The "this has nothing to do with Tulsa" mega-post

[Conan71]

Central Oklahoma 7-Eleven Stores being sold to Corporate Overlords...



Are Slurpees finally coming to Oklahoma City?

The Lost Ogle link:  https://www.thelostogle.com/2020/01/09/central-oklahoma-7-eleven-stores-being-sold-to-corporate-overlords/



On a personal note, I would welcome Tulsa based Quik Trip franchise stores to enter the Oklahoma City market.

I don't really see that happening.  On Cue already has a really good toe-hold on the OKC market with a layout that is very, very similar to QT and they are doing a very good job of maintaining their properties.

[Laramie]

7-Eleven Inc. announces acquisition of 7-Eleven Stores in central Oklahoma

Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven Inc. announced Friday it is acquiring a chain of more than 100, locally-owned 7 Eleven Stores in central Oklahoma that operated independently for 67 years.



Conan71:  When you live in another city and get away from the town you reside; sometimes you are impressed with what you see in another city.  First time I entered a Q-T in Tulsa IMO they put OKC's 7 Eleven to shame.  Although I visited only two QT in Tulsa--they were nice clean stores (Exterior & Interior).  We have some 7-Elevens here in OKC where they have to have armed Cleet certified security after 10 p.m.

Only feature that attracts me to OKC's 7 Elevens are the bill pay feature machines and 7 Heaven bakery products.  The bill pay machine: you can pay your bills (less expensive with cash) and receive a receipt.  If you put the wrong information where your account isn't verified, it won't accept your payment.

The bakery products are great--just don't over indulge--I don't want to see those love handles anymore where I stress out my YMCA membership to rid myself of the skin that sags along the waste line.

[Laramie]

Oklahoma City I-235/I-44 Interchange

Foundation pillars for the flyover ramps take form in the pic below.

Construction update pic via OKCTalk.com (01-19-2020)

Department of Transportation awarded a $105 million contract to widen and reconstruct the I-235/I-44 interchange. The project has taken 10+ years to complete.

There are 11 bridges within this project, which includes building two new flyover ramps to move traffic more efficiently from northbound I-235 to westbound I-44 and from eastbound I-44 to northbound I-235.

Once the flyover ramps are constructed, the two cloverleaf ramps for those movements will be eliminated. The cloverleaf ramps for westbound I-44 on-ramp to southbound I-235 and southbound I-235 off-ramp to eastbound I-44 will widened and reconstructed. These ramps will have an up to 10-day closure later in the project.

Construction began in spring 2018 to tie this project phase together after extensive work was done on the massive bridge project. Alternative routes include I-35, SH-74/Lake Hefner Parkway, I-44, Martin Luther King/Eastern Ave. and N. Lincoln Boulevard.

This project will ease traffic into and around the OU Health Science Center Medical Complex and the area near the Oklahoma State Capital Complex.  OKC has future plans for an innovation district approved as a part of Metropolitan Area Projects 4 $978 million package that includes $71 million of improvement to the area.

Oklahoma City Innovation District's future plans.

[PhiAlpha]

Seriously?  It's a practice gym.  They need $11 million in upgrades to "keep up" with other NBA facilities?

I'm very cynical/skeptical about the cost/benefit of pro sports in most metro areas.  But if taxpayers are good with public funds going to a small pot in the belief it brings more notoriety and tourism, so be it.

After watching it play out first hand from about a mile away for the last decade...I would say that beyond any reasonable doubt, the benefits have outweighed the costs in OKC. The economic benefit that the Thunder have provided has been worth every penny that the taxpayers here have paid for it (and probably worth quite a bit more than that).

And yes, it does require upgrades to keep up with other NBA arenas. The BOK is getting a $4.7 million upgrade and it doesn't even have a professional tenant. https://www.newson6.com/story/41048151/bok-center-announces-dollar47-million-renovation. The practice court was actually part of the original NBA MAPS proposal that got postponed.

[Laramie]

Now that the state is doing so well financially; kick some reimbursement funds OKC's way for the First Americans Museum (FAM).   The Chickasaw Tribe has stepped up to finish the museum while Governor Stitt seems focused on the Tribes kicking in more to the state coffers.

