PUBLIC MEETING SET FOR DOWNTOWN TRANSIT
August 12, 2010
CentralOklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority
300 SW7th | Oklahoma City, OK 73109 | gometro.org
MediaContact: MichaelScroggins, Public Information Officer
Office: (405) 297-2107 Mobile: (405) 837-9510
michael.scroggins@okc.gov
For immediate release
August 12, 2010
Public Meetings Set for Downtown Transit
Let’s Talk Transit continues with the Greater Downtown Alternatives Analysis
OKLAHOMA CITY - The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) is seeking input on the future development of public transportation in the greater downtown Oklahoma City area. COTPA is hosting two Let’s Talk Transit public meetings on August 26 at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library Auditorium.
The meetings are a part of an Alternatives Analysis (AA) study that is designed to investigate and present solutions for addressing public transportation in a specific geographic area. The outcome of this study will result in a plan that recommends the most appropriate route and transit technologies for the greater downtown area. The study boundaries roughly encompass the State Capitol to the north, Oklahoma River to the south, Lottie to the east and St. Anthony Hospital on the west. The AA is also one of the required steps to qualify the greater downtown area for federal transit funding.
An AA Steering Committee, made up of citizens and led by Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, will receive and consider comments from the public. The committee has met to review input from transit consultants, city planners and engineers about both capital and operating costs and other infrastructure that must be considered.
“Public participation is a critical element of this study. Citizens and community stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the public meetings to learn more about the process and submit their ideas and questions,” said Rick Cain, administrator of COTPA.
Both meetings will be held at the Library located at 300 Park Ave. The lunchtime meeting will be noon to 1 p.m. The evening meeting will cover the same agenda from 6 to 7 p.m. Additional information about the transit planning process will be on display 20 minutes prior to each meeting.
Let’s Talk Transit is an initiative by COTPA to engage public opinions and stakeholders on current public transportation topics. To learn more about COTPA’s Alternatives Analysis and to follow the progress, visit www.LetsTalkTransit.com.
“WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN BUY”
July 23, 2010
Are you tired of renting? Would you like your family to own their own home? Council of Neighborhoods (CHDO) can possibly help.
The Council of Neighborhoods has two homes in the first stage of being built, we offer homes for families with limited income (low/moderate) .
All of our homes are NEW! They are located in South East section of Oklahoma City. The size is approx. 1250 sq ft. All homes are 3 bed, 2 bath with a 2 car garage.
The Council of Neighborhoods offers programs that provide $10,000 down payment and closing cost assistance. We will help all qualified buyers with the mortgage process, and set-up everything, this includes the closing process.
Direct inquires to our CHDO department at 619-9305 ask for Louise. Or you may e-mail Louise at louisealexander@sbcglobal.net.
Citizens Academy Accepting Applications
July 23, 2010
Citizens Academy Accepting Applications
The Oklahoma City Fire Department is now accepting applications for our fifteenth Citizens Academy that begins Thursday, September 9, 2010 and concludes on Thursday,
October 28, 2010. Classes meet eight consecutive Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Classes are limited in size, so sign up early!
The eight-week program is designed to give citizens an inside view of the Oklahoma City
Fire Department.
The Academy offers an overview of the different services the department provides to citizens including, fire suppression, emergency medical
services, special rescue operations, hazardous materials incident response, training, fire code enforcement, fire cause determination, and public safety education.
The class also covers the department’s support work sections including the dispatch center, maintenance services, critical incident stress management program and human resources. During the Academy, participants will experience several hands-on fire fighting techniques including handling a fire hose, using a fire extinguisher, and riding along with firefighters on actual emergency calls. The Citizens Academy is an exciting chance for Oklahoma City residents to experience the Oklahoma City Fire Department.
If you would like more information and an application, please call the Oklahoma City
Fire Department at 297-3314.
Downtown Trolley Free for One Year
June 30, 2010
Downtown Trolley Free for One Year
Platt College to Sponsor Rides for the Public
(June 28, 2010) - With an estimated 50,0001 people expected in downtown Oklahoma City this upcoming Fourth of July weekend, people in downtown can take advantage of free public transportation thanks to a new year-long sponsorship.
The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority recently announced that beginning July 1, downtown Oklahoma City trolleys will be free to ride for one year thanks to a sponsorship by Platt College.
“With a higher than average number of people in downtown over the July fourth weekend, this was perfect timing to launch the free downtown trolley rides and a great time for people who have never ridden the trolley to try it at no cost,” said Rick Cain, administrator of COTPA and director of public transportation and parking for the City of Oklahoma City.
”Because our campuses are all over, we think it is important to support public transportation,” said Kim Lamb, director of admissions at Platt College. “We know people are looking for ways to stretch their budget, and we saw an opportunity to make things a little easier on Oklahoma City residents and workers by saying, ‘the fare is on us.’”
The downtown trolley’s summer schedule (May 1 – September 30) runs Sunday through Tuesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
“At a time when city budgets are stretched, public-private partnerships are increasingly important to continue our momentum,” said Cain. “We are thrilled to have this partnership with Platt College to help offset the cost to our riders.”
About METRO Transit
METRO Transit is a division of the Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority. COTPA, a public trust administered by the City of Oklahoma City, is responsible for providing safe, efficient and convenient public transportation to the citizens of the greater Oklahoma City area. For route information or to learn more about METRO Transit, visit gometro.org.
