ASPIRATIONAL PROJECTS REQUIRING FURTHER STUDY

2. I-244 HIGHWAY REMOVAL STUDY

Built in the late 1960s through the heart of the Greenwood business district, Interstate 244 represents for many residents a disregard for homes and businesses that occupied that space before the highway construction. It remains a visual and physical barrier between downtown and the Kirkpatrick Heights / Greenwood area. The idea to consider removal, redesign, or even undergrounding portions of I-244 emerged early in the planning process, and proponents would like to see it removed to make room for additional development and opportunities for local, Black ownership and wealth. Cities across the country are addressing the often negative impacts of highway development through cities and towns – separating neighborhoods and forcing businesses to relocate, or often cutting off access to natural amenities like waterfronts.

RECONNECTING COMMUNITIES

The 2022 federal infrastructure funding package includes $1 billion for freeway removal and capping projects, and has been characterized as a first stop in restoring and reconnecting communities and the ideas are gaining momentum as one approach to redressing historic inequities of urban renewal policies. Further study is needed, and conversations continue locally as to the best approaches. Long-term planning for the removal, continued conversations with community members, local leaders, and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation are needed to move the project forward and provide additional redevelopment opportunities that build Black household wealth. 3. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BOULEVARD REALIGNMENT STUDY AND BOULEVARD STREETSCAPING

The realignment and redesign of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is proposed for it to function as an attractive multi-modal, gateway corridor connecting downtown and North Tulsa and is central to the redevelopment of Site 1. The feasibility of the potential realignment will require additional study to identify potential engineering challenges that may need to be addressed including topography, existing utilities, and connections to adjacent sites. This may also include examining additional configurations and will require coordination and approval with ODOT and incorporated in the planning study for I-244. Additional studies should include a traffic study, a Multi-Modal Level of Service analysis, geometric design concept and a cost benefit analysis as the City has already invested millions in roadway, infrastructure, lighting, sidewalks, ADA improvements.

4. WELCOME CENTER AND COMMEMORATIVE LANDSCAPE

The city’s first water tower was constructed in 1904, giving the site of Standpipe Hill its name. A cultural and historically significant location, as witness to the 1921 Race Massacre, OSU-Tulsa dedicated a historical monument in 2014. There is community interest in enhanced use and activity at Standpipe Hill given its significance and meaning to Kirkpatrick Heights / Greenwood. Proposed ideas include a welcome center, a commemorative landscape, gardens, and seating or pathways.

5. AN ICONIC PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE BRIDGE CONNECTING THE DISTRICT TO EVANS FINTUBE AND USA BMX

Residents explored ideas for east / west connections through the April Design Workshops and many were attracted to the idea of being able to get across the railroad tracks and be able to move between these new spaces, linking with the Osage Prairie Trail network, and taking advantage of the recent development of the USA BMX and the planned / future development of the Evans Fintube site. Considerations in exploring the feasibility of this investment would include additional public and stakeholder engagement to evaluate criteria for bridge alternatives and proposed concepts. As concepts are developed structural, civil, environmental, and cost benefit analysis will need to be performed and regulatory constraints will need to be determined.