Updates & Week of May 25 Meetings of Interest for District 2

District 2 Updates and Meetings of Interest

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

City meetings remain online only with details on agendas listed in Meetings of Interest below; all have virtual public participation options.

Stay in touch with your neighbors through either Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc. or Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association. CNI's next virtual Executive Committee meeting is May 26 and TLNA Council's virtual monthly meeting is June 11.

Stay healthy, stay home, stay in touch, and please practice physical distancing whenever outside your home. Using a face mask in indoor shared spaces is advised, as in outdoor spaces without at least 6 feet between you and those not in your household or closed circle.
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There are three sections to this week's update:

1. COVID-19 Updates
2. Other District 2 Updates
3. City Meetings of Interest to District 2

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1. COVID-19 UPDATES

 

Where to Get COVID-19 Information

 

- For information on Madison's responses visit the City's Coronavirus Website. There you will find links to City Service Updates, Resources for Businesses, and much more.

 

- Another key site is Public Health Madison and Dane County and their Data Dashboard.

 

- Español: COVID-19 and Hmoob: COVID-19.

 

- Public Health also is publishing a COVID-19 newsletter. See the latest issue here. Subscribe to the City's COVID-19 email updates and/or text alerts here.

 

- Public Health's recommendations and guidance for ways to stay safe and healthy. Their FAQ page has additional information for common questions and ways to help.

Other COVID-19 Resources and Info

 

From Public Health Madison & Dane County: Public Health Issues Order Moving Dane County to Reopening Phase 1

From City of Madison: Expanded Hours for Dane County COVID-19 Community Testing Site at Alliant Energy Center

 

From Dane County: Dane County Announces Multi-Million Dollar Effort to Reduce Evictions, Improve Access to Housing During COVID-19 Pandemic 

 

From Public Health: Announcing Forward Dane Plan and Releases New Order Encouraging Businesses to Prepare for Reopening

 

From Governor Evers: Gov. Evers Announces $25 Million Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program. 

 

From the Mayor: Wear your Cloth Facial Coverings this Memorial Day Weekend!.

 

From the Water Utility: Reopening soon? Make sure your water is safe.

 

The Governor's Office compilation of all COVID-19 resources and information from state agencies, including the State Dept. Public Health.

 

Food Resources: 

• Salvation Army on Darbo St: (608) 250-2203.
• East Madison Community Center
• The River Food Pantry
• Madison Metropolitan School District free lunch offerings.

Immigration Resources:

• Dane County Immigration Affairs Specialist: Fabiola Hamdan, hamdan@countyofdane.com, 608-242-6260
• Latino Consortium for Action (LCA) Emergency Relief Fund for COVID-19

Resources for Renters/Housing and more:

• Tenant Resource Center: 608-257-0006 ext. 7
• Greater Madison Resource Center: COVID-19 Resources and Needs

Info on Madison Public Library's Curbside Service and Library@Home here.

From the City's Economic Development Division: Business & Non-profit Information Covid-19.

From Public Health Madison & Dane County: Public Health Tips for Properly Re-Opening Your Business.

 

All City of Madison news releases are here.

 

Information about Downtown Madison's businesses during the pandemic can be found here.

 

From Dane Buy Local: Dane County Small Business Pandemic Support Program.

 

TLNA list of some area restaurants and retailers that need your business and support.

 

Information on UW-Madison's response to the pandemic at this site.

 

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2. OTHER DISTRICT 2 UPDATES

 

On-Street Parking Restriction Changes: Meters and Street Sweeping Starting on June 1

As Phase 1 of the Forward Dane County plan begins, the Parking Division will reinstate enforcement of on-street meters and Street Sweeping restrictions beginning June 1. Resident Permit-Only and 1-hour and 2-hour posted restrictions in non-metered areas will remain suspended through at least June 8, 2020.

The following on-street parking restrictions will remain temporarily suspended city-wide through May 31, and will not be enforced:

• On-street meters (time limits and fees are suspended)
• Residential Permit Only
• 1-hour and 2-hour time-limits in non-metered areas
• Street sweeping and Clean Streets-Clean Lakes program restrictions

On June 1, 2020, all parking meter fees and restrictions & street sweeping and Clean Streets-Clean Lakes restrictions will be enforced. A reminder that all other parking restrictions must still be followed. More details here.