The proposal includes up to $14 million from  the tribe over seven years to cover anticipated operating deficits.

The Tribe will receive 100 acres of land (From the City of Oklahoma City) to develop near FAM for finishing the museum.  Could a large bank, hospital or 800 - 1,000 room hotel be on the horizon; think about the attractions you could bring to Oklahoma City like the NBA All Star Week activities & game if 1,000 more hotel rooms were added to the core.  

What are your thoughts?

William Crum
by William Crum
Published: Mon, October 29, 2018 11:33 AM Updated: Mon, October 29, 2018 12:27 PM

Construction is expected to resume in January at the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum.

Blake Wade, chief executive officer of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority (NACEA), says $50 million has been deposited in the museum completion fund.

There is $9 million from the city of Oklahoma City, $16 million in private donations and $25 million in state-issued bonds.

The authority board met last week, reviewing the status of fund-raising and plans for exhibits.

Indian Cultural Center construction to resume in Oklahoma City:  https://oklahoman.com/article/5613264/board-looks-ahead-to-resumption-of-construction-at-the-american-indian-cultural-center-and-museum

YouTube video with Steve Lackmeyer of the Oklahoman:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49t1GwPdTXo

[Laramie]

New Oklahoma City Convention Center bookings:

Officials reported that the city is already booking dates for the new yet to be opened convention center.
So far seven national and international organizations have signed eight contracts for conferences and conventions in the new convention center.

The 2022 Annual Conference for International Economic Development Council and the 2024 National Sheriff's Association convention are among some of he most noteworthy conventions to sign contracts with the new convention center.  National Sheriffs Association is a fairly large with an estimated 4,000 delegates according to Mike Carrier, president of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

2021 National Brownfields Training Conference for the International City/County Management Association.
2022 and 2024 Legal Shield international conventions.

Organizers anticipate more than 37,000 room nights and $20 million in direct economic impact could be received from the results of these bookings.

Carrier said the 2022 International Economic Development Council will bring delegates involved in site selection and economic development whose impact on the city might extend longer after their visit.

The current Cox Convention Center (formerly Myriad CC) may be needed as a backup for overflow; it may be open until 2024-25.

"There may be situations where the new convention center is full and we may need to move somebody to the Cox Center," Carrier said. "It depends on how long the city keeps it open — they're talking about as long as three years."--according to reports from The Oklahoman, January 22, 2020

[Laramie]

Pics via OKCTalk.com

Central portion off Oklahoma City's I-235 connection to I-40/I-35 Interchange to Dallas, Amarillo, Fort Smith, Wichita & I-44 Turner Turnpike to Tulsa). 
We're at the crossroads (Texas, California, Minnesota, North Carolina) of the United States.

[heironymouspasparagus]

1815 South Meridian, Meridian Hotel Corridor, 236 suites

I stay at the S Meridian property on a fairly regular basis.   Little worn down, but not terrible.   The new Marriott to ES conversion looks decent...may have to try them next time.

[heironymouspasparagus]

I don't really see that happening.  On Cue already has a really good toe-hold on the OKC market with a layout that is very, very similar to QT and they are doing a very good job of maintaining their properties.

Yeah...Oklahoma City does NOT need QuikTrip when they have OnCue!  By a long shot...

Tulsa doesn't really need QuikTrip anymore now they have Kum & Go...!

[heironymouspasparagus]

Now that the state is doing so well financially; kick some reimbursement funds OKC's way for the First Americans Museum (FAM).   The Chickasaw Tribe has stepped up to finish the museum while Governor Stitt seems focused on the Tribes kicking in more to the state coffers.

Stitt is just more focused on kicking the Tribes than anything else...

[rebound]

Stitt is just more focused on kicking the Tribes than anything else...

Still may have mis-played his hand on the casino compacts, but he's not wrong.   There is no way those can be self-renewing with no opportunity for renegotiation.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Still may have mis-played his hand on the casino compacts, but he's not wrong.   There is no way those can be self-renewing with no opportunity for renegotiation.

