Neighborhood news and notes for July 8

Hello everyone, I hope you are enjoying the cooler weather. He's an update on news and events in District 19.

University Avenue stage 3

The University Avenue construction project moves to stage 3 on Monday morning (7/9/12). During stage 3, eastbound traffic will use the outside lane on the south side of the road. Westbound traffic will remain on the outside lane of the north side as it has been through stage 2. The major construction work will be in the median area. Stage 3 is expected to last about a month.

The Old Middleton on ramp to eastbound University Avenue will be closed for 2 weeks from July 23rd to August 6th. The detour is Whitney Way to University. This will likely cause significant backups on Old Middleton, so plan accordingly.

As always through the project, left turns are permitted at intersections only; there are no left turns into driveways.

Support our local businesses! Please make a special effort to visit some of the shops, restaurants and other businesses along the construction zone.

University Avenue path detour

The multi-use path on the north side of University will be closed between Indian Hills Park to Capital Avenue for construction of the Spring Harbor underpass and various retaining walls. The closure starts Monday (7/9/12) and is expected to last until August 6. Bike and ped traffic should use the sidewalk on the south side. The path segment between Eau Claire Ave. and points east (Blackhawk path) will remain open.

Please water street trees

If you have a newer street tree on the terrace in front or near your house, please give it a drink! During this drought, newer (planted less than two years) trees are especially vulnerable. The city trees as well as your own newly planted trees may require six to eight gallons of water every 10 days. Check the soil for moisture content. The soil should be moist, not saturated. Please water in the early morning or early evening to minimize water loss from evaporation.

Meeting about private wells

If you have your own well instead of city water, you'll want to attend a meeting to discuss implementation of and possible changes to the city's new private well ordinance, Monday, July 16 at 6:30 at the Lussier Community Education Center. (If you can't make that one, there's a second, identical meeting on July 23 at 6:30 at the East Police District.) You will also get a flyer in the mail.

Olbrich home garden tour

The Olbrich home garden tour is coming to our district! The tours are this Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14 and will feature homes in the Highlands, Woodland Hills and Spring Harbor neighborhoods. Details on the Olbrich Web site.

I welcome your questions and comments about this or any other city issue. Please contact me at district19@cityofmadison.com or 608-695-5709.

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