Road projects, Metro Redesign, Zoning Changes - D15 Update 3/1/21

Last Week

Lake Edge has the worst roads for sure!

A few weeks ago, Josh in Lake Edge asked about the state of our streets and wanted to know about plans to get them fixed.

Last year the city approved a capital budget totaling $166M. Nearly 40% of that total ($65M), was for repairing and reconstructing our city streets and for the street lighting, and storm and sanitary sewer improvements that go along with it.

While that's a lot of money, it really only covers fixing the worst of the worst streets in the city. The map above shows the pavement ratings of all the streets in Madison. The streets that are in the worst condition (pavement rating 1-3) are shown in red. As you can see, Josh is right that Lake Edge does indeed have some of the worst pavement conditions in the city. This isn't surprising since many of these streets were constructed nearly 100 years ago when the neighborhood was first built. The streets in Eastmorland were constructed a decade or two later and are still holding up a bit better than Lake Edge, but will likely start becoming due for reconstruction in the next several decades. 

While we could borrow more money to reconstruct more streets sooner, it's a balancing act to try and keep property taxes in check. Most of the streets in Lake Edge will be reconstructed in the next 10-15 years and then it'll be much smoother sailing for many years to come.

The long-awaited Dean/Allis project is on track for completion this year and Dempsey/Davies is expected to be completed next year. Several other Lake Edge streets are already in the 5 year plan as well and more will continue to be added. I'll share more information about the street reconstruction schedule for the next 5 years once the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) is updated this spring. In the meanwhile, if you notice any potholes that need filling, you can report those here.

In the news:

• River Food Pantry needs volunteers: more info here.
• Metro Transit Announces BRT Station Design Competition - due March 5
• Winter is Alive! a cooler world carnival - through March 7
• Bus Lines Poetry Contest 2021 - due March 15
• 2021 Grants to Beautify Your Neighborhood or Build Capacity! - due March 15
• City of Madison Seeking Part-Time School Crossing Guards
• Cabin Fever Survival Guide is a family-friendly activity guide for the last of the winter months during the pandemic
• Dane CORE Emergency Rental Assistance Program: learn more and see if you're eligible here.
• Madison Commons Media Digest

This Week

Proposed zoning ordinance amendments

On Monday, March 1, from 5:30pm-7:30pm, there will be a Zoom-based Community Q & A Session regarding the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments related to allowing greater residential densities and adjusting conditional use thresholds.  There will be a video presentation to provide an overview, and Planning Division Director Heather Stouder and Zoning Administrator Matt Tucker will be available for questions. Register for the session at Housing Ordinance Changes – Overview and Community Q & A. Read the proposed amendments here. Read the Staff Report/Memo here.

Common Council

The agenda for Tuesday's Common Council agenda will include several items of possible interest to D15 residents. You can be find a link to the agenda and to register on any item on the agenda here. 

• 7 - Meat People Butcher alcohol license - this was recommended for approval by the neighborhood association and ALRC
• 9 - Dean Avenue final - this was recommended for approval by the Transportation Commission and Board of Public Works
• 31 - Tear gas final report - this was recommended to be placed on file by the Public Safety Review Committee and recommended to be accepted by the Common Council Executive Committee

For introduction (no debate or discussion at this meeting):

• 46 - Transfer of the crossing guard program from MPD to Traffic Engineering
• 50 - Transfer of Parking Enforcement from MPD to Parking Utility
• 61 - Authorizing a one-time increase in the maximum award amount for Gooh Groceries (new proposed grocery store in the former Visions nightclub space)
• 69 - Endorsing all aspects of the restorative justice programs and encouraging MPD to take necessary steps to expand these programs. 

Homeless issues

The City-County Homeless Issues Committee is discussing COVID-19 vaccination plans for individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as the purchase of a new shelter on Zeier Road, at their meeting on Wednesday. Find Meeting Details Here.

Metro Transit Network Redesign

Attend a virtual informational meeting on Wednesday, March 3, 6pm-7:30pm to provide feedback and learn more about the Metro Transit Network Redesign. Complete information here.

The Campus Color Line

The Friends of UW-Madison Libraries are presenting a free livestream event on Thursday, March 4, at 4pm – The Campus Color Line: College Presidents and the Struggle for Black Freedom.  With a focus on UW-Madison, author Eddie R. Cole will discuss his new book, The Campus Color Line: College Presidents and the Struggle for Black Freedom with UW-Madison's Public History Project Director, Kacie Lucchini Butcher. No registration required, simply click here to join.

Other city meetings

There are a number of city meetings not highlighted in this update. You can find a full schedule of city meetings here.

Save the Date

• Women in Construction Roundtable - March 10, at 4pm. Register for the roundtable here.
• Bus stop changes public hearing at Transportation Commission - March 10 at 5pm.
• The People's Maps Commission Public Hearing - March 11 (more info here)
• Capitol Neighborhoods Forum on Restructuring Madison City Government - March 16 at 7:00 p.m. (more info here)
• Spring Election - April 6

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