Starbucks at Plan Commission Tonight, Lowell Street Reconstruction, N/S BRT Public Info Mtgs

Hi Everyone,
Here are this week's updates:

Plan Commission Vote on Proposed Starbucks on South Park -- Today, 5:30pm

Plan Commission meets virtually today at 5:30. First on the agenda is the "consideration of a conditional use in the Commercial Corridor-Transitional (CC-T) District for a vehicle access sales and service window to allow a restaurant to be converted into a coffee shop with vehicle access sales and service window in Urban Design Dist. 7." This is the redevelopment proposal to put in a Starbucks at the now-closed Arby's at 1609 S. Park. This item was referred at the August 28 meeting of the Plan Commission. I opposed the project back in August due to plans then for the store to be operated as a drive-thru only business. The developer has come back with new plans for a full-service cafe and, as a result, I have dropped my opposition. You may read my letter to Plan Commission members here. 

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for Public Comment
• Watch Online

Lowell Street Reconstruction

The City is planning to reconstruct Lowell St from W Lakeside St to S Shore Dr. The project includes the replacement of sanitary sewer main and laterals, storm sewer main and laterals and replace the connection into the lake, curb and gutter replacement, driveway apron replacement, asphalt pavement, and pavement markings. A public information meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Nov. 2, 2023, via Zoom. Registration prior is required.  Nov. 2, 2023 Public Information Meeting Registration

Public Information Sessions on Budget -- 10/30 and 11/1

The city’s budget for 2024 will be debated and adopted by the Common Council in November. In addition to public comment opportunities at Council meetings, there will be two community sessions on the budget. City Finance staff will provide background information on the city’s capital and operating budget process, including highlights of the 2024 executive budget. This is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about our city’s budget. Electronic copies of budget information can be found at https://www.cityofmadison.com/finance/budget/2024-budget

Virtual community sessions on the 2024 budget will be held on Monday, October 30 and Wednesday, November 1. Both meetings will start at 5:30 PM and end at 6:30 PM. These meetings will cover the same content and will be recorded.

Please register for the meetings using the links below. Registrants will be invited to participate in a question and answer session at the end of the meeting.

Monday October 30 Registration

Wednesday November 1 Registration

North-South BRT - Public Information (In-Person) Meeting for South Side Residents

Learn more about Metro’s proposed second Bus Rapid Transit line to run from the north side of Madison through the downtown area, to Madison’s southside neighborhoods and ending in Fitchburg. 5:30pm – 7:30pm Urban League (2222 S. Park Street)

Announcements & News Releases

• Upcoming Public Meetings on Bus Rapid Transit in Madison: Community members are encouraged to attend a public meeting to learn more about the City of Madison's proposed second Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line to run from the city's north side, through the downtown area, to the south side neighborhoods, and ending in Fitchburg.
• Listening Sessions Scheduled for City’s First Stormwater Utility Vegetation Management Plan: MADISON, Wis.-- The City of Madison Engineering Division has a number of upcoming listening sessions scheduled to help inform and receive feedback from residents and the community regarding the new Stormwater Utility Vegetation Management Plan, a plan that will incorporate public input and technical expertise to inform vegetation goals and priorities.

Events

• Cyclocross Practice Ride | Aldo Leopold Park, Wednesday, November 1: We've partnered with Capital Off-Road Pathfinders in offering a free, temporary cyclocross course to practice your biking skills. Each event is open from 5-7pm at the designated location. You will need a bike with knobby tires, such as a mountain bike style and a good-fitting helmet. Some parks do not have restrooms, please plan accordingly. Cyclocross is a form of bicycle racing similar to cross country running but on a bicycle. Courses feature wooded trails, grass, pavement, steep hills, and obstacles. See Cyclocross for more information.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Tenney Park, Saturday, November 4: Nature-expert guided walks in Tenney Park along Lake Mendota and the Yahara River Parkway bike path through the Madison Isthmus are free, family-friendly and held the first Saturday of each month, from 2:30-4pm. The walk begins at the Tenney Beach parking lot, 1330 Sherman Avenue. No registration is required. No pets are allowed. Co-sponsored by Madison FUN Friends of Urban Nature, Madison Parks, Madison Audubon Society , Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association and Friends of the Yahara River Parkway .
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Cherokee Marsh, North, Sunday, November 5: Cherokee Marsh is Madison’s largest conservation park with three units - North, South, and Mendota. Each month, year-round we explore the north unit's beautiful trails through the woodlands, wetlands, and restored prairies along the Yahara ‘Catfish’ River. Co-sponsored by Madison Parks, Friends of Cherokee Marsh , Sierra Club and Madison Audubon Society . Follow North Sherman Ave. to the parking lot at the end of the gravel entrance road. Free, family-friendly guided nature walks at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park – North are held on the 1st Sunday of each month, year-round 1:30-3pm. No registration is required. No pets are allowed.

That's in for now.

Take care and stay safe,
Tag