Common Council

Redistricting, Rain Gardens, East Towne - D15 Update 9/20/21

Hiestand Park Gate Update

In July, Parks staff installed a gate across the parking lot entrance at Hiestand Park in order to address some problem behaviors occurring after park hours. As planned, the temporary gate successfully eliminated the concerning behaviors. On Monday, October 4, Parks will discontinue locking the gate. The entrance sign will remain for a short period. The plan is to remove the posts and barricade in the coming months to allow for better snow removal access. The Parks staff will continue to monitor the park for after-hours activity and address issues as needed.

East Towne Mall Special Area Plan  

The Transportation Policy & Planning Board will be reviewing the draft East Towne Mall Special Area Plan on Monday. A number of the recommendations will impact D15 residents in the Ridgewood & Burke Heights neighborhoods in particular. You can find a link to the meeting details here. 

Outdoor Eating for Dive Inn

Also on Monday, the Plan Commission will consider granting a conditional use permit to allow a food truck and outside dining at the Dive Inn on Cottage Grove Road. This is the same area that is currently used for outdoor seating associated with the bar. This application is supported by the neighborhood association. You can find a link to the meeting here and to the item here. 

Lake Edge Neighborhood Association Meeting

The September LENA meeting will be held online beginning at 6:30p. You can find more details, including a link to the meeting here.

Wage Parity and Support for UW-Health Nurses

Tuesday's Common Council meeting includes a resolution to improve wage parity for city employees and another calling for a fair and fast union election for nurses at UW Health. I'm proud to be a cosponsor for both of these resolutions in support of working people. You can find the meeting details and links here.

Alder Redistricting Scenarios Available for Public Review

On Wednesday, there will be two opportunities (noon & 6pm) for the public to join an informational meeting on local alder redistricting plans. Current D15 residents may shift to a different alder district based on the final recommended plan. Neighbors living north of Highway 30 may see significant changes. You can find more information about this process and how to provide feedback here. 

Proposed On-Street Parking Restriction Changes for 1018 Walsh Road

Also on Wednesday, the Transportation Commission will review a recommended change to on-street parking on Walsh Road to better accommodate the parking demands associated with The Boneyard. Staff has recommended updating the restrictions from 9p-6a (current) to 3a-6a (proposed). This would allow use of the street for parking through business hours, but would still prevent overnight parking in this area. You can find the agenda and links to register for comment here.

Transit Network Redesign Public Information Meeting

Want to learn more about the Metro Transit network redesign that's in process? Join the public information meeting on Thursday at 6pm. You can find all the details here.

Rain Gardens 101

Join Wild Ones Madison on Thursday at Goodman Community Center for a presentation on the basics of rain gardens. They will cover design, including volume and holding specs, installation techniques and tools, and plant choice and maintenance. More info here.

Dean House Rummage Sale

The Dean House rummage sale returns this year on Thursday - Saturday. More info at https://www.historicbloominggrove.org/. 

Art Fair on the Square

And Art Fair on the Square is back as well this weekend. Find all the info at: Art Fair on the Square.

In the news

• Madison BCycle Launches Community Pass Program
• Streets Division Suffers Second Recycling Truck Fire of 2021
• Brush Collection Ending for 2021 & Fall Yard Waste Schedule Now Available
• The Let's Talk Streets Campaign Seeks Input from People with Disabilities
• Madison Public Library Celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month
• Madison Commons, Media Digest
• City of Madison Complete Meeting Schedule

District 15 Public Works Projects 

(You can find a list of all engineering projects in District 15 here.)

Atwood Avenue - Updated 9/16/21 to include information about the Olbrich Path alignment at Board of Parks Commissioners - This project received needed funding and is programmed for 2023 construction.

Dean Ave., East and Allis Ave. Project Update - Updated 9/2/21

Starkweather Drive/Garver Path - Starkweather Drive Reconstruction:  Mid July to Mid Sep 2021, Starkweather Creek Bridges Complete & Adjacent Path work:  Nov 2021, Wetland Bridge Complete & Adjacent Path work: Jul 2022

Davies St., Dempsey Rd., Maher Ave. Reconstruction - Staff is working on alternative designs for Maher Avenue. Another public information meeting should be scheduled sometime this fall.

Autumn Ridge Path - This project received needed funding and is programmed for 2023 construction.

Starkweather Creek Watershed Flood Study

Save the date

October 1: LHS Homecoming Parade

October 4: Future of John Nolen Drive: Join the Process!

October 9, 10a-2p: Eastmorland Chicken Coop Tour

October 11-12: Executive Operating Budget at Finance Committee

October 12: Eastmorland Community Association Meeting

October 13: Board of Park Commissioners - Olbrich Path Alignment

October 15: Preorder deadline for HOME COMPOST BIN & RAIN BARRELDIVERTER KIT SALE

October 18: Lake Edge Neighborhood Association Meeting

October 21-24: Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration

October 30, 11a-2p: Trunk-or-Treat at Ridgeway Church

November 6: ECA Leaf Raking

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.