The draft West Area Plan is not rezoning, per se; however, it represents the initial phase in the rezoning process

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Photos by Paul Baker (2009)

Like the "archived" 2016 Hill Farms Neighborhood Plan or the 2009 Midvale Heights/Westmorland Joint Neighborhood plan, the 2/23/24 draft West Area Plan is not a comprehensive plan by itself. It represents the initial phase in the rezoning process. Acting as the City's roadmap, the draft West Area Plan guides developers and residents by indicating where future rezoning and development are likely to occur. 

Should it gain final approval later this year by the Common Council, the West Area Plan would mandate that any subsequent rezoning undergo scrutiny for consistency with the 2023 City of Madison Comprehensive Plan, as mandated by state law. It's essential to recognize that approval of these rezonings is not guaranteed; they would still be subject to the same plan commission review and public notice as any other zoning change. 

Ultimately, the decision to pursue rezoning rests with the property owner in Madison. However, developers frequently leverage these public online area plans to pinpoint properties for acquisition with the intention of changing zoning and developing them accordingly. This is a critical juncture to voice your concerns about items in the draft West Area Plan at the March 12th 6:00pm in-person public meeting, as the precise language incorporated into the final comprehensive plan holds significant importance on the future of your neighborhood. 

What:  "Review Draft the West Area Plan - Attend In-Person Public Meeting!"
When: Tuesday, March 12, 2024  6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Vel Phillips Memorial High School
201 S. Gammon Road
Madison, WI 53717
Directions

No registration is required for this in-person meeting. If you have any questions, contact Planning Division staff: Linda Horvath, 608-266-1131, lhorvath@cityofmadison.com; Ben Zellers, 608-266-4866, bzellers@cityofmadison.com

Source: https://www.cityofmadison.com/dpced/planning/events/review-draft-the-west-area-plan-attend-in-person-public-meeting

Update on 3/11/24 at 5:38 pm CST