District 13 Updates

Street Reconstruction is one of those least favorite but absolutely necessary aspects of modern life.

Several reconstruction projects will be taking place in District 13 this next year, and when they do it's my job to help inform you as to the details.

The city is proposing to reconstruct Gregory St from Glenway to Baltzell, Cross St from Copeland to Gilmore, Copeland St from Gregory to Monroe, and Western Ave from Gregory to Monroe. 

A public information meeting will be held on Thurs Jan 9, 6:30pm at the Wingra School gym, 701 Gilmore. 

City Engineering staff will be on hand to make a short presentation and answer questions regarding impacts to residential properties and traffic during reconstruction.

If you live on these streets, look for a letter in the mail with more details.  Your input is welcomed and encouraged.

Vilas Park Master Plan Survey #2

The Greenbush Neighborhood Council and Greenbush Green Team want your input in order to help shape the city's Vilas Park Master Plan (see https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/projects/vilas-henry-park-master-plan).   

This second* survey is about the section of Vilas Park near the intersection of Wingra and Erin Streets that has effigy mounds, the Annie C. Stewart Fountain, and dinosaur-themed play structures. Neighbors sometimes refer to this area, on a hill overlooking Lake Wingra and bounded on the north by Erin Street and on the south and west by the zoo, as the “Stewart Fountain” or “Dinosaur” park.

Click this link to take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CGNP6MQ

* If you haven’t yet responded to the first survey on Vilas Park Drive traffic options, here is that link:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J3K9FSF. There will be additional opportunities to weigh in on other Vilas Park planning issues before draft plans are developed early in 2020 and again before the Master Plan is finalized later in summer or fall of 2020.

And a reminder for Greenbush residents to please put on your calendar plan to attend the Greenbush Neighborhood Meeting to gather input on the Vilas Park Master Plan, 6:15-8:00 PM, Monday, Jan 27, Arboretum Cohousing, 1137 Erin St.

Thank you for your participation!

Xmas Tree Removal

The Streets Division provides two rounds of curbside collection for Christmas trees.  The first round will begin on January 2, 2020 with the second and final round beginning on January 21. 

Wreaths, evergreen rope, garlands, and boughs will not be collected alongside Christmas trees. These items contain wires or metal that can damage wood chipping equipment.  These should be placed into the refuse for disposal.

Residents who wish to have their trees collected at the curb should follow the below guidelines in order to guarantee their trees are picked up. Failure to follow the below list of rules may result in the tree not being collected.

Remove all tree stands regardless if they are metal or wood.
Remove all tree decorations such as lights, ornaments, or other metal objects.
Remove any tree bags, and any other foreign object.

The above listed items may damage the wood chipping equipment used to process collected trees, so they must be removed.

Trees must be placed on the terrace or the road edge, and must be accessible by collection crews.

Residents who wish to have their tree picked up during the first round should have their tree to the curb by 7:00am on January 2. Trees set to the curb at this time will likely be collected prior to January 17, 2020, depending on weather conditions and crew availability. If you place the trees to the curb after January 2, the tree may not be collected until the second round.

Residents who wish to have their tree collected at the curb and did not take advantage of the first round must have their tree to the curb by 7:00 a.m. on January 21. Trees set to the curb before 7:00 a.m. on January 21 will likely be collected prior to February 7, 2020 depending on weather conditions and crew availability. Trees set to the curb after 7:00 a.m. January 21 may not be picked up until the start of the regular brush collection services that will begin in the spring.

Madison residents may also bring their Christmas trees to one of the Streets Division drop-off sites.  The sites are located at 1501 W. Badger Rd. on the southwest side and at 4602 Sycamore Ave. on the east side.  The drop-off sites are open from 7:30am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday.

What about the Invasive Species?

The Wisconsin Department of Trade, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) issued a notice about an invasive species found in some holiday greenery this season, including Christmas trees.  This invasive species will not affect how the Streets Division collects Christmas trees from the curb or the drop-off sites. The invasive species does not alter the steps residents should follow to have their tree picked up, either. 

To prevent further spread of the invasive, DATCP recommends that residents do not compost infested trees or place infested trees in forested areas.

Additional information regarding tree collection, and other winter-related city operations, can be found on the City of Madison’s Winter website, www.cityofmadison.com/winter.

A very safe, happy and healthy new year to you all!