Common Council

Madison Parks needs your input to help us re-imagine possibilities for the Lake Monona Waterfront.

Three professional design teams have prepared master plan options for the Lake Monona Waterfront planning initiative. The project scope includes Law Park, the John Nolen Drive causeway and northern portion of Olin Park. The goal is an adopted master plan to guide future waterfront projects along the shore of Lake Monona, and we need your thoughts on the proposed options. The project website includes detailed information on the plans, including brief video presentations by each team.

After reviewing the project website master plan materials, please complete the online survey.

Comments and questions can also be submitted via email at lakemononawaterfront@cityofmadison.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED REPLACEMENT OF WISCONSIN HISTORICAL MUSEUM

AT 30 N. CARROLL STREET

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2023 - 6:30 P.M.

MADISON CENTRAL LIBRARY - ROOMS 301 & 302

201 W. MIFFLIN STREET

The Wisconsin Historical Society is proposing to replace its current museum at 30 N. Carroll Street on the Capitol Square with a new 100,000 square foot Wisconsin History Center. The History Center would be a flagship venue for the Society and a center for American history and community engagement. The current museum and the adjoining properties at 20 and 22 N. Carroll Street would be demolished for the new facility. Construction would be slated to commence in early 2024 with completion in 2026.

The snow emergency for the evening of Friday, February 17 into the morning of Saturday, February 18 has been canceled.

Individuals who park within the Snow Emergency Zone do not need to follow alternate side parking restrictions this evening.

If you park outside of the Snow Emergency Zone, you should continue following nightly alternate side parking rules if you must park your vehicle on the street. Alternate side parking remains in effect every night for these residents regardless of weather conditions until March 15.

Everyone, including individuals who park within the Snow Emergency Zone, must remember to follow all posted daytime parking restrictions. The Streets Division uses daytime parking restrictions to continue clean-up operations following winter storms. Also, failure to follow daytime parking rules may result in your vehicle being ticketed and towed.

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 18. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of February 16 into early morning of February 17) must park their vehicles on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

The City of Madison is planning to reconstruct John Nolen Drive between South Broom Street and East Olin Avenue. The goal of the project is to improve the transportation safety for this corridor for pedestrians, bicycles and motor vehicles. The project's scope includes replacing the six bridges on the John Nolen Drive causeway, which are approaching the end of their service life. The adjacent Capital City Trail is also planned to be reconstructed to create additional space for bike and pedestrian traffic, particularly where it is narrow over waterways. A pedestrian and bike underpass between North Shore Drive and South Broom Street is also under consideration. In addition, partial shoreline replacement is being evaluated.

The planning and design process is now underway, and will include analysis of existing conditions, feasibility studies and a community engagement process to inform preliminary and final designs. Construction is scheduled for 2025 and 2026.

This project is being planned and designed in coordination with the City's ongoing Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge, which encompasses Law Park and Olin Park.

You are invited to attend the second public information meeting for the project on Thursday, February 23 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering here.

The purpose of the meeting is to gather further input from the community on their thoughts regarding John Nolen Drive. Different conceptual options for the roadway, multiuse path and shoreline design will be reviewed. For additional information on project, including how you can stay updated, visit the project website.

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Saturday, February 11. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 11. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of February 9 into early morning of February 10) must park their vehicles on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators are likely to be towed this evening. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

The Madison Streets Division is suspending curbside refuse and recycling collection operations due to the slick road conditions. Operators had been out prior to storm, but road conditions are worsening rapidly due to the intensity of the snowfall.

Residents with a scheduled Thursday refuse and recycling collection that were not collected today (Thursday, February 9) should place their carts out again for pickup on Friday, February 10. Make sure your carts are out by 6:30 a.m. to ensure collection.

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 31. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 31. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of January 29 into early morning of January 30) must park their vehicles on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

1.7 miles of lakeshore. Three world-class design teams. A new vision for Madison's connection to Lake Monona. Make plans to join us on Thursday, January 26 as the three design teams present their master plan options live and in person at Madison Central Library.

The Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge is a city planning initiative to develop a master plan to guide future lakeshore improvements from the northern portion of Olin Park, along the John Nolen Drive causeway, to Law Park. The project's goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive and environmentally focused master plan that forms a crucial connection from south Madison and surrounding communities to the isthmus. An adopted master plan will guide future lakeshore projects and improvements along Lake Monona.

The Design Challenge Kick-Off held in October introduced the three teams and their unique perspectives on the master plan development. In November, the teams gave audiences a teaser of their initial thoughts and concepts at the Design Challenge Check-In. Since then, the three teams have been diligently preparing their designs to be unveiled for the first time on Thursday, January 26 at Madison Central Library.

Design Challenge Master Plan Presentations
Thursday, January 26, 2023
5:30 p.m. Food & Music | 6:00 p.m. Presentations
Madison Central Library, Rooms 301-302, 201 West Mifflin Street

View Livestream the day of the event, starting at 6:00 p.m.

For more information, please visit the Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge website and the Friends of Nolen Waterfront website.

The City is planning to move forward in 2023 with the previously planned and approved reconstruction project on South Broom and West Wilson Streets. The project is now proposed to be expanded in scope. A virtual public information meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24 at 7:00 p.m. At this meeting, City staff will present updates to the project design, including expanding bike facilities along South Bassett and West Wilson Streets, undergrounding overhead utility wires, anticipated construction schedule, and assessments. A presentation will be followed by discussion and staff will be available to answer questions.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at this link.

Project Summary

A test of a possible new lane configuration on South Broom Street was completed in the summer of 2019, which involved having one northbound thru lane on South Broom Street at West Wilson Street and one right-turn only lane for vehicles to turn right on to eastbound West Wilson Street. This test was successful and was used as part of the corridor study recommendations for West Wilson Street. These recommendations include a two-way cycle track on the south side of West Wilson Street, along with a 10 ft. wide sidewalk on South Broom Street between John Nolen Drive and West Wilson Street, and a separate two-way cycle track on South Broom Street between West Doty and West Main Streets.

The scope of this project on the 300 block of West Wilson Street and on South Broom Street includes replacement of the street infrastructure (curb, pavement, sidewalk and driveway aprons) along with replacement of the sanitary sewer and laterals and replacement of the water main. Storm sewer will be replaced as needed to properly drain the new street configuration. The project also includes replacement of the street lighting and installation of new pedestrian scale lighting. The traffic signals at the Broom/Wilson and Broom/Doty intersections will also be replaced with the project, and the new traffic signal at the Broom/Wilson intersection will include separate phases for eastbound and westbound West Wilson Street, which will help eliminate conflicts with eastbound thru traffic and westbound left turns on to South Broom Street (heading towards John Nolen Drive).

With the project delay, additional funding has been provided to expand the scope of the project. Funding is being provided through the tax incremental finance district to underground the overhead utilities within the limits of the reconstruction project on West Wilson and South Broom Streets. Additionally, South Henry Street will be resurfaced between West Doty Street and West Wilson Street. Work will also be included to complete some of the other recommendations of the Bassett Street and Wilson Street corridor plans, which includes extending the parking protected bike lane along South Bassett Street from West Main Street to West Wilson Street, and a new floating bus stop is proposed on South Bassett Street just south of West Doty Street. Within these limits on South Bassett Street (south of West Main Street), the lane configuration will also be changed to a single travel lane with parking allowed on both sides of the street, as was recommended in the Bassett Street corridor study.

Based on the recommendations of the watershed study to reduce storm water flooding, a raised bike and pedestrian crossing is now proposed for along West Wilson Street across the south side of the Hamilton/Henry intersection. To better connect this improvement, as part of the project it is also proposed that the two-way cycle track be extended up West Wilson Street to the intersection with South Carroll Street.

For more information, please visit the project website.

West Wilson Street will be fully closed between South Hamilton Street and South Carroll Street for a crane setup at 131 West Wilson Street on Sunday, January 8. The closure is scheduled for Sunday only, from 6:00 a.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m.

Local access will be maintained to driveways on either side of 131 West Wilson Street via temporary two-way traffic from either end of the block. The sidewalk will remain open on the north side of West Wilson Street. 

