I have noted with mounting concern a distinct downturn in maintenance of much of downtown this year and in particular, several areas that The City Government has ultimately responsibility for. Here’s part of the list:

MIRIAD GARDENS the paths around the pond are dirty, ivy is overflowing the adjacent beds. Turf is being eroded leaving muddy puddles.

COX AND FORD CENTER The windows are absolutely filthy. Much of the surface of the new paving on the south side of Cox is deteriorating.

BRICKTOWN ENTRANCES The underpasses on the east side of EK Gaylord that lead into Bricktown are filthy, paint is peeling and the side walks are covered with bird crap.

BRICKTOWN CANAL The landscaping along much of the canal is in deplorable condition. The sprinkler and irrigation system has many broken connections, exposed lines, malfunctioning sprinkler heads etc. Water is standing in many locations and other beds are bone dry. Several trees are dead and more are dying. Numerous beds have no plantings, no mulch and most have weeds; some are becoming choked with bermuda grass. The grass turf in several locations is gone or worn away creating mud holes. Erosion is beginning to take place at the base of the ’89 Run Sculpture.

EAST MAIN STREET Most of the low growing plants in the landscaping beds of the recently completed streetscape project will be completely dead in another week or two and the trees will follow soon unless they get more water and attention.

LITTER The amount of litter collecting in corners and against fences in Bricktown has increased dramatically.

Long term maintenance of the MAPS funded improvements was a major issue with many people when Mayor Norick presented the idea and The City committed to keeping the improvements from falling into disrepair. They are not fulfilling their part of the bargain.

Go have a look for your selves and then call the Mayor’s office today and let him know that the appearance of Oklahoma City is important to us and is an essential ingredient in attracting new businesses and jobs to our community. Let’s not loose sight of maintaining a high quality standard in the public projects that we spent our hard earned MAPS tax dollars on.