 

 

May 27: 400 Block E. Washington Proposal At Urban Design Commission

 

LZ Ventures' redevelopment proposal for the north side of 400 block of E. Washington Ave. is expected to be formally considered by the Urban Design Commission at their May 27 virtual meeting. The proposal is for a 10-story apartment building along E. Washington with some commercial space on the ground floor. The building would step down to 6 stories in the rear with rooftop amenities atop the 6th floor.

 

Instructions for watching or giving public comment at the UDC meeting are detailed in the meeting agenda. The proposal could move to Plan Commission on June 8 if approved by UDC. Email comments for UDC can be sent to City Planning's Janine Glaeser (JGlaeser@cityofmadison.com) who can forward them to commissioners. The UDC's earlier comments on the proposal and materials for the May 27 meeting can be found here, while the developer's land use application can be found here.

 

UDC will be the approving body in determining if the proposal conforms to Urban Design District 4 design standards and guidelines. It will be advisory to Plan Commission on the request for two bonus floors along E. Washington. Eight floors are allowed in the zoning code for this site and up to two bonus floors are allowed if Plan Commission finds that all of the following conditions are present:

1. The excess height is compatible with the existing or planned (if the recommendations in the Downtown Plan call for changes) character of the surrounding area, including but not limited to the scale, mass, rhythm, and setbacks of buildings and relationships to street frontages and public spaces.
2. The excess height allows for a demonstrated higher quality building than could be achieved without the additional stories.
3. The scale, massing and design of new buildings complement and positively contribute to the setting of any landmark buildings within or adjacent to the projects and create a pleasing visual relationship with them.
4. For projects proposed in priority viewsheds and other views and vistas identified on the Views and Vistas Map in the City of Madison Downtown Plan, there are no negative impacts on the viewshed as demonstrated by viewshed studies prepared by the applicant.

Some neighbors are concerned about the loss of the existing buildings that contribute to the history and fabric of the James Madison Park neighborhood and contain affordably priced apartments while others see the need for more housing and density along what is expected to be Madison's first Bus Rapid Transit route. The James Madison Park District steering committee that is reviewing the proposal is expected to provide a committee letter to UDC before its meeting. If you'd like to stay informed about the steering committee's work contact Joe at jmartino@isi360.com or Eli at president@capitolneighborhoods.org.

 

 

Low Response Rate in District 2 for 2020 Census

 

It appears that the deadline for filling out your 2020 census is going to be extended. That is a good thing for District 2 because we are lagging compared to most of Madison. Check out this map and website to see how we need our response rate to go up.

 

College Students Can Use Madison Residency For the Census

Some portions of District 2 have many college student residents who are away from Madison due to the pandemic, but they should still fill out the census. Census Bureau officials say students living away from home should be counted at their on-campus or off-campus college address, even if coronavirus has temporarily sent them to stay with their parents or elsewhere. Where you lived on Census Day, April 1, 2020, is what counts, so if you had a dorm room or apartment in Madison on Census Day, even though you may have temporarily been staying elsewhere, your census residence is Madison. 

 

Fill out the census over the phone, by mail or online at my2020census.gov.

 

 

Goats in Parks: Prescribed Grazing

 

Fighting invasive plants is an on-going challenge for Parks staff and volunteers. Management is not only time-consuming; it can also include the application of herbicides in an effort to win the battle. This year, Madison Parks is utilizing a new invasive plant management technique. Goats! Yes, goats! Learn more here.

 

 

Green Infrastructure, More Than a Buzz Word: Project, Pilot, Upcoming Meeting

 

The City's Engineering Division would like to invite the public to learn more about green infrastructure and a pilot project in the Westmorland neighborhood. The public is invited to attend an upcoming virtual public information meeting, 5:30 p.m., June 10, via Zoom. Register for the meeting by June 9 . 

