What could be simpler than improving the unattractive Underground tunnel system crisscrossing downtown Oklahoma City? After all, city government officials have expressed support, and city staff is expected to begin working on it after today's City Council meeting.

But a closer look at the 76 property parcels defining the proposed special improvement assessment district reveals the headache that Downtown Oklahoma City Inc.'s Allison Oshel has to deal with: In addition to land owned by Oklahoma City proper, those tunnels also involve privately owned property, utilities, county- owned land leased by the city, and constantly shifting ownership.