On Tuesday, March 3, 2009, more than 100 neighbors and friends met at the Exchange Center to express concerns and share ideas about events and happenings at Expo Square. Commissioner Karen Keith, State Representative Jeannie McDaniel, and Tulsa City Councilor Eric Gomez (http://www.tulsacouncil.org/dist4.php) presided over the event. Also present were Commissioners Fred Perry and John Smaligo, Trustee Mike Spradling, Kirby Crowe, PMG’s Manager of 2025 Projects, and Expo Square Interim President/CEO, Mark Andrus.Commissioner. Keith welcomed the crowd and a brief overview of what she hoped to accomplish at the meeting.
The discussions began by presenting the question “What’s going on in the neighborhood and how are you interacting with Expo Square?” (http://www.exposquare.com/es/)
Several neighbors voiced their opinions on items such as noise levels, the Drillers (http://tulsa.drillers.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t260) vacating Expo Square, traffic bottlenecks on 21st Street, crime in the area, condition and use of the racetrack, and concerns about trash along the 21st Street corridor. There was also a comment about the lights on top of the QuikTrip Center that do not function. Kirby Crowe explained that the contractor is no longer in business and we are exploring options.
Several neighbors voiced their opinions on items such as noise levels, the Drillers (http://tulsa.drillers.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t260) vacating Expo Square, traffic bottlenecks on 21st Street, crime in the area, condition and use of the racetrack, and concerns about trash along the 21st Street corridor. There was also a comment about the lights on top of the QuikTrip Center that do not function. Kirby Crowe explained that the contractor is no longer in business and we are exploring options.
There were also questions about plans for the Armory and what the future holds for the east end of Expo Square. Input from the surrounding neighbors proved to be valuable as their concerns generated new ideas for future projects. Representative McDaniel, a neighbor to Expo Square, shared a concern about the island dividers on 15th Street. It was suggested the lighted 2.4 mile sidewalk around Expo Square be marked and used as a walking/jogging trail. Others expressed an interest in a park-like setting on the property, expanding the flea market to include a “farmer’s market” component to support the agricultural aspect at Expo Square, and perhaps consider a “kiddie park”.
Councilor Gomez (http://www.tulsacouncil.org/dist4.php) introduced the idea of creating a Veledrome facility, a venue for bike races that would generate year-round use on a local, regional and national basis.
Overall, the neighbors were excited about the changes that have been made; the dollars invested in the property, and were energized about the future potential at Expo Square. Commissioner Keith encouraged the attendees to remain open and engaged about their concerns and to express their ideas whenever possible.
The meeting ended with the thought of having a Neighborhood Block Party at Expo Square, complete with fire trucks and entertainment. To comment: tclayton@exposquare.com or 744-1113.
