The Oklahoma State Capital

The confusion surrounding the City of Guthrie's restructuring of the I35-Noble area intersection cleared up a bit Tuesday night. Citing a need for timely action, Ward III Councilor Grant Aguirre moved that the city accept the City Administration's plan for the restructuring of the Noble-I35 intersection. This was not without controversy, as Ward II Councilor Randy Foster objected to the action.

Chaos currently exist at this intersection because Oklahoma Street combines with the parking lots to several of the area businesses resulting in a disorganized melee of vehicles and drivers. Additional confusion has been induced into the situation with the new growth in the area and additional traffic resulting because of this growth.

Guthrie has recently applied for and received a grant from The Oklahoma Department of Transportation to beautify this intersection and surrounding area with plants and trees. As a part of designing the placement of these plants and trees members of the Guthrie Park Board, City Staff, and Engineer have planned to improve the traffic nightmare by shutting down Oklahoma street and installing two curb cuts to allow for u-turns on Noble.

This plan was rejected by The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (O.D.O.T). O.D.O.T. feels the two curb cuts are to close in proximity to each other. Thus the City is forced to make a decision on whether or not to eliminate the easternmost or westernmost curb cut.

The issue was initially considered on the October 3rd City Council agenda. However because some Councilors expressed a fear that property owners in the area would be negatively affected by the elimination of one of the cuts the issue was tabled until the October 17th meeting. This allowed for additional notice to be sent to the property owners.

Apparently property owners did not care as only one was present. Mr. Franklin Spitz who owns the Texico Gas Station was in attendance. Mr. Spitz has indicated a preference for the eastern most curb cut that will provide for better access to the Texico station.

Foster expressed concern to the fact that the elimination of Oklahoma street in this location will create a concrete area on which traffic can travel. This area will still be owned by the City but will no longer be Oklahoma Street.

Foster is concerned that if an accident occurs in the area, confusion will exist as to who should have jurisdiction. "I have trouble making it a free for all," said Foster. "I do not feel easy about it and I do not have an answer," he added.

The Council proceeded to debate the matter for 45 minutes to an hour. During this time discussion and confusion existed as the council interacted with the Spitz and City Staff. "Why don't the whole council meet on scene and give everybody the clear picture?" asked Ward II Councilman Chambers in an effort to provide a solution.

Mayor Nephew entertained the property owner in a one on one discussion about the possibility of keeping Oklahoma Street open. Nephew expressed some confusion about the issue and stated that she would like to see a power point presentation.

City Manger Jones worked to bring clarity to the situation. "If you go with the common sense decision it is going to work," he said, indicating that the Council should simply eliminate the westernmost curb cut and approve the project as is.

Jones pointed out that according to the grant the trees must be planted by April 15th. It was noted by Ward III Councilman Hampton that more delay on approving the plan may cause a delay in implementing the grant.

Aguirre agreed and brought the confusion to an end by moving approval of the plan as purposed with the elimination of the westernmost curb cut. This was approved with the notable NO vote of Foster.