 

What is Green Infrastructure?
When it comes to stormwater management, green infrastructure  can be explained as a number of approaches to managing wet weather impacts in a more resilient approach that manages more rain where it lands. Examples of green infrastructure include, but are not limited to, plant or soil systems, permeable pavement or other permeable surfaces , rainwater harvest  and reuse with rain barrels or rain gardens. Green infrastructure is different than gray infrastructure, which is also included in the City's current infrastructure. Gray infrastructure is the more traditional piped system which traditionally meant to move water directly from one location to another location. Green infrastructure reduces and treats stormwater at its source while delivering environmental, social and economic benefits. More info here.

Hub II Proposal Heads Back to Urban Design Commission

 

The proposal by Core Spaces for an apartment building at 126 Langdon St. with 107 units, 373 beds, and 20 parking stalls was referred back to the Urban Design Commission by Plan Commission at their May 18 meeting. Plan Commission voted to approve the following motion:

 

"... recommended referral of the conditional uses, to no specific date, pending review by the Urban Design Commission. In making their motion, the Plan Commission stated that Standard #14 can be found met and specifically requested that the Urban Design Commission review the front building facade to provide a massing and rhythm that is more compatible with the front facades of buildings within the area. The Plan Commission also requested that the Urban Design Commission review the site circulation to accommodate all the ways people will use the proposed building, specifically in regards to the loading zone, moped parking, and how delivery and ride share vehicles will use and access the site."

 

The motion effectively approves the two additional stories that the developer is seeking for the rear section of the building, but leaves full approval up to Plan Commission after they obtain more input from UDC about the building's front massing and facade, as well as about circulation concerns. It could be that those aspects of the proposal will evolve, but that is to be determined. I did not support this motion because I feel that the front massing of the proposed building is too large and incongruent with the historic character of Langdon Street and that UDC will not rectify that issue. Indications are that UDC will consider Plan Commission's request at their July 1 meeting. I will post any updates as I get them. The proposal's plans, the steering committee report, and materials submitted to the Plan Commission are housed here. 

 

Underground Transmission Line Replacement Impacts Blount & Johnson Streets.

 

The July 2019 explosion of a transformer at the MG&E substation on East Main caused a dramatic fire and smoke plume as well as a widespread power outage from the eastside through parts of the UW campus. That explosion also damaged the underground transmission line that runs from MG&E on E. Washington to their East Campus substation, site of a second explosion. This summer the American Transmission Company will be replacing the underground line in a two-phase project.

 

Phase I: Ending Mid-June

In District 2, Phase I is already underway. Crews are accessing the transmission line through manholes and are draining the line of its fluid. There will be lane closures in several places on N. Blount and E. Johnson to divert traffic around manholes when they are accessed. ATC expects Phase I to be completed by about June 10, although they expect to complete Phase I on N. Blount St. by about May 30.

Phase II: July/August
Phase II will entail running a new transmission line from MG&E to the campus substation. In District 2, the line will follow its existing route under N. Blount until turning towards campus and down E. Johnson. Crews will feed the new line through manholes from large rolls mounted on trucks. There will be again be lane closures in several places to divert traffic around the trucks and manholes when they are accessed. That work will often occur at night to minimize traffic problems due to lane closures, which are expected to be lengthier and more frequent than in Phase I. No damage or repair to the road surface is anticipated. ATC expects Phase II to begin in July and end in August. As the schedule solidifies, I'll let you know.

 

 

Metro Runs Reduced Service on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25

 

More details and which routes will be operating on which schedules available here.

 

 

Water Main Flushing This Week West of N. Blair Street

 

The Madison Water Utility will again be doing water main flushing in parts of District 2 beginning on Tuesday, May 26. Flushing should take place during daytime hours in all of District 2 that is west (towards the Capitol and campus) of N. Blair Street. Flushing can cause temporarily low water pressure or discoloration - more information can be found at this page.

 

 

Update: More Traffic Enforcement in East Washington Corridor

 

From the Madison Police Department:

MPD's continued focused deterrence effort, aimed at improving driving behavior, in the East Washington Ave. corridor continued over the past weekend with great assistance from the Wisconsin State Patrol. Between troopers and MPD officers 64 citations and 65 warnings were issued Friday and Saturday nights. In addition, troopers arrested three impaired drivers, and another on tentative drug charges.

