bowls.

The City of Oklahoma City selected global architectural design firm, Populous, to develop a master plan for the renovations at Paycom Center.

The plans include new seats ranging from 19-inch fabric seats to 21-inch seats faux leather seats that offer taller backs and cup holders for a more comfortable guest experience that is standard in comparable arenas.

.

According to a MAPS 4 agenda, the new Justice Center will be constructed on the SW corner of NW 11th & Hudson.

Midtown Renaissance will donate the land directly west of the existing Palomar offices.


FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER OPERATED BY PALOMAR $38M
For the purpose of sustaining the transformational services that were established when the Oklahoma City Police Department created the family justice center known as Palomar to offer services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and human trafficking, and to support children exposed to trauma, it is the intent of the Council to allocate $38 million to the construction of a new, permanent family justice center. Commencement of construction will be conditional on the approval of an operating agreement that includes measurable benchmarks with Palomar prior to December 31, 2026.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mapsjustice062922a.jpg

excellent infill

I hate that we live in a world where this stuff has to exist but I’m always pleased to see resources to help those that suffer.

We're (OKC) moving in the right direct with resources that address treatment with behavior modification, animal welfare and family justice because there are so many angles that capsizes our society.

A Holistic approach for human needs that invests the majority of the $978 million MAPS 4 Initiative from beautification of our parks, city, treatment for mental health, addressing the housing affordability, putting on a new face as our city works to straighten out the dents and kinks in our armor.

A vision of ourselves to improve and provide for our citizens. Yes, MAPS isn't a cure all, but it slowly chips away at the years of neglect and decay in our inner city that is often fatal to cities of our size. Most of all, our citizens get their direct input into shaping our city's future. We can't fix everything; however, let's fix what we can.

According to a MAPS 4 agenda, the new Justice Center will be constructed on the SW corner of NW 11th & Hudson.

Midtown Renaissance will donate the land directly west of the existing Palomar offices.



HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mapsjustice062922a.jpg

I'd like to see a rendering for it but this has the potential to be some nice mid-rise infill.

Pete what does MR get out of this? A tax write-off? I get the Justice Center is needed but those folks are businessmen not particularly known for wild acts of philanthropy. This is caddy-corner to the new hotel and seems a hot piece of land.

Pete what does MR get out of this? A tax write-off? I get the Justice Center is needed but those folks are businessmen not particularly known for wild acts of philanthropy. This is caddy-corner to the new hotel and seems a hot piece of land.

No idea.

They also own the building where Palomar is currently operating.

And the hotel is dead; will be an office building instead.

Press release:

***************

MAPS 4 seeks public input for city-wide beautification efforts
08/15/2022

Link to story

The City of Oklahoma City is inviting residents to weigh in on future beautification projects they would like to see implemented as a part of MAPS 4 by completing a survey at BeautifyOKC.com.

The survey is available in English and Spanish and will be open through late October.

Results from the survey will help consultants develop a master plan and determine where the City should prioritize beautification projects identified in the 2019 MAPS 4 Resolution.

MAPS 4 will help transform the appearance of Oklahoma City with targeted investments in projects such as gardens, plazas, gateways, bridge enhancements, murals landscaping, artwork and more. The project will elevate residents’ daily experience and improve our first impression for visitors.

MAPS 4 includes $25 million for beautification projects across Oklahoma City, which may include:

City entrance gateways along interstates
Approaches to Will Rogers World Airport (including the creation of the Bessie Coleman Garden near the airport, State Highway 152 from Meridian to I-44 and I-44 from State Highway 152 to I-40)
Enhancement of three pedestrian bridges over the interstates in south Oklahoma City
I-240 from I-44 to I-35
East and west entrances to the Clara Luper Corridor
NE 23rd Street and Martin Luther King Avenue
Oklahoma City University corridor along NW 23rd Street
Reno Avenue and Eastern Avenue corridor between Bricktown and the First Americans Museum
I-35 and I-44 bridges over the Oklahoma River
I-44 from Portland Avenue to Classen Boulevard
I-40 and Council Road interchange
Route 66
Public art and/or monuments at key intersections, including a statue of Ralph Ellison
Updated low-maintenance landscaping along key arterial roads
Trees (at least $1 million)


Consultants will also get input from OKC residents through focus groups, events and public meetings.

“The goal for BeautifyOKC is to take a community-driven approach to identify and prioritize potential improvements residents would like to see and where they would like those efforts to be focused,” MAPS 4 Program Manager David Todd said. “Beautification projects create more interesting places, improve community health outcomes, increase property values, encourage economic development, and create a better environment for residents and visitors. We’re excited to be moving this project forward.”

Residents can stay up to date on the MAPS 4 Beautification project at okc.gov/maps4. Learn more about the public engagement process and take the survey at BeautifyOKC.com.

Here is my pie in the sky remark on the "Approaches to Will Rogers World Airport (including the creation of the Bessie Coleman Garden near the airport, State Highway 152 from Meridian to I-44 and I-44 from State Highway 152 to I-40)": Revitalize the whole strip relocating all of the industrial business off of Meridian and putting in more restaurant and hotels, maybe a few more car park places, and of course some other retail. of course this should be some of the smoothest concrete in the city with clean street lights few overhead wires. I know a lot of city traffic probably jumps onto HWY152 and doesn't go all the way to I-40, but I have always hated that drive leaving the airport and seeing how run down most of it is. The newer hotels close to I-40 are nice and there is a new OnCue. But then there is just a large swath of bland stuff that doesn't like inviting for newcomers/visitors. I think I like airports where the major highways are really the only in and out from the Airport.

