Complete Green Streets, Neighborhood Grant Program, Xmas Tree Collection

Hi Everyone,

Starting 2023 with hope for a better year for all of us. I trust your holiday break was filled with joy and meaning and that you feel encouraged as we move into the new year.

Complete Green Streets

Tonight is the first Council meeting of 2023. The agenda includes authorizing a referendum to appear on the spring ballot to establish staggered alder terms. I'm somewhat ambivalent about this measure, which is intended to mitigate the impact of turnover, 

Also on the agenda is the approval of the Complete Green Streets policy. I've received a number of emails from Bay Creek residents concerned about the impact this policy would have on our urban canopy.

If you are concerned about the street tree issue in neighborhoods with narrower street terraces within in the Complete Green Streets program, you may want to watch Plan Commission's consideration from Dec. 12. Several questions were asked by commissioners and staff provided answers. Q&A and discussion is from about 0:36:50 to 0:59:10,

Urban Forestry is within the Streets Division of city government. Alders received the following communication this morning from Bryan Johnson, who is the public information officer for Streets:

Hello, everyone

I understand you have been receiving some emails from residents about tree canopy concerns and the Complete Green Streets Plan before your (meeting) tonight.

Streets Superintendent Charlie Romines and Interim City Forester Craig Klinke were involved in this process, and support the plan.

The Complete Green Streets plan contains no changes to Urban Forestry's long-standing practices regarding canopy trees.

Let me add that questions will be asked at tonight's Council meeting, but I am nearly 100% certain that there has been no deviation from the recommendations set forth by the Urban Forestry Task Force with respect to canopy trees. 

Moreover, the concept of priority areas for the Complete Green Streets program is a good thing, recognizing that design resources should be prioritized for low income neighborhoods in the city that have in the past been excluded.

In short, I have confidence that staff and my colleagues remain committed to our urban forestry goals. If I learn otherwise, I will let you know.

Neighborhood Grant Program is Now Open!

From now until February 20, 2023, Madison neighborhood associations and other related groups can apply for city grants under the Neighborhood Grant Program to help them make small improvements to their neighborhood or the organizations themselves.

Administered by the city's Planning Division, the program has been around since 1999 and has provided funding for over 300 projects that have helped "neighborhoods beautify gateways, create public gathering places, build leadership skills, or plan for the future." It gives out $25,000 of grant money, generally in amounts of $1,000 to $5,000.

"It's a small amount, but over time neighborhoods receiving grants have shown that they can make the funding go a long way," said Linda Horvath, an urban planner for the city of Madison. "Neighbors come together and the connections they make while beautifying their surroundings or building their organizational skills is where the great value comes in."

How to Have Your Christmas Tree Collected

The Streets Division provides two rounds of curbside collection for Christmas trees.

The first round will begin on January 3 and the second and final round begins on January 17. Both collections are weather dependent as snowstorm response takes precedence. 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.

What about wreaths?

Do not place wreaths, evergreen rope, garlands, and boughs out for tree collection. These belong in the trash. They contain wires or metal that can damage wood chipping equipment.

Where to Place Your Tree for Collection

Trees must be placed on the terrace or the road edge, and must be accessible by collection crews. Trees buried under snow or frozen in place will not be collected.

That's all for now. 

Take care and stay safe throughout 2023!

Tag