Vision 2, Lesson Learned? That kind of systematic public evaluation of proposed capital needs and expenditures was missing in last year’s Vision 2 initiative and that is likely why it was handily defeated. The timing was wrong, public engagement was lacking and the spending did little to reinforce the goals of our long term comprehensive…
Tulsa, we have a problem. Too many of our historic and iconic downtown buildings have fallen prey to the wrecking ball. Too many ugly surface parking lots have taken their place. This untenable situation began in the 1960s and has been escalating since. It has led Tulsa to a most dubious distinction. We were…
Yet another missed opportunity. Mayor Dewey Bartlett has missed an important opportunity to implement a key element of Tulsa’s comprehensive plan. He expresses support for the plan publicly but has fallen short with his behind-the-scene action. The plan’s Land Use Chapter says: “To support downtown’s lively and walkable urban character, automobile parking ideally is located…
Champagne corks are NOT popping. At first glance the City Council’s decision to rename Brady Street to M. Brady Street seemed like a somewhat sensible compromise that might help heal some wounds. Upon further reflection however; the sad truth is clear that little progress was made in improving race relations in Tulsa. In fact, many…
Ground rules for today’s class, read carefully. Good morning class and welcome to Civics 101; on this beautiful fall day in Tulsa, September 5, 1960. Your assignment this semester is to come up with a plan to stymie Tulsa’s population growth for the next 50 years or so and beyond. We have a good thing…
If Planners plan, shouldn’t Leaders lead? It’s not like we really needed any more evidence to illustrate the leadership vacuum in the Mayor’s office; that has already been pretty well documented. However, recent events further illuminate the confusion that reigns on the 15th Floor of City Hall. The disclosure that yard waste intended for mulching…
Let the right honorable gentleman speak. Civil discourse is engagement in conversation with the intent to persuade or enhance understanding. Kenneth Gergen, American psychologist and professor at Swarthmore College and brother of David Gergen, the prominent political analyst describes it as “the language of dispassionate objectivity.” He goes on to suggest that it requires…
The Public Park will be a place where the community can gather to play, picnic, enjoy concerts, exercise and attend festivals. It is envisioned to entice the community to spend time outdoors, encourage a healthier lifestyle and improve the quality of life. The opening paragraph does not refer to Tulsa’s Gathering Place, currently under development…
Finally, recreational development along the Arkansas River bank. The Gathering Place, a $200+ million project paid for primarily by the George Kaiser Family Foundation, should silence critics who have for decades lamented the lack of transformative development along the Arkansas River and River Parks. For fifty years Tulsans have talked the talk about river development…
Standing room only. Even George Kaiser seemed overwhelmed at the turnout and excitement generated by the unveiling of The Gathering Place’s Phase I design on June 18th at TCC’s Center for Creativity. The Project Coordinator, Jeff Stava, was left momentarily speechless before acknowledging “Wow, there are a lot more people here than we thought.” The…