First and foremost, why is it that the mainstream papers in Norman–also the Norman Transcript and the student paper OU Daily have not covered this more extensively?

Secondly, the developer’s recent past presentation to the Norman Council was to change the Cultural Center concept to a Village Center concept. Village Centers around the country usually include mixed land uses including housing, lots of emphasis on pedestrian foot traffic, and aesthetic cultural uses. What was presented to the Council had no mixed land uses, a heavy emphasis on auto traffic and parking, and as of yet not entirely clear designations for cultural centers. Will this get cleared up? I think Mayor Rosenthal’s quotes in this story are a very good sign.

Finally, the developer was insisting in the past few months (in league with the City Attorney) that the park and other cultural amenities would happen (get this) in 2016 or 2018. I hope these projects start as soon as possible. Once again, note it is the private sector that has been the one of the primary reasons for the hold up so far.