Monroe Street Library, Transit Network Redesign, Glenway Golf Park

Hi Everyone.

The big news this week is Public Health's indoor mask requirement expires on March 1, an indication we are on the backside of the Omicron variant surge. Case numbers are declining, as are hospitalizations for serious Covid illness. That said, vaccines remain your best protection, so don't hesitate to get vaccinated and boosted. 

It's worth adding this does not mean the pandemic is over or that we are now in the endemic phase. Caution is the wise personal response.

In any case, face coverings will still be required on public transportation, at least until March 18, due to federal requirements.

Here are this week's updates:

Monroe Street Library

Monroe Street Library will soon be increasing service to five days a week. The hours will be 10am - 6pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and 9am -5pm Saturday. (The library will be closed Thursday and Sunday.) After a two-year hiatus, story time for kids will begin Tues., March 8 at 10:30am. Sessions continue through March 29. Siblings and childcare groups are welcome. No need to register in advance.

Transit Network Redesign Citywide Community Meeting

Metro Transit has announced an upcoming community meeting on Thursday, Feb 24th at 6pm via Zoom, to discuss the recently released Metro Transit Network Redesign draft. 

Click here for the Zoom link.

Or you may Dial In: 1-312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 810 2500 1890
Passcode: 887972
The meeting will be recorded.

This is a citywde meeting, one that will be supplemented by a series of 8 - 10 geographically-specific neighborhood meetings to get community input. City staff recently met with residents in Dudgeon-Monroe and Bay Creek at their respective neighborhood association meetings. The geo-specific meetings will be scheduled in addition to allow for more feedback.

This draft plan was designed to achieve the Transportation Policy and Planning Board's objective of a new network centered on the "mostly ridership" goal – focusing on fewer routes that are more direct and frequent, while providing coverage where it is needed most.

Glenway Golf Park

Winter is flying by quickly and site work is continuing, including additonal attention to trees on the course. Tree health and golf course needs guide the decison-making around pruning and tree removal. Special focus has been on the Oaks, and one of the trees that has been identified previously for removal is the Oak on the 6 tee box. Additional work is required with the two maples that hang over the tee boxes on hole 4. One of the maples is crowding out a nearby Oak and will have to be removed. The adjoining larger Silver Maple and Oak will be pruned back. Pending the results of the pruning process throughout the course, additional removals may be required.

As has been shared since the beginning of the project, one of the primary goals is to create a healthy tree canopy and native habitat of diverse species that will provide countless benefits for generations to come. Canopy management in this instance allows the remaining trees greater opportunity to thrive and provide space for planting and establishing new native trees.

In The News:

• Lake Monona Waterfront - Design Challenge
• City of Madison Common Council Agenda: Upcoming New Format 
• Madison's Focus on Prioritizing Safety is Forward Thinking
• No Spring Primary in the City of Madison on February 15 
• Big Changes for Street Division Drop-Off Sites
• First Library Takeover Event Scheduled for February 26, 2022 
• Madison Commons, Media Digest
• City of Madison Complete Meeting Schedule
• City of Madison Calendar of Events

Lastly, my ankle continues to heal and I'm now able to take walks outside with Bella. I encourage you all to be careful during the remaining snow season, as I'm pretty sure we're not done with it yet.

Take care and stay safe,

TAG