Common Council

Listening and Leading

Many residents have contacted me about the proposed Raemisch Farm Development. On January 11, I convened a virtual neighborhood meeting so that residents could learn more about the project.

A few loud voices – thank you for your passion! -- were raised at the meeting against this proposal. Meanwhile, those who support the plan have been more low key. As the alder for all the people in the 18th district, my job is to listen and to lead. The interests of working people, of people of color, and of the vast majority of residents of the northside will be best served by continuing to work with Green Street, the developer, to make this project the best it can be.

Working together we can achieve a win-win. Let's look at the facts.

Green Street's proposal contains positive environmental elements. They have agreed to preserve more than eight acres of wetlands. They will donate 3.3 acres of forest to Lakeview School. They will designate 1.5 acres as a neighborhood common area.

The proposal also provides much needed affordable housing. The plan calls for a mix of single-family homes, townhomes and apartments. The apartments will include both market rate and workforce units with rents affordable for those earning $55,950, 80% of the average median income in Madison. No homes will be built in the eastern portion of the property, where noise levels will be too loud for residential development.

I reject false choices. We can have development and protect the environment. We can disagree and not be disagreeable. We can develop the Raemisch Farm parcel and provide affordable, healthy housing while sustaining the natural resources that make this parcel unique.

Let's work together respectfully and honestly to do what's best for all. That is my commitment. That is what you elected me to do.

Here is the link to the recording of the community meeting in case anyone would like to view it that was not able to attend the community meeting. 

https://media.cityofmadison.com/Mediasite/Channel/neighborhood_meeting/watch/d23e76f9608345a88304800e770dd8161d