Social Media Outcry Paves the Way for On-Street Parking in Oklahoma City

Twitter outcry, combined with the efforts of Councilmembers Meg Salyer, convinced the city's Public Works Department to halt work on a reconfiguration that would have reduced travel lanes and added a center turn lane, reports Steve Lackmeyer.

Lackmeyer says that a recent wave of investment in the neighborhood warrant the addition of parking spots to the street, rather than a center turn lane (not mentioned, however, are bike lanes, curb extensions, or the price of the potential on-street parking).

"Even just a few years ago, which is when the repaving and re-striping were likely planned, addition of a center turn lane probably made the most sense. But in that short time, development has included the opening of Dust Bowl Lanes, Fassler Hall, Bleu Garten and the monthly H&8th food festival and Industry Flea Market.

"To be blunt, this is not the Midtown that traffic engineers likely envisioned. This is a Midtown experiencing growing pains, and that center turn lane is seen as a waste of paint compared to the dozens of curbside parking spaces that could be added instead."

Lackmeyer describes the case as an example of good, nimble government, responding to the desires of constituents.