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A plan to turn an area near the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame into an arts and cultural district should move forward as quickly as possible.
The Muskogee City Council agreed to accept a grant from the City of Muskogee Foundation for up to $209,000 to purchase three parcels of property and begin razing buildings and cleaning up the area.
That idea, which also helps fund the OMHOF, should be applauded.
The properties — bounded by South Third and Fourth streets on the east and west and Columbus and Elgin streets on the north and south — could use a good scrubbing in preparation for development.
A building just north of the OMHOF has been an eyesore for years.
It is in eyesight of anyone who comes downtown to see the Three Rivers Museum or the OMHOF.
A derelict building is not the image we want to project to our visitors.
The building has been burned at least twice and is fenced off for the protection of anyone in the area.
By accepting the money, the city can purchase the properties and tear down this building.
The city can, if nothing else happens for years, create green space to the north of the OMHOF and Three Rivers.
Hopefully, the OMHOF will receive enough support to prove a centerpiece for an arts and cultural district.
Regardless of whatever development occurs there, a good cleanup now helps any future plans.