 

In terms of significant incidents, the State Patrol noted one driver going 126 mph in a 55 mph zone, with several motorists attempting to elude law enforcement, including one who crashed. The MPD's ongoing problem-solving initiative comes in direct response to community members complaints about speeding, reckless driving, and racing in the East Washington Ave. corridor. We thank the Wisconsin State Patrol for their partnership in making these Madison roadways safer.

 

Neighborhood Proposal to Reverse Direction of One-Way Prospect Pl and Washburn Pl

The City has received a request to reverse the one-way traffic flow on Prospect Place and Washburn Place. Currently, Prospect Place is a one-way street off of N. Paterson St. with traffic flowing southwest and Washburn Place is a one-way street with traffic flowing southeast. To get to either Prospect Place or Washburn Place, vehicles must first travel on N Paterson St. What is being discussed is whether to reverse the one-way traffic flow of these streets so that in order to get to these streets, vehicles would first turn off of E Gorham Street onto Washburn Place and then proceed to Prospect Place. Vehicles leaving this area would have to travel to N Paterson St and use the traffic signal at N Paterson Street and E Gorham Street.

Madison Traffic Engineering is hosting a virtual public meeting on Thursday, May 28, at 6pm to get feedback from residents who would be impacted by this project. A decision has not been made one way or another. City staff would like to hear from residents before determining how to proceed. The proposal's website is here which includes both pros and cons for the proposal. To obtain the link for the virtual meeting, or for more information, contact Jeremy Nash in Traffic Engineering (JNash@cityofmadison.com) or drop me an email (district2@cityofmadison.com).

 

June 1 Public Information Meeting for East Dayton Reconstruction

 

A second virtual public information meeting will be held on June 1 at 5:30pm to discuss an upcoming E. Dayton Street reconstruction project. City Engineering is estimating an August project to reconstruct the two blocks of E. Dayton between N. Blair and N. Livingston Streets. This project includes asphalt pavement resurfacing, spot repairs of curb and gutter, sidewalk, and driveway aprons and utility replacements of storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main facilities. Visit the project's webpage that will be updated throughout the construction, where you can signup to receive emails about the project, register for the public information meeting, and find contact information. You must register in advance in order to participate in the June 1 meeting. The public information meeting slides from the earlier May 21 informational meeting are also posted at the project webpage.

 

 

Mulch Availability in Parks Ends

 

The Streets Division began the final mulch deliveries to several parks on May 19 and the sites will not be restocked again once they have been emptied. More info here, including how to obtain the status of the City's brush processing facility.

 

City Allows Delay of Property Tax Payments Without Penalty Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Dane County recently approved a resolution that gives local units of government the flexibility to delay the due date for property taxes to October 1, 2020. Recent state legislation authorized the ability for counties and their communities to take this step in an attempt to offer payment flexibility for individuals and families who may be struggling to keep up with expenses during this difficult time. Common Council subsequently approved a resolution that implements such a provision for Madison residents. In Madison, property tax installment payments will be due in full on May 31 and July 31 as usual, but if not paid until as late as Sep. 30, 2020, no penalties or interest will accrue.

Reminder: MG&E Seeking Annual Pruning Permit

Every year, Madison Gas and Electric applies for a permit to conduct tree pruning around their high voltage utility lines to ensure the safe transmission of electricity to our homes and businesses. Residents have the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions about MGE's pruning permit until 3:00pm on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. Details in an earlier Alder Update.

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3. CITY MEETINGS OF INTEREST TO DISTRICT 2

 

Below are some pertinent agenda items from the two city committees that are meeting this week. If you click on a meeting agenda below, then click on an agenda item of interest, you will see all documents that have been submitted on that item.

 

The city meeting agenda items are open for testimony from the public should you be interested in weighing in via teleconferencing or email (details included on agendas). Committees also have an opportunity at the beginning of each agenda for Public Comment on items not on the agenda. I also appreciate hearing from you on any items on which you have a particular interest or concern.

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Community Development Authority: Agenda

4:30pm, Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Virtual Meeting

 

The City of Madison is holding this Community Development Authority meeting virtually to help protect our community from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Note: Virtual attendance instructions in the agenda linked above.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Agenda Item 7

Authorizing the Community Development Authority to accept $195,353 of Public Housing Operating funds to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus. 