About Platt College
Since 1979, Platt College’s purpose has been to create a workforce of professionals with the skills and training necessary to answer the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s workplace. Platt College is one of Oklahoma’s largest private colleges with five Oklahoma and one Texas location. Platt College offers programs in allied health, nursing, information technology and culinary arts. For more information on Platt College, visit www.plattcollege.edu.
YARD PARKERS
June 30, 2010
NEWS FROM THE CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY
City hopes to curb yard parkers
In an effort to reduce blight in neighborhoods ad keep home property values from declining the City is increasing the fine your yard parkers from $10 to $100.
“Yard parking is a persistent problem in a number of Oklahoma City neighborhoods,” Code Enforcement Manager Charles Locke said. “The practice is an eyesore and can quickly become a neighborhood epidemic. If we can stop yard parking, we can dramatically enhance the way our community looks.”
More than 8,400 yard parking complaints were logged by the City’s Action Center in 2009. Most violations occur in aging neighborhoods with one-car garages.
Yard parking also causes damage to water and sewage lines and can impair drainage for neighbors.
It’s a violation of City ordinances to park any type of an unimproved surface (grass or lawn) in a residential area. This includes the front, side or back of your yard or even vacant lot. Violations may be reported to the Action Center at 297-2535 or online at www.okc.gov. Code Enforcement Inspectors will check the reported location and issue citations if violations are found.
The new ordinance takes effect July 1.
Get up to $10,000 for your neighborhood!!!
June 30, 2010
Could your neighborhood use $10,000 to do improvements or safety projects?
If you are in a low to moderate income area then you can apply for the funds through
the City of Oklahoma City’s Stronger Neighborhood Initiative grant. Now is the time to
start thinking about your possible projects. . . . . .
- Ornamental Lights
- Improve the public areas of your local grounds
- Volunteer crime patrol programs
- Community gardens
- Entryway/gateway signage
- Public park improvements
- Benches or other improvements to the city’s walking trails or medians
- Sustainability projects to your neighborhood
- And much, much more
For additional call The Council of Neighborhoods, (405) 672-7223
Understanding your neighborhood crime reports
June 1, 2009
Below are some common abbreviations found on crime statistics.
- FUG FR JUSTIC= Fugitive from justice
- DISCH F/VEHIC= Discharge firearm from a vehicle
- UTTR FRG INST= Uttering fraudulent instrument (writing a bad check)
- POSS CDS= Possession of a controlled substance
- DR UNDER SUSP= Driving under suspension
- TRES PRI PROP= Trespassing on private property
- MTL HLTH INTV= Mental health intervention
- INHAL HRM SUB= Inhalation of harmful substance
- INJ/DSTR PROP= Injury/ Destruction property
- LARC VEHICLE= Larceny vehicle
- VPO= Victim Protection Order
- Signal 7= Dead body, likely a natural or unattended death
- A & B= Assault and battery
National Night Out 2010
June 1, 2009
SAVE THE NEW DATE FOR NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2010
Is your neighborhood participating in this years N.N.O.?
Call the Council of Neighborhoods we can help with ideas on getting your neighbors involved, guest speakers, asking for donations.
(405) 672-7223
Residents encouraged to report neglected signs
June 1, 2009
(March 4, 2009) - City Council is asking citizens to help fight urban blight by reporting dilapidated roadside business signs to the City’s Action Center.
The City’s sign ordinance was strengthened in November, giving property owners who have been cited for a violation 30 days to bring their sign into compliance. Those who do not comply could receive a citation.
Signs that are damaged, deteriorated, defaced, abandoned, illegible or no longer advertise the business on the property could be in violation of the ordinance.
To report a dilapidated sign, call the Action Center at 297-2535 or submit a request online at www.okc.gov. Customer service representatives will need the address of the dilapidated sign.
“Neglected signs are not only an eyesore, but they contribute to the deterioration of our business districts and neighborhoods,” said Planning Director Russell Claus. “Removing these nuisances will go a long way to beautifying Oklahoma City.”
Saturday Morning Sweep
June 1, 2009
Saturday Morning Sweep is a cleanup event
that residents can hold in their
neighborhoods.This is a great way to clean up
litter, overgrowth, illegal dumping and storm
debris from common areas, easements,
greenbelts and medians.
Neighborhood associations may schedule a Saturday Morning Sweep once a year between
April and September. The cleanup day is free of charge and offered by the Solid Waste
Management Division.
On the day of the event, a collection crew will deliver a commercial dumpster between 7 a.m.
to 8 a.m. The neighborhood provides the volunteers. Around noon, the crew picks up the
filled dumpster and takes it to the landfill. The city pays the disposal fees.
To hold a Saturday Morning Sweep, the neighborhood must be in Oklahoma City and should
recruit at least 15 volunteers. We ask that one neighbor serve as the contact and monitor the
cleanup. We will not accept personal household trash, appliances containing Freon,
household hazardous waste or tires with the Saturday Morning Sweep collection.
To schedule a Saturday Morning Sweep for your neighborhood, please return the request form
as soon as possible. Saturday Morning Sweeps are scheduled on a first-come, first served
basis.
