Benefits of improving 23^rd Street addressed at Ward 7 meeting

(July 29, 2009) - More than 100 business owners, stakeholders, developers and residents attended a community meeting on July 21 to hear Councilman Skip Kelly’s strategies for the revitalization of 23^rd Street.

The focus of the meeting was the proposed Northeast 23^rd Street Overlay Zoning District, which was developed by the Oklahoma City Planning staff and presented by Planning Director Russell Claus.  The new district will strengthen zoning requirements to ensure higher quality development for businesses along Northeast 23^rd Street.

Code enforcement efforts such as property maintenance, outside storage, signage and fencing guidelines for businesses along 23^rd Street was also discussed. 

Kelly’s goal is to attract quality retail and new services to NE 23^rd Street, restoring the Capitol’s gateway as an economic hub. 

“Attendees were thrilled to hear about our efforts to rejuvenate NE 23^rd Street, particularly those who remember NE 23^rd Street during its glory days,” Councilman Kelly said. “We are asking the business community and neighbors to reinvest in their property so we can restore NE 23^rd Street as an economic engine for Oklahoma City.”

During the meeting, developers advised property owners to build relationships with City staff who can provide better technical assistance to them. 

The City has invested more than $9 million in decorative lighting, landscaped medians, sidewalks, road resurfacing and waterlines along 23^rd Street over the past four years to stimulate business growth and rekindle civic pride.

Log on to www.okc.gov/planning/ne23 to read the Northeast 23^rd Street Overlay Zoning District plans. 

For more information, call Susan Miller, 297-3176.