 

Agenda Item 8

Authorizing the Community Development Authority to accept $237,862 of Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Fee funds to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus.

Agenda Item 9
Accepting statutory and regulatory waivers for the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs authorized by HUD pursuant to authority provided under the CARES Act. 

 

Agenda Item 12
Update on Housing Operations and Security Contract Performance - Deb Rakowski

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Urban Design Commission: Agenda

4:30pm, Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Virtual Meeting

 

The City of Madison is holding the Urban Design Commission Special Meeting virtually to help protect our community from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

Note: Virtual attendance instructions in the agenda linked above.

 

PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS

 

Agenda Item 1

825 E. Washington Avenue - New 8-Story, 81,232 Square Foot Hotel with 151 Guest Rooms in UDD No. 8. 6th Ald. Dist.

Owner: 825 E. Washington, LLC

Applicant: Josh Wilcox, GBA architecture design

Initial/Final Approval is Requested

Note: This item is the proposed Moxy Hotel across E. Washington from the Galaxie.

Agenda Item 2
902-908 E. Main Street - New 5-Story, 92,000 Square Foot Office Building with 5-Story Above Grade Parking Structure for The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) in UDD No. 8. 6th Ald. Dist.

Owner: Archipelago Village, LLC

Applicant: Doug Hursh, Potter Lawson, Inc.

Initial/Final Approval is Requested

 

Agenda Item 3

414 E. Washington Avenue - New 8-10-Story Mixed-Use Building Containing 4,000 Square Feet of Commercial Space, 152 Dwelling Units and Underground Parking in UDD No. 4. 2nd Ald. Dist.

Owner: John Leja, LZ Ventures

Applicant: Duane Johnson, Knothe & Bruce Architects

Initial/Final Approval is Requested

Note: This item is discussed in "OTHER DISTRICT 2 UPDATES" above

 

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

Agenda Item 11
1 N. Pinckney Street - Redevelopment of Block 101, American Exchange Bank for Retail and Office Space with Underground Parking Located in UDD No. 4. 4th Ald. Dist.

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Commission of the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District: Agenda

8:00am, Thursday, May 28, 2020

Virtual Meeting

 

This meeting will take place virtually via GoToMeeting. 

 

Note: Virtual attendance instructions in the agenda linked above.

Agenda Item 3

Consent Calendar

This item includes:

 • East Gorham Street Resurfacing: Utilities, City of Madison

 

Agenda Item 7

Chief Engineer and Director's Report

Items to be covered include but are not limited to:

A. CED Update

B. Regulatory/Legal Review

C. Operations Report Monitoring COVID through wastewater update

D. Future Meeting Schedule

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Joint Area Campus Committee: Agenda

4:45pm, Thursday, May 28, 2020

Virtual Meeting

 

The City of Madison is holding the Joint Campus Area Committee meeting virtually to help protect our community from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

 

Note: Virtual attendance instructions in the agenda linked above.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Agenda Item 2

BRT UPDATE

Update from Dave Trowbridge, AICP.

 

Agenda Item 3

University of Wisconsin-Madison Project Updates

Note: This item includes "- N. Frances Street Parking Facility"

 

Agenda Item 4

City of Madison Project Updates

Note: This item includes "- 126 Langdon St. redevelopment - Hub II (Legistar 57757)"

 

Agenda Item 6

Capitol Neighborhood Association Updates

- 1 N Pinckney St. (Legistar 60545)

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Room Tax Commission: Agenda

4;00pm, Friday, May 29, 2020

Virtual Meeting

 

The City of Madison is holding this Room Tax Commission meeting virtually to help protect our community from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

Note: Virtual attendance instructions in the agenda linked above.

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Agenda Item 1

Discussion with Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway

 

Agenda Item 2

Presentation by Major Recipients of Room Tax Commission Funds

 

Agenda Item 3

2019 Financial Performance and 2020 Economic and Fiscal Outlook

 

Agenda Item 4

Briefing on Legal Issues

 

Agenda Item 5

Options for Balancing 2020 Revenues and Expenditures

 

ACTION ITEM

 

Agenda Item 6

Amending the 2020 Adopted Room Tax Commission Budget

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