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Development Resource Guide for Alders

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Hi Everyone,

Development projects are a big challenge for alders. Staff and developers speak a common language, which puts alders and the residents they represent at a disadvantage.

Here's my work on developing a checklist for alders in terms of dealing with development projects in their districts.  It's in draft form, so if you have feedback, please email me at district 13@cityofmadison.com.

(Special thanks to Heather Stouder from Planning and Karen Kapusta-Pofahl from the Council office. And a special shout-out to Josh Napravnik, chair of DMNA's zoning committee, for giving me the idea.) 

(DRAFT) Development Resource Guide for Alders

Overview

This brief guide was compiled by the Common Council Office to help Alders navigate developments alongside City of Madison goals.  

This guide has four categories--housing affordability and equity, walkability and public transit, sustainability and resilience, and economic vitality-- that support the City's goals for growth and affordability, and ensure the continued striving toward Complete Neighborhoods.

"Complete neighborhoods are neighborhoods where resi­dents have safe and convenient access to the goods and services needed in daily life. Complete neighborhoods include a range of housing types and costs, a network of well-connected streets and blocks, usable public spaces, and a system of connected parks, paths, and greenways. Complete neighborhoods have amenities such as stores, schools, and places of worship within walking distance of residences. Employment and more regional shopping, service, and civic opportunities are accessible via nearby transit or a bicycle ride." (City of Madison Comprehensive Plan, p. 48)

Find the Comprehensive Plan online here

Housing Affordability and Equity

Affordable units in medium to large residential developments (Affordable Housing Fund)
Affordable housing distributed throughout the city and well served by transit (Comprehensive Plan p. 52)

Row Houses, Duplexes, Triplexes, and other "Missing Middle" residential density (Comprehensive Plan p. 49)
Home ownership assistance for first-time homebuyers of color (Home-Buy the American Dream)

Accessible lifecycle housing (Comprehensive Plan p. 49)
Mix of ownership and occupancy types beyond home single-family home ownership and apartment rental, such as housing cooperatives, boarding houses, multi-unit rentals, and condominiums (Comprehensive Plan p. 49)

Additional Resources

Walkability and Public Transit

Limited use of surface parking lots and expansive driveways
Shared car and bike services (B-Cycle)

Density around transit points (Comprehensive Plan p. 48)
Housing located near transit or within easy walking or biking distance to grocery stores, pharmacies, health care, and other locations residents go to fulfill their basic needs. (Comprehensive Plan p. 48)
Connected neighborhood network of sidewalks and streets (Comprehensive Plan p. 48)
Access to grocery stores, farmers markets, and community gardens within easy walking distance (Comprehensive Plan p. 58)

Additional Resources

Sustainability and Resilience

Maintaining and enhancing the tree canopy (Comprehensive Plan p. 94)
Incorporating LEED and Green Built Home development principles
Solar Installation (or Solar Ready)

Green rooftops, rain gardens and / or other measures to absorb surface runoff (City of Madison Rain Garden Specifications for Commercial Sites)

Charging stations for Electric Vehicles

Incorporate vegetation and green space into design, with attention to bird safety (Comprehensive Plan p. 96)

Additional Resources

Economic Vitality

Mixed-use zoning that pairs residential use with commercial use (Comprehensive Plan p. 48)
Intentional diversity in the size and uses of commercial space, in order to attract a range of business types (e.g., restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc (Comprehensive Plan p. 48)
Utilization of subcontractors from underrepresented groups (Comprehensive Plan p. 70)
Access to neighborhood cultural and entertainment venues and opportunities (Comprehensive Plan p. 81)
Cooperation between developers and community artists to incorporate public art into buildings (Comprehensive Plan p. 84-85)

Additional Resources

Take care and stay safe,

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