How is $25 million dollars going to beautify all of that?

I just did the BeatuifyOkc survey... It rather leading with its questions and doesn't have a place to really give an opinion or suggestions except for whatever the question on the survey asks.

How is $25 million dollars going to beautify all of that?

It's not. They know they don't have the money for all of it. But they are making a master plan, so maybe what doesn't get done now can get targeted for later.

It's not. They know they don't have the money for all of it. But they are making a master plan, so maybe what doesn't get done now can get targeted for later.
Good point. That was their response to me on Twitter as well. Hopefully we can do this sooner than later and include corridors like I-35 and I-40.

I-240 from I-35 to I-44 needs to be 4 lanes each way plus 3 service roads each which would necessitate a full reconstruction where ODOT could and should include beautification efforts and bike/bus lanes. East of I-35 to I-40 it needs to be 3 lanes each way and service roads improved plus a LRT line.

That was their response to me on Twitter as well.

Makes sense. I'm on that subcommittee so my statement was from the horse's mouth so to speak.

Good point. That was their response to me on Twitter as well. Hopefully we can do this sooner than later and include corridors like I-35 and I-40.

I-240 from I-35 to I-44 needs to be 4 lanes each way plus 3 service roads each which would necessitate a full reconstruction where ODOT could and should include beautification efforts and bike/bus lanes. East of I-35 to I-40 it needs to be 3 lanes each way and service roads improved plus a LRT line.

I live less than a mile from this highway and use it all the time... There's nowhere even close to enough ROW to create that kind of monster - besides, 240 along that stretch practically never sees the kind of traffic load that would suggest that the current 3 lanes are inadequate. The biggest bottleneck that creates congestion during rush hour right now is the I-35/I-240 interchange, and even then the phases of reconstruction that have already been completed have gone a LONG way to easing the traffic through here. Once the interchange is fully done I-240 will flow much, much better than before.

I don't think I'd use a bike lane on the service road unless there was a hard physical barrier, though - I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable riding along with the traffic that is there without a barrier. That said, I'm 100% down for reconstructing ALL of the on/off ramps, as well as shoehorning a LRT line onto the entire I-240 corridor though, there's a TON of residential packed all around that would gladly make use of additional transit options (myself included). I'm also extremely eager to see some beautification efforts in the area as well... the I-240 corridor always looks kinda run down, very "minimum effort" to me. Functional but utilitarian. It'd be great if we could make it look better.

I don't think I240 is a priority for the city. Envision 240 went nowhere because it had no support from the city. I think including this area in the Maps package was just to get southside votes for Maps.

So with the increase in expected money to be collected from Maps, is it expected that it will be split up evenly for each project? With that being said, does this create an opportunity for the Multi-Purpose Stadium to be built more like the second option proposed with more seats and shaded areas?

Here’s a link to their original proposal: https://www.okc.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/14898/637006904730470000

So with the increase in expected money to be collected from Maps, is it expected that it will be split up evenly for each project? With that being said, does this create an opportunity for the Multi-Purpose Stadium to be built more like the second option proposed with more seats and shaded areas?

Here’s a link to their original proposal: https://www.okc.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/14898/637006904730470000
It sounds like the mayor just said that nothing will be changed or affected. There has been a cost increase due to inflation and this extra money will account for that. That’s the way I read his Tweets. I could be wrong.

It sounds like the mayor just said that nothing will be changed or affected. There has been a cost increase due to inflation and this extra money will account for that. That’s the way I read his Tweets. I could be wrong.

Gotcha. That makes sense.

If Option two ($67 - $72 million) had been selected, a 10,000 seat stadium would be the result.

Can't figure out why Bob Funk Jr., was given the right to select which option the city would use.
His response was that he wanted to make sure there was enough money in MAPS 4
Initiative to cover his wife's project (Kim Garrett, Palomar Family Justice Center).

Looks like all 16 projects in MAPS 4 have received increases in funds: https://www.okc.gov/government/maps-4/projects

Note: All projects appear to have received increases in funds: Multipurpose Stadium increased from $37 million to $41 million, Beautification increased from $25 million to $32.8 million, Transit from $70 million to $97 million, Homelessness from $50 million to $55.7, Paycom Center & related from $115 million to $116 million, Fairgrounds Coliseum from $63 million to $82 million and they
get hotel-motel sales tax revenue.

If Option two ($67 - $72 million) had been selected, a 10,000 seat stadium would be the result.

Can't figure out why Bob Funk Jr., was given the right to select which option the city would use.
His response was that he wanted to make sure there was enough money in MAPS 4
Initiative to cover his wife's project (Kim Garrett, Palomar Family Justice Center).

Looks like all 16 projects in MAPS 4 have received increases in funds: https://www.okc.gov/government/maps-4/projects

Note: All projects appear to have received increases in funds: Multipurpose Stadium increased from $37 million to $41 million, Beautification increased from $25 million to $32.8 million, Transit from $70 million to $97 million, Homelessness from $50 million to $55.7, Paycom Center & related from $115 million to $116 million, Fairgrounds Coliseum from $63 million to $82 million and they
get hotel-motel sales tax revenue.
Funk Jr was given unilateral discretion over MAPS funds? When did that happen? Who had the authority to give it to him?

Didn’t realize Garrett was Funk’s wife. Good to see her starting this great service for battered women to get help and support in OKC. Given helping battered women or building a pitch with stands, I can see why some would favor that. If you’ve see the damage abuse does to women of our community it’s something you want to fight to help the victims and their kids. OKC ranks way higher for abuse than it does for soccer.