18 Story Project goes to Plan Commission on Monday, Lake Monona Waterfront Preliminary Report

Greetings friends and neighbors.

McGrath Property Group Seeks Approval of 18 Story Project 

The 18 Story Building on E. Olin Ave goes before Plan Commission on Monday, July 26. The meeting starts at 5:30, and this item, Legistar #65653, is listed as #5 on the agenda.

Concerns have been expressed about lighting, the impact on birds, the fate of the Wonder Bar, and the potential negative impact on traffic along Olin Ave. Those in support cite the need for new housing to address Madison's chronic housing shortage.

I share the view of those who contend we must build up and not out, that to do otherwise is environmentally irresponsible in the face of climate change. I did offer testimony at Urban Design Commission last week in oppositon to the proposed illuminated beacon at the top of the building, which has since been removed from the project plans. I believe it's imperative that, as our city grows, we implement state-of-the-art approaches to protecting our night sky and mitigating the impact of light pollution on human health and migratory species.

I have also met with Traffic Engineering to discuss possible measures to address dangerous traffic speeds in the residential section of Olin in anticipation of increased traffic volume.

The developer has shown interest in moving the Wonder Bar and saving it from demoliton. However, due to the weight of the structure, there are apparent limits on where the building can be moved because of load restrictions on various nearby bridges.

You may watch the Plan Commisson meeting online. 

You may send comments on this agenda item to pccomments@cityofmadison.com. 

If you wish to speak at this meeting, you must register. When you register to speak, you will be sent an email with the information you will need to join the virtual meeting.

REGISTER FOR PUBLIC COMMENT BY CLICKING HERE.

Lake Monona Waterfront - Preliminary Report

The Preliminary Report for the Lake Monona Waterfront is complete.

The report is a pre-planning document that will inform the future planning phase for the lakeshore corridor. The report includes the goals and priorities from the community engagement work conducted in 2019 and 2020, and a thorough site analysis and inventory for the planning area. The report's completion is the first step in developing a city-wide vision for this critical waterfront corridor.  

For more information, please click here.

Take care and stay cool.

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