The crane is necessary to allow for Madison Gas and Electric Company to remove their electrical equipment on the roof of 131 West Wilson Street and disconnect power to the building. The exact timing of the building demolition is unknown. The demolition will likely commence in the next several weeks and will take approximately 6-7 months to complete.

Two Rounds of Tree Collection

Starting Tuesday, January 3, the Streets Division will begin Christmas tree collection. As in years past, there will be two rounds of tree collection.
 
The first round of Christmas tree collection will begin on Tuesday, January 3. Christmas trees placed to the curb by 6:30 a.m. on January 3 in accordance to the rules outlined below will be collected prior to January 13, barring any winter weather complications. Placing your tree to the curb after January 3 could result in your tree not being collected during the first round.
 
The second round of Christmas tree collection will begin on Tuesday, January 17. Christmas trees placed to the curb by 6:30 a.m. on January 17 will be collected prior to January 27, barring any winter weather complications. 
 
If you place your tree to the curb after 6:30 a.m. on January 17, you may miss your final collection round. Residents electing to have their trees collected at the curb rather than bringing the tree to a drop-off site are strongly encouraged to have their tree curbside prior to January 17.
 
After the second round of tree collection is complete, crews will transition to other priorities. Trees set to the curb after the second round of collection occurs in your neighborhood will sit on the terrace until crews begin regular brush collection in the spring.
 
Wreaths, evergreen rope, garlands and boughs will not be collected with Christmas trees. These items regularly contain wire that can jam wood chipping equipment by becoming entangled. Please place these into your tan refuse cart or private dumpster.
 
Plowing and other snow and ice control issues take priority over tree collection, and this may cause delays.
 
Collection Rules
Trees are processed with expensive wood chippers. These machines can be easily damaged by metal, wire and other foreign material. To protect this equipment and the safety of our workers we ask that all residents follow these rules. Failure to follow these rules may result in your tree being left at the curb.

• Remove all tree stands regardless of whether they are metal, plastic or wood.
• Remove all light strings, ornaments and other metal objects.
• Remove any tree bags.
• Place trees at the street edge only.
• Dig out trees if they become buried under snow.

Drop-Off Sites
Residents may also bring Christmas trees to a City drop-off site. The winter sites are located at 402 South Point Road on the west side and 4602 Sycamore Avenue on the east side.

The drop-off sites are open 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. These hours will remain in effect until expanded hours begin on Monday, April 3.
 
Happy New Year!

VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED DANE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING ADDITION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023 - 6:30 P.M.

Dane County proposes to add a south tower addition behind the existing Public Safety Building located at 115 W. Doty Street. The addition would be located in the entire existing rear parking lot in the 100 block of W. Wilson Street. The proposed addition would be six stories and shorter than the adjacent Dane County Courthouse. The Dane County Sheriff's Office currently has three facilities housing jail residents. This project would consolidate the Public Safety Building Jail, the City-County Building Jail located on the sixth and seventh floors, and the Ferris Huber Center on Rimrock Road. The new facility would provide housing, programming, visitation, recreation, medical, and mental health spaces for jail residents.

A virtual meeting about this proposal is scheduled for Thursday, January 5, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at cityofmadison.com/MeetingJanuary5JailProposal.

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Saturday, December 17. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of December 15 into early morning of December 16) must park their vehicles on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

The snow emergency for the evening of Sunday, December 11 into the morning of Monday, December 12 has been canceled. Streets Division staff assessed the road conditions and determined the second evening of a snow emergency is not necessary due to warm temperatures continuing to melt the snow.

Individuals who park within the Snow Emergency Zone do not need to follow alternate side parking restrictions this evening.

If you park outside of the Snow Emergency Zone, you should continue following nightly alternate side parking rules if you must park your vehicle on the street. The Streets Division uses these restrictions to continue plowing back areas that were blocked by parked cars during previous passes.

Everyone, including individuals who park within the Snow Emergency Zone, must remember to follow all posted daytime parking restrictions. The Streets Division uses daytime parking restrictions to continue clean-up operations following winter storms. Also, failure to follow daytime parking rules may result in your vehicle being ticketed and towed.

