Previously, OCURA has set some very broad boundaries for acquisition but this latest initiative is very specific in terms of trying to acquire everything outlined above.
Previously, OCURA has set some very broad boundaries for acquisition but this latest initiative is very specific in terms of trying to acquire everything outlined above.
What do they need the land for, or is that still an unknown?
Most of what OCURA does is to piece together parcels that are dilapidated in an emerging area and then put out an RFP for developers.
They often do this years in advance of actually soliciting proposals, which I would think is the case here. They'll do their best to buy the land without litigation, but then go through the eminent domain process if needed.
I'm sure they want to do this at the same time as they make the park land acquisition, just because it's easier.
Construction on the lower park isn't until 2020.
Interesting...
Uh wait so all of Hubcap Alley is coming down? I'm confused, how long until Capitol Hill is in the way of Hargreaves' "creativity"??
So, you believe that this is Hargreaves' plan, not the city's? And that acquisition for the purpose of spurring responsible redevelopment is an improper goal or use of authority?
What is really the issue is the hard guidelines for redevelopment RFPs? That is what we vigorously need to help craft and enforce. What replaces blight is the issue it seems, not the fact that the area needs a makeover.
We can take potshots at Hargreaves or can become activists towards what happens going forward. We need to lead from the front, not to criticize from the back end when it's too late.
Are you saying we don't need a closer examination of what Hargreaves is being paid millions to do for us?
Do you believe they (Hargreaves) is planning the entire area, or just the park?
I have plenty of concern about what Hargreaves is doing. I just didn't think they had anything to do with the acquisition and planned redevelopment for the areas other than the park itself. I see it as two different issues. I am also concerned about the controls, or lack of, on the acquired area that is not in the park. That is what we need to be proactive about. Though it isn't impossible to stop the park and Hargreaves' input at this point, it might be a lot easier to help control what goes on around it that might make it be a desirable area and one that can adequately take advantage of the park and invite others into the area to enjoy the park...flawed as it may be.
We known for years that the western side of Robinson and thus Auto Alley would be bulldozed for lower Central Park.
The only thing that is new is that OCURA is going to proactively acquire the properties immediately west of the park and then put it out for private development.
This is Cathy O'Connor. Quite frankly, she is completely aggressive in her goal to use Urban Renewal as a development mechanism.
I am really surprised that the city has been able to continue using eminent domain in such an unbridled fashion. Not arguing for or against here. Just pointing out that in this day and age with politics the way it is, it is surprising to me that they have been able to use it so broadly without much resistance.
One could argue that the buyouts may really help the folks living in that area and that they may end up with a much better new home. I just hope that they are treated fairly and with respect. Supposedly, they are.
The only parcels acquired through the use of Eminent Domain are those that are to be owned by OKC, not flipped for a developer, as I understand it. The use of eminent domain has been for the park and the convention center. The other areas are market rate acquisitions. Am I wrong?
I've spoke with a few people that have reached a settlement by way of eminent domain in the core to shore area. They didn't hit the real estate jackpot like they hoped for but they weren't really complaining either.
[QUOTE=cafeboeuf;774897The other areas are market rate acquisitions. Am I wrong?[/QUOTE]
That is a good point Cafe and I don't know. Is this simply a acquisition zone or are eminent domain capabilities approved as well?
City is asking Planning Commission to close all streets and alleys in the park area.
With work advancing on the Salvation Army's new location at 10th & Penn, this should all start to move forward in terms of clearing the remaining buildings and starting Phase I of the upper park:
I really like all of the original "platted" names from the old streets.
I would guess very few people in that area actually owned the house they were living in. A few quick searches on the county assessor seems to point to mostly rent houses.
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