Re: MAPS 3 plan being shaped
nope, myriad should be bull dozed and reclaimed to expand the CBD!!! build the new arena and new convention center south of the Ford Center/New Boulevard.
^^ Kerry, I was initially thinking the same thing - why not have MAPS III be regional, but I think all of the projects will once again be OKC centric; since we still need downtown to get a bit further. We need MAPS III to bring some NEW life into downtown and the central city - so that it grows even more!
But I agree, MAPS IV should be regional and live up to its name "metropolitan" area project s. We could use the success of MAPS III (and the other Maps versions) to sell to the suburbs; with regional transit - say Commuter Rail, Express Bus, Light Rail in city. I think MAPS IV should include a transit center/library/community center/city hall (or some combination thereof) for each main suburb (and even some smaller ones).
It would also be NICE if we could make the new convention center and/or the new arena as part of MAPS IV, and leave MAPS III to the streetcar downtown, inner city sidewalks and lighting and beautification (foliage, fountains, statues). I think going this route, it would be cheaper and be a very quick shot-in-the-arm for downtown. MAPS IV, being regional - would get everyone to pitch in since the OKC METRO benefits from the convention center and new arena.
But I bet MAPS III will have at least funds for the new convention center.
Whatever the case, we need it and the new arena built south of the Ford Center; I like the gateway effect it will create. No other city in the world would have anything like this.
Oklahoma City, the RENAISSANCE CITY!
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