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Monday, December 12. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of December 10 into early morning of December 11) must park their vehicles on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

The City of Madison is hosting a kick-off meeting for the Passenger Rail Station Study on Wednesday, December 7. The meeting offers in-person and virtual alternatives for attending.

The purpose of the study is to identify a recommended location for a potential future Amtrak Station. With the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure law, historical levels of funding are available for new intercity passenger rail service. At the same time, Amtrak has identified Madison as a connection on a future Hiawatha Service extension. The study will leverage these opportunities and work towards bringing passenger rail service to Madison.

Meeting Details:
The meeting will include a presentation explaining the project, with opportunities to provide input and ask questions about the presentation and the opportunity to correspond with the elected officials, City staff, Amtrak staff, and the project consultant team.

You have two options for attending the meeting on Wednesday, December 7:

In-person

• The meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. in Room 215 of the Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.

Virtual via Zoom

• The presentation will occur via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. Join the meeting virtually using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering here.

For more information, please visit the Madison Passenger Rail Station website and the Amtrak Connects US Plan website.

There will be no recycling, refuse or large item collection by the Madison Streets Division on Thursday, November 24 or Friday, November 25 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. If your material is normally collected on Thursday, it will instead be collected on Wednesday, November 23. Refuse collection in the core downtown will occur on Wednesday. Please place refuse carts to the curb for pickup by 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Streets Division drop-off sites will be closed on Thursday and Friday. They will reopen on Saturday, November 26. This will be the final Saturday the sites will be open in 2022.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Madison Marathon half marathon and full marathon will take place this Sunday, November 13, starting at 7:00 a.m. on the Capitol Square. The runners will go through the UW Arboretum, UW Campus, Warner Park, and back to the Capitol Square, with the last runners finishing around 1:30 p.m.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead if traveling around the race routes, as crossing the route will only be permitted when there are sufficient gaps in the runners. Police officers will be located throughout the course assisting traffic.

The route map (with times of street closures) is available here.

Metro Transit buses will detour throughout the downtown and UW Campus. Detailed Metro Transit detour information is available here.

The community is invited to attend the public event series for the Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge hosted by the Madison Parks Division. The event series is an opportunity to learn more about the design challenge, the selected teams, their progress in plan development, and the final master plan proposals. The three events include a design challenge kick-off, midpoint check-in, and team presentations of their proposed vision for the Lake Monona Waterfront. Team representatives will also have an opportunity to answer questions from event attendees.

Each event will be held in person and will be streamed to the Madison City Channel for remote viewing at the time of the event. The second event of the series is Monday, November 7. Please join us in reimagining possibilities for the Lake Monona Waterfront.

Design Challenge Check-In
Monday, November 7, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. (refreshments and music begin at 5:30 p.m.)
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, Lecture Hall, 1 John Nolen Drive

View the livestream here.

Design teams will virtually present initial thoughts and concepts in developing a master plan vision for the Lake Monona Waterfront.

Design Challenge Master Plan Presentations
Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Olin Park Center, 330 East Lakeside Street (at the new Parks administrative offices)

Design teams will present in person their proposed master plan for the Lake Monona Waterfront.

For more information, please visit the Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge website and the Friends of Nolen Waterfront website.

HYBRID NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF 131 W. WILSON STREET

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2022 - 6:30 P.M.

T. Wall Enterprises is proposing to demolish the existing 12-story building at 131 W. Wilson Street and construct a new, 15-story, mixed-use development with multi-family and commercial uses. The proposal includes 263 apartment units, approximately 6,897 square feet of commercial space, and approximately 257 enclosed parking stalls. The development will contain three and a half stories of underground parking, first floor lobby and retail space, with commercial space, amenities, and apartment units on the second floor. The remaining apartment units will be on floors three through fifteen. The demolition has been approved by the City and is scheduled to commence in December 2022 and last approximately seven months. The development team will present details of the demolition process at the meeting.

