Bricktown Leaders Concerned That MAPS 3 Doesn't Include Canal Extension

By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- City leaders said an extension of the Bricktown Canal will not be part of the MAPS 3 proposal.

Leaders in the entertainment district told city leaders they are worried an extension could be damaging as other areas of the city see major changes.

Several Bricktown business owners said the decision by city leaders not to extend the canal was disappointing.

"I would be remised if I didn't say I was disappointed, but you know not everyone can get their wish," said Avis Scaramucci, owner of Nonna's Ristorante in Bricktown.

Scaramucci said that wish to include an extension of the Bricktown Canal in a MAPS 3 was a key way she thought could bring together a revamped downtown with Bricktown.

“Connectivity is extremely important,” Scaramucci said.

City leaders said they have other ideas on how to connect the two areas.

"We think we can handle connectivity otherwise besides extending the canal," said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett.

Cornett said easier solutions include creating clear paths between downtown and Bricktown by way of things like sidewalks.

However, MAPS 3 proposes a new convention center that many had hoped would be connected to Bricktown by a canal extension. Now some Bricktown business owners said they are worried without that connection, a new convention center could mean lost business.

"If they relocate the convention center too far away from us, it could actually be a detriment to Bricktown," said Jim Cowan, Bricktown Executive Director.

While Cowan said he thinks not putting the canal extension in MAPS 3 is a mistake, he said not passing MAPS 3 would be an even bigger one.

"What we want to do once MAPS does pass is figure out what can we do through streetscapes and sidewalks and how can we make sure it's as easy walk into Bricktown as a convention center gets built," Cowan said.

Voters will go to the polls to vote on the temporary one-penny sales tax extension on December 8th.