Traffic Calming, Metro Changes, Vote!! - D15 Update 2/14/21

Last Week

Traffic calming approved - Metro changes being considered

Last week, the Transportation Commission approved all of the 2021 traffic calming measures recommended by city staff. This included a speed hump on Lexington Avenue and a number of improvements to Swanton Road that were presented to the neighborhood last year. The commission also recommended that staff look into adding a 2-way stop or traffic circle at Hamlet/Milo to help discourage high-speed cut-through traffic. Installation of the enhancements is expected later this year.

You can find a higher resolution version of these images here and a full list of the candidate projects with recommendations here.

The commission also held a public hearing on proposed Metro service changes. Metro staff will be reviewing the feedback that they received from the public and the commission and will bring back a final proposal at a future commission meeting for approval. One of the proposed changes brings back Route 38 service to the Eastmorland and Lake Edge neighborhoods. You can find all of the details for the proposals here along with a link to provide feedback.

Proposed bus stop changes were also released last week and will be considered by the Transportation Commission on March 10. Passengers and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting or give feedback. Consideration will be given to views and comments expressed as well as to all phone and written comments received. Complete information can be found here.

MMSD reopening plan & MTI response 

Plans for a phased opening of public schools beginning March 9th were announced last week by Dr. Carlton Jenkins, MMSD Supt. The news came as a surprise to staff and building principals and has prompted many questions about the decision and logistics. Madison Teachers Inc. responded with An Open Letter to Dr. Carlton Jenkins, the Madison Metropolitan School Board, and the Madison community. 

Parents of MMSD students are expected to receive a request this week to indicate their intentions on whether their student(s) will be returning to in-person instruction or remain learning in an all-virtual model.

Pinney solar project on hold

The solar electric project that was announced last week to serve Pinney library has been put on hold pending further review. This project proposed to install solar panels around the perimeter of the stormwater pond adjacent to Royster Oaks Dr. A number of neighbors raised concerns about the impact this would have on what has become a cherished green space and I asked Engineering staff to look into alternatives that could accomplish our green energy objectives with less impact to this highly-valued greenspace.

In the news:

• Winter is Alive! a cooler world carnival
• Phased Reopening Continues with Latest Dane County Public Health Order
• As temps plunge, protect your home's water pipes
• 2021 Grants to Beautify Your Neighborhood or Build Capacity!

This Week

Lake Edge Neighborhood Association

Lake Edge neighbors are invited to join the monthly LENA meeting on Monday at 6pm. You can find a link to the agenda here. On the agenda is an application for a new liquor license for Meat People butcher to sell carry-out beer & wine in their new location opening soon in Lake Edge Shopping Center. Their application will also be in front of the ALRC on Wednesday of this week. Details on that meeting can be found here.

Spring Primary Election - Vote!!

The spring primary election is Tuesday, February 16. District 15 residents will only have one race on the ballot - State Superintendent for Public Instruction. You can find out more information about the candidates at the LWV site here. Information on voter ID, voting absentee, voter registration, where you vote and more can be found on the City Clerk's Elections & Voting page.

Dean/Allis final approval at Board of Public Works

Final approval for the Dean/Allis reconstruction project will be in front of the Board of Public Works on Wednesday beginning at 5:30 pm. The design for this project was approved by the Transportation Commission on December 9 of last year. You can find all of the details for the item here and a link to the meeting information here. 

Office hours

Thanks to everyone that joined me at my previous office hours. It was great to connect with you and I really appreciated the conversation. Let's try it again this coming Sunday, February 21 at 2:30 pm. I can review items of interest that will be on the 2/23 council agenda and we can talk about whatever else is on your mind - registration link here.

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

• 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.
• On Wednesday, March 10 at 5pm, Metro Transit and the City of Madison Transportation Commission will be reviewing the planned bus stop changes occurring in 2021.  Changes include bus stops closing, opening, the addition of concrete bus stop pads and/or the addition of an amenity.
• The People's Maps Commission Public Hearing - March 11 (more info here)
• Spring Election - April 6

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