You have two options for attending the neighborhood meeting:

• Join the meeting virtually using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at cityofmadison.com/MeetingNovember10Wilson.
• Attend the meeting in person at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Drive, meeting rooms Q and R.

Interested voters are encouraged to act now to vote absentee for the Tuesday, November 8 General Election.

Polls will obviously be open on Election Day, but voters may choose to vote absentee for this election. For that to happen, you should request an absentee ballot as soon as possible, or consider In-Person Absentee Voting. If you plan to vote on Election Day, please check MyVote.wi.gov to verify your polling place, as some locations have changed for this election.

Early In-Person Absentee Voting

City of Madison voters may now cast absentee ballots and register to vote at early voting locations.

The downtown early voting locations are:

• Central Library, 201 West Mifflin Street (Saturdays and Sundays only)
• Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (weekdays only)
• UW-Madison Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street (weekdays only)

All early voting locations and hours are listed here. Voters must present an acceptable form of photo ID before receiving an absentee ballot.

The Dane County Voter ID Coalition is available to help voters apply for a free Wisconsin ID card, including arranging free transportation to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The Dane County Voter ID Coalition hotline is (608) 285-2141.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

There are several ways registered voters can request absentee ballots. The easiest way is to sign up at MyVote.wi.gov.

Just look for the "Vote Absentee By Mail" button near the top of the page. On a mobile phone, use the menu button in the upper right corner of the website. There is a three-step process that starts with entering your name and date of birth, followed by requesting your ballot. If you don't already have a photo ID on file with the City Clerk's Office, you can upload a copy. Mobile phone users can take a picture and upload it to MyVote. Absentee ballot requests submitted this way go directly to the City Clerk's Office, and you can track your ballot by returning to the website.

Voters can also request absentee ballots by mailing the City Clerk's Office. Detailed absentee voting information is available here. These requests must be accompanied by a copy of your photo ID. If you already have a photo ID on file from previous absentee requests under your current registration, you will not need to provide it again.

The deadline for registered voters to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you is the Thursday before the election, November 3. However, voters should not wait, due to possible delays in mail delivery. If you get an absentee ballot mailed to you, you can still decide to vote at the polls on Election Day if you haven't returned it.

Your absentee ballot must be received in the City Clerk's Office or at your polling place by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 8. Again, please request and return ballots as soon as possible.

Enjoy family fun at the Downtown Madison Family Halloween along State Street and the Capitol Square on Wednesday, October 26, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. This annual event welcomes approximately 2,500 families to the downtown area for a safe, fun way to celebrate the upcoming holiday. This year there are over 70 trick-or-treat and special activity stops.

The special free and low-cost activities for families and kids 12 and under include: Overture Center Kids in the Rotunda performances, Hocus Pocus movie showing, hayrides, crafts, spooky stories, festive Halloween photos, trick-or-treating at participating businesses and more.

Additional information (including a listing and map of all activity and trick-or-treat stops) is available here.

The family fun Halloween event is presented by Madison's Central Business Improvement District.

The City of Madison is completing a watershed study in the Near West watershed, an area that includes much of the Bassett and Mifflin Neighborhoods. The watershed drains to the lakes through storm sewers. The watershed study will identify causes of existing flooding and look at potential solutions to try to reduce flooding.

Flood mitigation solutions will be implemented in future years, including additional stormwater capacity in flood prone areas.

The Madison Engineering Division seeks community input on the study. The public is encouraged to give feedback during a virtual public information meeting on Monday, October 24 at 6:00 p.m.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering here.

City staff will share information about the watershed study process, the existing conditions flooding, and initial proposed solutions for the watershed.

More information is available on the project website.

The community is invited to attend the public event series for the Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge hosted by the Madison Parks Division. The event series is an opportunity to learn more about the design challenge, the selected teams, their progress in plan development, and the final master plan proposals. The three events include a design challenge kick-off, midpoint check-in, and team presentations of their proposed vision for the Lake Monona Waterfront. Team representatives will also have an opportunity to answer questions from event attendees.

Each event will be held in person and planned to be streamed to the Madison City Channel for remote viewing at the time of the event. The first event of the series is Monday, October 3. Please join us in reimagining possibilities for the Lake Monona Waterfront.

