UPDATE: Icy Sidewalks, Transit Network Redesign Update, More on Traffic Safety

Two updates to the post below.

First, the joint southside meeting for D13 and D14 residents regarding the draft Metro Transit Network Redesign orginally scheduled for April 5 has been moved to April 7 at 6pm in order to avoid election day.

Here is the Zoom link and call-in info:

https://cityofmadison.zoom.us/j/82042532905?pwd=Rzg3RjNKSE5BV0lsUWxIL3R0YVpIUT09

Meeting ID: 820 4253 2905
Passcode: 961535
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,82042532905# US (Chicago)

Secondly, I left out three of the targeted streets for the initial round of the Safe Streets Madison program. The full list should read:

• S. Park St. at Olin 
• S. Park St. at Haywood
• Regent St. at Brooks
• S. Park St. at Fish Hatchery
• S. Park St. at Lakeside

Transportation Commission will be discussing these proposed projects at their meeting this afternoon at 5pm. You can find the full agenda as well as links to register to provide comment at the meeting or to send in written comments to the commission by clicking here.

-TE

Hi Everyone.

It's very slippery out there. Be careful!

Update from city staff:

The wintrix mix event (variable precipitation of rain, freezing rain, sleet, or snow) that started to fall on Monday, February 21, 2022 has been ended prior midnight (12:00am). Any ice/snow accumulated from this event must be cleared/treated from the public sidewalks by 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. (I just checked in with staff -- due to continued sleet and snow, sidewalks must be cleared by noon tomorrow, Wed Feb 23.) Prompt removal is always in your own best interest. Forecast shows temperatures in the upper 20s for today. Ice that cannot be removed shall be treated with sand or another suitable substance to prevent the ice from being dangerous. 

Free sand is available at several locations around Madison. Learn more about snow rules and regulations. Visit the snow removal frequently asked questions.

Here are this week's updates:

Metro Transit Network Redesign

Public review of the Metro Transit Network Redesign proposal continues with a virtual meeting this Thursday, February 24th, and a new survey. You can find details on the proposed plan as well links to the survey and meeting details here.

A joint southside focused meeting for residents in District 13 & 14 has been scheduled for April 5th from 6 – 7:30 pm. Once I've received the Zoom link from Metro, I will share it with you.

Traffic Safety

On Wednesday, the Transportation Commission will take up several items related to traffic safety including review of the draft Vision Zero Action Plan and action on the proposed Safe Street Madison Round 1 project selection. You can read the Safe Streets Madison – Staff Memo for more information about recommendations and find detailed lists for all projects reviewed in the documents linked below. I've called out District 13 projects in each section. Additional locations not included below may also be listed as a Potential Future Project Location.

Proposed Round 1

S. Park St. at Olin Ave
S. Park St. at Haywood

Projects Needing Engagement/Data Review (potential Round 2)

Drake St. at S. Park St.
Drake St. – Park to Grant

Projects Recommended, but "On Hold"

Olin Ave at Goodman Pool
John Nolen Dr. at Lakeside

You can find the full agenda as well as links to register to provide comment at the meeting or to send in written comments to the commission here.

Roadway and Sidewalk Café Permits

The Vending Oversight Committee will be discussing several items related to roadside cafés, sidewalk cafes, and the Streatery program at its meeting on Wednesday, February 23rd. Details available here.

ARPA Funds for Community Organizations Supporting Undocumented Immigrants

The Community Services Committee will be discussing a proposal to allocate up to $700,000 in ARPA funds to community-based organizations supporting undocumented immigrants at its meeting this Thursday. Details available here.

For information about additional meetings scheduled for this week, please consult the City Meeting Schedule online here.

Events That May Be Of Interest

• Madison Public Library is offering free online trainings for senior digital safety called Senior Scams. COVID-19 has provided individuals with bad intentions, such as scammers, with new opportunities. Learn how to identify and protect against fake news, gets tips to help avoid becoming a victim of fraud and gain confidence on your journey to financial empowerment. Senior Scams is happening this Wednesday, February 23, 1pm - 2:30pm, and more information is available by clicking here.
• Madison Public Library's first Library Takeover event is scheduled for this Saturday, February 26, and will showcase Thrival Tools. The team organizing the event has invited both local and regional indigenous speakers representing the Ho-Chunk Nation, Ojibwe, Chicana and Yup'ik tribes to share some of the tools native peoples have relied on to not just survive, but thrive during winter. The event will include a series of speakers who will share stories, throat singing, and songs. Learn more here.

Announcements Worth Noting

• Madison has joined the Safety First Challenge, announced by the National League of Cities. Participation with the challenge aligns with Madison's current Vision Zero initiative mission to make safety on our roadways a priority, regardless of your chosen mode of transport. Learn more here.
• Last year, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced the Main Street Bounceback Grant, which provides $10,000 to new or existing businesses and non-profit organizations moving into vacant properties in Wisconsin's downtowns and commercial corridors. Funds are still available this year and WEDC is accepting applications until the funds runs out. Funds can be used to pay leases or mortgages, operational expenses and other business costs related to the newly opened location. Learn more here.
• The White House hosted a Day of Action for the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit in February to ensure that low-income filers and non-tax-filers are aware of these federal benefits for families. Everyone who may be eligible to take advantage of these credits should. Here's more information about how to access these tax credits and how Madison Public Libraries can help you file.
• The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison is soliciting submissions from artists for its 2022 sculpture exhibition on the William T. Evjue Rooftop Gardens and Olin Terrace. Art on the Rooftop is a free exhibit of public sculpture to help showcase the rooftop gardens and the facility as another "must see" Madison destination. Learn more here.

That's all for now. Again, be careful. Slipping on the ice risks serious injury. 

Take care and stay safe,

TAG