Transportation Policy, Passenger Rail, Nature Adventures

Greetings friends and neighbors,

Here are this week's updates.

Transportation Policy Changes Coming To Madison

Transportation Policy and Planning Board meets today, December 5 at 5:00 PM. Items on the agenda include establishing a Transportation Demand Management Program and amending the Madison General Ordinances to implement the new Transit Orientated Development ("TOD") Overlay District.

Staff has been working with the Plan Commission since fall 2021 to draft a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) overlay zoning district to permit a bump in development intensity in close proximity to high-frequency transit, which includes but is not limited to Bus Rapid Transit.  Many committee and community meetings have been held through development of the TOD overlay ordinance, including one for D13 residents back in September. Links to those recordings and other background information are available on the project website.  Public comments have been added to Legistar, and will continue to be added as they are submitted.

While I am aware there are concerns among some D13 residents regarding the TOD Overlay, I've looked at this closely and remain convinced these changes are a modest step towards a common-sense, forward-thinking policy to best manage our city's growth. It's estimated Madison will gain 100,000 new residents by 2050. It makes sense, therefore, that we add density and infill along our high-frequency transit routes. Click here for more info.

After this evening's meeting, the next steps are Plan Commission on December 12 and Common Council on January 3.  I welcome your input at district13@cityofmadison.com.

Passenger Rail Study Meeting This Wednesday

Apparently, this is the week of transportation highlights, and this Wednesday is an opportunity to learn more about the possibilities of bringing intercity Amtrak service to Madison. The meeting offers in-person and virtual alternatives for attending.

The purpose of the study is to identify a recommended location for a potential future Amtrak Station. With the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure law, historical levels of funding are available for new intercity passenger rail service. At the same time, Amtrak has identified Madison as a connection on a future Hiawatha Service extension. The study will leverage these opportunities and work towards bringing passenger rail service to Madison!

Meeting Details:
The meeting will include a presentation explaining the project, with opportunities to provide input and ask questions about the presentation and the opportunity to correspond with the elected officials, City Staff, Amtrak Staff, and the project consultant team.

In-person: The meeting will begin at 4:30 pm in room 215 of the Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.

Virtual via Zoom: The presentation will occur via Zoom at 6:30 pm.
Please register for the virtual meeting by visiting the City of Madison Transportation - Passenger Rail Station page.

Bird & Nature Adventures

Discover nature by foot, paddle or pedal or pontoon in a Bird & Nature Adventure! Bird & Nature Adventures are 90-minute, easy-paced, walking tours and plus some periodically offered as a paddle or biking adventure. Most meeting locations and times are the same each month, but can occasionally change, as does the topics each month. Click here for more details.

Fall Leaf Collection is Complete for 2022

The Streets Division's scheduled collection of leaves and yard waste for this fall is now complete. You should not place yard waste and leaves out for collection again this year. You are no longer guaranteed that the material will be picked up. Instead, you should take yard waste and leaves to a Streets Division drop-off site.

Have a Voice in City Government

Committees, commissions, and boards play a significant role in helping city staff, the Common Council and the Mayor in making decisions that affect the lives of Madison residents. The City of Madison values broad participation in these bodies and highly encourages people of color, persons with disabilities and members of other traditionally underrepresented groups to apply. Committee positions are open to City of Madison residents. Click here for more information.

Lastly...

It was a year ago this week that I slipped on the ice and broke my ankle, requiring surgery. I will be forever grateful for the friends and neighbors who helped out with meals, doing laundry and walking Bella during the long recovery. 

Here's a reminder to keep your sidewalks clear and be careful while being out and about when we get hit with snow and ice. I just purchased a new pair of Yaktraks and will be walking like a penguin all winter long!

Take care, stay safe, and enjoy the holiday season,

Tag