Design Challenge Kick-Off
Monday, October 3, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
Madison Central Library, Rooms 301-302, 201 West Mifflin Street
Design teams will live-stream to the event and introduce themselves and their team's unique perspective on master plan development.

Design Challenge Check-In
Monday, November 7, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, Lecture Hall, 1 John Nolen Drive
Design teams will virtually present initial thoughts and concepts in developing a master plan vision for the Lake Monona Waterfront.

Design Challenge Master Plan Presentations
Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Olin Park Center, 330 East Lakeside Street (at the new Parks administrative offices)
Design teams will present in person their proposed master plan for the Lake Monona Waterfront.

For more information, please visit the Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge website and the Friends of Nolen Waterfront website.

The Madison Parks Division is continuing community engagement meetings for the Madison Senior Center Courtyard Project. The courtyard is scheduled for transfer to the Parks Division as a public park and requires renovation. The Parks Division seeks public input on refinements to the selected concept for the courtyard. Previous community meetings determined the preferred courtyard improvements. This meeting focuses on refinements to the community-selected design based on survey results and an initial Madison Urban Design Commission review.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 20 at 2:00 p.m., Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin Street.

More information on this addition to the Madison Parks system is available on the project website, including the draft conceptual plan.

Several streets in and around downtown will be closed for the Ironman 70.3 Wisconsin Half Triathlon on Saturday, September 10 and the Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon on Sunday, September 11. Like previous years, the races consist of swimming in Lake Monona, bicycling throughout Dane County and running in the downtown/campus area.

The traffic impacts are significantly limited on Saturday. The following downtown streets will be impacted on Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and approximately 5:00 p.m.:

• West Wilson Street closed between the Hilton Hotel and North Carroll Street (runners will come from Monona Terrace and cross West Wilson Street at North Carroll Street). Access to the Madison Parking Utility Wilson Street Garage will remain open.
• South Pinckney Street will be converted to one-way northbound from East Wilson Street to East Doty Street.
• South Carroll Street from West Doty Street to West Wilson Street will remain open to southbound traffic only (runners will use northbound lane).
• West Doty Street will remain open to one lane only between North Carroll Street and MLK Jr. Boulevard (runners will use the right lane).

On Sunday, the race starts at 6:45 a.m. at Law Park with the swim start. City of Madison road closures for the bicycling portion last from approximately 7:30 a.m. until approximately 5:30 p.m. Road closures for the run portion last from 11:00 a.m. until approximately midnight. Police will maintain local access across the route only when possible during gaps in the runners/bicyclists. Thru-traffic driving across the route will not be permitted. All Metro Transit routes will experience significant detouring downtown. Please expect delays.

Ironman course maps are available here.

A map of downtown street closures and suggested alternate traffic routes is available here.

Metro Transit detours are available here.

Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, Parisi Construction will close the South Henry Street leg of the Henry Street and West Washington Avenue intersection to construct infrastructure for a future traffic signal at the intersection. 

Anticipated completion and street reopening is on Friday, September 30. 

A map of the closure is available here.

The City of Madison is completing a watershed study in the Central Isthmus watershed, an area that includes much of the Bassett and First Settlement Neighborhoods. The watershed drains to Lake Monona through several storm sewers. The watershed study will identify causes of existing flooding and look at potential solutions to try to reduce flooding.

Flood mitigation solutions will be implemented with the upcoming 2023 street reconstruction project on South Broom Street and West Wilson Street. The Broom/Wilson street reconstruction project and future street reconstruction projects, including on East Wilson Street in 2024, will provide significant additional stormwater capacity in flood prone areas.

The Madison Engineering Division seeks community input on the study. The public is encouraged to give feedback during a virtual public information meeting on Thursday, September 1 at 6:30 p.m.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering here.

City staff will share information about the watershed study process, the existing conditions flooding, and the proposed solutions for the watershed.

More information is available on the project website.

