CGR & 4502 Milwaukee Zoning Changes Approved, More Zoning at Plan Commission - D15 Update 11/23/20

Last Week

Cottage Grove Road Redevelopment - The Common Council approved the zoning change needed for the Monona Drive/Cottage Grove Road redevelopment project last week. This was the final approval needed for the project to move forward. That approval was conditioned on an updated design that includes significant commercial space along the street frontage. Per the developer, demolition of the existing buildings is likely to occur in the fall of 2021.

4502 Milwaukee (former Karmenta site) - The Common Council also approved the zoning changes that allow for the former Karmenta site to be used as a 'mission house'. These changes were pursued in order to allow the use of this facility as a family shelter operated by the Salvation Army. Families needing shelter have been housed in hotel rooms since the beginning of the pandemic and are in need of an interim location until the Salvation Army's new E. Washington facility is constructed. I am organizing a neighborhood meeting scheduled for December 15 to hear more details from city and Salvation Army staff about the expected operation of the site. I will share more details about that meeting, including a link to register, once they're finalized.

Cannabis Decriminalization - The Council also passed a number of ordinance changes that decriminalize the adult use of cannabis in Madison. I was happy to cosponsor these changes and look forward to further decriminalization at the state level in the future. You can read more about the changes here.

Freymiller's Liquor License - Neighbors heard from the applicants of a new liquor license for the former Jo Beck's bar on Thursday. Concerns were raised regarding some of the long-standing issues, especially regarding noise. The Alcohol License Review Committee will be holding a public hearing on the application at their December 16th meeting at 5:30 pm. I will share out details about how to register and provide comment ahead of that meeting.

COVID-19 Continues to Surge - The spread of COVID-19 has reached all-time highs across the country, state, and here locally. Last week, Public Health issued a new order that Prohibits Indoor Gatherings and Limits Outdoor Gatherings to 10 People. On Sunday, thousands of UW Health faculty and staff penned an open letter to the public, pleading that we all do our part to stem the tide. They reinforced three simple points: 1) Avoid gatherings that put you at risk, not just with strangers but extended family members, too. Not just big parties and rallies, but happy hours, conferences and sporting events. 2) Wear a mask. They really do work, and they save lives, including your own. 3) Wash your hands, often.

Other City Updates:

• Metro Public Hearing Postponed
• Refuse & Recycling Collection Schedule for the 2020 Thanksgiving Holiday
• The city would like your feedback on their Shared Streets Program. Please take this survey before December 1 to share your feedback on the program and what you liked or didn't like about it.

This Week

Plan Commission Milwaukee Street Area Mapping & Rezoning - On Monday, the Plan Commision will consider updating the official map to locate the primary street grid and zoning districts consistent with the Milaukee Street Special Area Plan that was adopted several years ago. You can find more details including a link to register here (agenda items 4 & 5).  

"BRT and Bikes and Madison, Oh My!" - Join Madison Bikes at their Community Meeting to discuss how the proposed modifications to streets like E Washington will affect how and where you ride around Madison. Details here.

Other City Meetings - There are several other city meetings not highlighted in this update. You can find a full schedule of city meetings here.

Save the Date

Dempsey/Davies/Maher Reconstruction Meeting #1 - December 14th, 2020 - 6p Details here.

4801 Buckeye Road Demolition Permit - Demolish single-family residence to construct new single-family residence at Plan Commission on December 14th.

Salvation Army Family Shelter Meeting - December 15th at 6:00p.

Freymiller's Alcohol Public Hearing - ALRC on December 16th at 5:30p.

E. Dean/Allis Reconstruction Meeting #2 - December 17th at 6:30p.

Subscribe to the District 15 blog via the sidebar above to receive email notification when new updates are published. If you have any questions or thoughts you can reach me at district15@cityofmadison.com.