MAPS-style projects for Norman envisioned

The Norman Transcript

By Carol L. Cole

Transcript Staff Writer

Quality of life projects for Norman were the topic Tuesday at a standing-room-only meeting sponsored by the Norman Chamber of Commerce.

Drawing inspiration from the successful Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area Projects or MAPS, about 57 citizens showed up to talk about a kernel of an idea to improve life in Norman.

“We’ve got a wonderful example in front of us,” said Robin Allen, Chamber president, about the Oklahoma City MAPS projects that financed the Bricktown Ballpark, Ford Center, Bricktown Canal, Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library, renovation of the Cox Convention Center (formerly the Myriad) and other projects. “People know how positive it’s been for Oklahoma City.”

The meeting was chaired by Jim Adair. He emphasized that all the ideas are early-on and will need extensive planning and research before they could be considered by voters, if the city council chooses to send them forward.

“A very positive tone,” said Chuck Thompson about the atmosphere at the meeting. “I’m excited about the opportunities.”

Possible ways to finance projects were discussed, along with how the projects would fit in with other city and county needs, including a proposed vote for a quarter-cent sales tax that would support public safety needs and another for a county jail.

Supporters said the timing is never perfect, with other infrastructure projects like streets always needing attention. Norman also has potential costs for unfunded federal mandates on stormwater coming up.

“But we’ve looked at this for awhile and there always are,” Allen said.

Several subcommittees will be formed to explore the next steps including financing and projects the public might support.

Adair said they would work on coming up with a suitable name for the projects and hopefully wouldn’t call it MAPS.

“But we don’t want to call it NAPS or Norman Area Projects either,” he said.

One of the projects that has drawn support has been the possibility of a new city library.

“Anything the Chamber would like to promote would have to be accessible to the community,” Adair said.

“As a strong advocate for the continued improvement in downtown Norman, I’m excited to see the possibility of enhanced transportation alternatives such as Legacy Trail, pedestrian and bike paths and, of course, the hopeful inclusion of Front Street,” Thompson said.

Adair said the Chamber’s role in this would be to promote, encourage and support efforts to pass a quality of life package for Norman.

“It’s the city council’s job to do this or not do this,” Allen said. “It’s at the visionary project stage.”

Carol L. Cole

366-3538

ccole@normantranscript.com

The Norman Transcript - MAPS-style projects for Norman envisioned