Wisconsin & Southern Railroad is scheduled to replace the North Shore Drive railroad track crossing adjacent to John Nolen Drive, starting at 4:00 a.m. on Friday, August 26. This construction project will last approximately one week and be completed in two phases:

Phase 1 (4:00 a.m. Friday, August 26 to 5:00 p.m. Monday, August 29) 

• Full closure of North Shore Drive between South Bedford Street and John Nolen Drive.
• Brittingham Path adjacent to North Shore Drive will generally remain open with intermittent, short-term closures.
• Phase 1 closure map is available here.

Phase 2 (5:00 p.m. Monday, August 29 to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September 1)

• Traffic open on North Shore Drive.
• Eastbound North Shore Drive reduced to one lane.
• Brittingham Path users detoured onto right lane of North Shore Drive.
• Phase 2 closure map is available here.

Drivers should expect extra traffic congestion and delays on John Nolen Drive during Phase 1 and delays on eastbound North Shore Drive during Phase 2.

VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF STATE STREET CAMPUS (LAKE STREET) GARAGE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2022 – 6:30 P.M.

The City of Madison is proposing to redevelop the State Street Campus Parking Garage at 415 North Lake Street. Mortenson Development has been chosen by the City as the developer of the apartments proposed for above a new City-owned parking garage that will include a new intercity bus terminal. The existing parking garage along North Lake Street will be demolished and replaced while the garage section to the east of Hawthorne Court will remain. Some mixed-use space is planned for the first floor.

Atop the six above-ground stories of the City's parking garage, Mortenson proposes nine floors of student apartments. They are continuing to negotiate with the City about all aspects of the proposal, including levels of rent affordability for some number of apartments. A below-grade level will provide about 95 parking spaces for the apartments. The developer has not yet filed land use applications, but that is expected this fall.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at cityofmadison.com/meetingaugust24lake.
 

The Madison Streets Division special downtown collection service will be suspended this Friday at 3:00 p.m. Special curbside refuse and recycling services will resume downtown beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 14. Collections will continue at 4:00 a.m. on Monday, August 15. Crews will be emptying refuse and recycling carts, and collecting large items, such as furniture.

Residents moving out of and into apartments downtown are strongly encouraged to follow the collection guidelines outlined on the Streets Division's moving days website. Following collection guidelines keeps City workers safe and makes collections faster.

Streets Division staff will continue monitoring the volume of material set to the curb in the downtown area. Throughout the week of Monday, August 15, crews will be assigned downtown again to continue collection of refuse and recycling carts, and large items.

For more information, please visit the moving days website or call the Streets Division office at (608) 246-4532.

Welcome to our new neighbors!

The Madison Streets Division is conducting special collections in the downtown area in advance of the annual mass turnover of apartment leases downtown over the next several days. Crews will be collecting refuse, recycling, and large items throughout each weekday until Monday, August 15. Crews will be emptying refuse and recycling carts downtown each weekday between now and Monday, August 15.

Please fill up your carts according to the guidelines below and roll them to the curb anytime through August 15. Crews will empty your carts so you can fill them up again. You may fill up your refuse and recycling carts and roll them out as often as you like until the morning of Monday, August 15. Using your carts for refuse and recycling is easier than lugging lots of bags or loose material to the curb. It will keep our neighborhood cleaner.

Guidelines

Over one million pounds of trash and recyclables will be placed at the curb during this period. The Streets Division needs your help to make this year's move out as orderly as possible. Please follow these guidelines when placing trash and recycling at the curb during the move out:

• Do not put trash in cardboard boxes. Boxes must be flattened and bundled for recycling.
• Keep refuse and large items separate when placed at the curb.
• Put nothing but recycling in green recycling carts. Do not put recycling in tan refuse carts.
• Put all recycling at the curb in the green recycling carts or clear plastic bags. No loose piles of recycling.
• Do not pile bagged trash or large items around recycling or refuse carts.
• Put all refuse at the curb in tan refuse carts or trash bags. No loose piles of trash/garbage.
• Do not pile bagged trash or recyclables on top of furniture or appliances.
• Keep larger metal items separate from other material so that it can be recycled.
• Most appliances, including microwave ovens, require a fee for collection.
• Do not place computers, monitors or televisions at the curb. They should be brought to a drop-off site for recycling.
• Do not take recycling or refuse carts. The carts belong to the City and must remain behind when you move.