I haven't read the existing compacts...got a link by any chance?   If not, I will do some searching...if there is nothing in the text about it, then they don't expire.  And just because our entire history is based on breaking treaties with Natives, doesn't make it right.  And it still makes Stitt a d-bag for 'mis-playing' his hand.

My guess - and it is only that, a guess - is that if they were subject to renegotiation, something defined would be in place already.  But then, again, as with treaties, Stitt just wants the state to think he is a 'Trump Style Businessman', gonna "make a deal".  Which would probably be good for the tribes...

[rebound]

I haven't read the existing compacts...got a link by any chance?   If not, I will do some searching...if there is nothing in the text about it, then they don't expire.  And just because our entire history is based on breaking treaties with Natives, doesn't make it right.  And it still makes Stitt a d-bag for 'mis-playing' his hand.

My guess - and it is only that, a guess - is that if they were subject to renegotiation, something defined would be in place already.  But then, again, as with treaties, Stitt just wants the state to think he is a 'Trump Style Businessman', gonna "make a deal".  Which would probably be good for the tribes...

I don't have a link specifically to the compacts.   But there are numerous articles that reference the specific section that involves renewal.   Admittedly, the specific verbiage is confusing.  It does allow for negotiation, but does not seem to specifically call out what happens if both sides can't  reach an agreement.   Logically, if there is to be negotiation then there must be some penalty/leverage (such as cancellation) in order to bring both sides to the table.   Otherwise, there would be no timeline or process of negotiation mentioned.   
a quick google search will get you more articles than you probably want to read...

[heironymouspasparagus]

I don't have a link specifically to the compacts.   But there are numerous articles that reference the specific section that involves renewal.   Admittedly, the specific verbiage is confusing.  It does allow for negotiation, but does not seem to specifically call out what happens if both sides can't  reach an agreement.   Logically, if there is to be negotiation then there must be some penalty/leverage (such as cancellation) in order to bring both sides to the table.   Otherwise, there would be no timeline or process of negotiation mentioned.  
a quick google search will get you more articles than you probably want to read...

Here are a couple of easy to find comments I ran across - guess we will see what a Federal court has to say.  Maybe they can arbitrate a negotiation, too. That's probably where it should be anyway.

Under the gaming compact, the records show "the compact will expire January 1, 2020, but will automatically renew for 15 years."

The senate summary from the same year reads, Senate Bill 1252: "provides that the compact shall expire January 1, 2020 but will be automatically renewed for fifteen years."

"If it wasn't intended to renew there wouldn't be a clause that specifically says 'shall automatically renew'", Atty Stephen Greetham comment.

Text of enrolled Senate Bill 1252 here, part way down the page;  
https://www.news9.com/story/41570013/house-senate-records-show-gaming-compacts-automatically-renew

Near the end of Section 22.



Commentary;

Bottom line; this is Stitt grandstanding, of course, since that is all he's got.  Well, in addition to his business "prowess" that got his company banned for life doing business in Georgia.  We do love our "bad boys of business" in this country.  Lies, deception, thievery, graft, corruption...it's what we celebrate and elevate from our sleepy little 'backwater' here all the way to the top reaches of the Federal government.

And trying to divert attention from the FACT that his record on education is just as bad as the previous regime.   Leaving our kids twisting in the breeze.  Again.   And we wonder why population growth is relatively stagnant.  And 'big companies' with high paying jobs don't come swarming in?  

Not even touching on infrastructure.

[Laramie]

Stitt overplayed his hand when he went after the tribal casinos for more money for the State's coffers.  He wants to be seen as bold.

Oklahoma's governor doesn't realize how powerful the unity of Oklahoma gaming tribes & compacts are; especially the Chickasaw, Choctaw & Cherokee.  

It's a no win situation if he wins, he's using money from the funds paid to the state from the tribes to fund his lawsuit.  Many of the casinos are not on par with a mega casino like WinStar.

Tribes file suit against Governor Stitt over gaming compact renewal: https://kfor.com/2019/12/31/tribes-file-suit-against-governor-stitt-over-gaming-compact-renewal/

4th tribe to join lawsuit against Oklahoma governor: https://www.koco.com/article/4th-tribe-to-join-lawsuit-against-oklahoma-governor/30630856