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CONTRACT NO. K-1213-199: A CONTRACT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, AND GATEWAY PLANNING GROUP, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,750 FOR PLANNING AND CONSULTING SERVICES ON THE WEST LINDSEY STREET BOND PROJECT AND BUDGET APPROPRIATION
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BACKGROUND: On August 28, 2013, the citizens of Norman voted in favor of a Bond Issue to finance the local share of eight transportation/storm water improvement projects. One of the eight 2012 Bond Projects is the West Lindsey Street Corridor Project from 24th Avenue West to east of Berry Road.
On December 18, 2012, City Council approved Contract No. K-1213-126 with SAIC and Poe & Associates for the design services needed to prepare the West Lindsey Street Corridor Project for construction in 2016. One of the key commitments made to Norman citizens during the 2012 Bond Election was that the West Lindsey Street Corridor Project will be constructed simultaneously with the I-35 and Lindsey Street Interchange Project which is currently under design by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). The purpose of the coordinated schedule is to minimize negative impacts to the Lindsey Street property owners and merchants.
DISCUSSION: In late August 2012, officials with the University of Oklahoma approached city staff with a proposal to collaborate on certain design elements proposed for the West Lindsey Street Corridor Project. Our University partners view this portion of West Lindsey Street as the "front door" or "gateway" to the campus. In particular, University officials are advocating for maximum open, green space including trees along the corridor; easy access for bicycles and pedestrians; and gateway features consistent with the University aesthetics.
Approximately four years ago, the University of Oklahoma created the Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) and appointed Mr. Blair Humphreys as the Director. One of the missions of IQC is to promote "placemaking" in Oklahoma communities...
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