Steve Lackmeyer: Tower Theater still key to revival of NW 23, but owner struggling to tackle tough renovation

The business section has enjoyed the addition of two energy reporters under the new ownership, and I think we've had a great year so far. At a time when newspaper resources are stretched everywhere, I like to think we're improving our game and keeping our readers informed about what's going on in our city and state. Can we do better? Always. But I hope you're seeing the results of an enhanced business news staff.

What are the plans at the intersection of Joe Carter and E. Sheridian in Bricktown at the old metal buildings?

Gary Brooks and Andy Burnett are making progress on their apartments and hotel development, but they've consistently warned this won't be a quick or easy project. They must work with the city on removal of decades-old storm drains and then they will have to remove any contamination from the soil. Don't be surprised if, despite their best efforts, construction doesn't begin until 2014. This is a tricky project — best wishes to them in pulling it off.

Do you ever write a story and think, “The comments on this are going to be so stupid and ridiculous?" If you do, does that change the information you put into the story?

When it comes to the anonymous comments on the NewsOK stories, I pretty much assume that regardless of the topic (people like buying hot dogs late at night in Bricktown), it will spur comments about President Barack Obama or Mitt Romney being evil, or this is why we need prayer in schools. The comments on NewsOK rarely play any role in how I write my stories.

Will three garages be built in Oklahoma City? If so, is there an estimated time we might learn where they'll be built?

Two are announced: The city is building the 750-space garage south of City Hall, and a public/private partnership will build a 350-space garage at NW 10 and Robinson. I sense the city is waiting on a couple of potential projects to go public before making any moves on a third garage.

Read the complete chat transcript here.