They said it
"It feels like you're in a war zone."
— Denyvetta Davis, JFK Neighborhood Association president, in remarks to the city council about the persistent explosions from car-crushing operations on East Reno Avenue. The council adopted regulations to curb the problems in 2014, but neighbors say nothing has changed. "We are asking, again, for your help," Davis said Tuesday. "Neighbors are frustrated, they're angry." Studies in Houston have documented cancer-causing hexavalent chromium in smoke from metal recycling operations. Davis said Oklahoma City's Action Center helpline refuses to take complaints about the explosions.
Tweet of the week
"Wonderful surprise to have great alum @baker__ jd back at @GaylordCollege for a visit. @davidfholt made a smart move to bring JD onto his mayor’s staff. Some day JD will be mayor himself!"
— @edkelley16, Gaylord College dean at the University of Oklahoma.
Tourism report mixed
The anticipated opening of the MAPS 3 convention center is weighing on the convention and tourism business in Oklahoma City. Convention and Tourism Bureau President Mike Carrier told the city council hotel-motel tax collections for 2017-18 were up 7.5 percent but future bookings fell short of the goal set for the year. Meeting planners are waiting for the new convention center to be done, he said, and current facilities are inadequate for others, while "last but certainly not least is the desire to be in a new facility as opposed to the facility we have now." The new convention center opens in 2020.
Of note: "We had a good year this year, not a great year," Carrier said.
TSA Precheck enrolling this week
Airline travelers can enroll in the federal expedited security screening program, TSA Precheck, this week at Will Rogers World Airport, The enrollment office will be on the baggage claim level, daily through Friday. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
Streetcar construction
MAPS 3 streetcar construction continues throughout downtown. For updates, follow the weekly downtown area traffic advisory online at okc.gov. Streetcar service begins in December.
• Operator training continues on the Bricktown loop.
• NW 5 and Broadway is closed through Oct. 12 for track work.
Present/absent
Mayor David Holt and six of the eight city council members attended last week's meeting. Ward 6 Councilwoman Meg Salyer was on vacation, and Ward 8 Councilman Mark Stonecipher also was on vacation.
Calendar
The Oklahoma City Council meets at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 25 at City Hall, 200 N Walker.
• Myriad Botanical Gardens' annual harvest festival, Pumpkinville, is Oct. 5 through 21.