Questions?

Additional information is available on the City Moving Days website and informational video. Otherwise, please call the Streets Division at (608) 246-4532.

Welcome to our new neighbors!

Interested voters are encouraged to act now to vote absentee for the Tuesday, August 9 Partisan Primary Election.

Polls will certainly be open on Election Day, but voters may choose to vote absentee for this election. For that to happen, you should request an absentee ballot as soon as possible, or consider In-Person Absentee Voting. If you plan to vote on Election Day, please check MyVote.wi.gov to verify your polling place, as some locations have changed for this election.

Early In-Person Absentee Voting

City of Madison voters may cast absentee ballots and register to vote at early voting locations beginning tomorrow, July 26.

The downtown early voting locations are:

• Central Library, 201 West Mifflin Street (Saturdays only)
• Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (weekdays only)
• UW-Madison Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street (weekdays only)

All early voting locations and hours are listed here. Voters must present an acceptable form of photo ID before receiving an absentee ballot.

The Dane County Voter ID Coalition is available to help voters apply for a free Wisconsin ID card, including arranging free transportation to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The Dane County Voter ID Coalition hotline is (608) 285-2141.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

There are several ways registered voters can request absentee ballots. The easiest way is to sign up at MyVote.wi.gov.

Just look for the "Vote Absentee By Mail" button near the top of the page. On a mobile phone, use the menu button in the upper right corner of the website. There is a three-step process that starts with entering your name and date of birth, followed by requesting your ballot. If you don't already have a photo ID on file with the City Clerk's Office, you can upload a copy. Mobile phone users can take a picture and upload it to MyVote. Absentee ballot requests submitted this way go directly to the City Clerk's Office, and you can track your ballot by returning to the website.

Voters can also request absentee ballots by mailing the City Clerk's Office. Detailed absentee voting information is available here. These requests must be accompanied by a copy of your photo ID. If you already have a photo ID on file from previous absentee requests under your current registration, you will not need to provide it again.

The deadline for registered voters to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you is the Thursday before the election, August 4. However, voters should not wait, due to possible delays in mail delivery. If you get an absentee ballot mailed to you, you can still decide to vote at the polls on Election Day if you haven't returned it.

Your absentee ballot must be received in the City Clerk's Office or at your polling place by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, August 9. Again, please request and return ballots as soon as possible.

Due to today's forecast for potentially severe weather, Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center is moving its 25th Anniversary Celebration to tomorrow night, Sunday, July 24 from 6:30-9:45 p.m. at its William T. Evjue Rooftop Gardens. Tomorrow night's event will feature local and regional bands, dance performances, free cupcakes and ice cream, and conclude with a spectacular drone show over Lake Monona.

"Building on a Dream" 25th Anniversary Celebration Highlights:

5:30 p.m.  Extra Crispy Brass Band (Olin Terrace)
6:30 p.m.  Dynamic Badgerettes Dance Team
7:00 p.m.  Orquesta MAS- Madison All Stars
8:00 p.m.  DJ Pain 1
8:30 p.m.  The People Brothers Band
9:30 p.m.  Lake Monona Drone Light Show

No tickets are required to attend the free community event, but rooftop capacity is limited. For full event details visit mononaterrace.com/25.

Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center officially opened 25 years ago on this date, July 18, 1997. The facility was built with a promise and a mandate to our community to serve as a catalyst for economic activity, a community gathering space, and a tourist destination.

Monona Terrace is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a free community celebration on Saturday, July 23 from 6:30-9:45 p.m. at its William T. Evjue Rooftop Gardens. The event will feature local and regional bands, dance performances, and conclude with a spectacular drone show over Lake Monona.

"Building on a Dream" 25th Anniversary Celebration Highlights:

5:30 p.m.  Extra Crispy Brass Band (Olin Terrace)
6:30 p.m.  Dynamic Badgerettes Dance Team
7:00 p.m.  Orquesta MAS- Madison All Stars
8:00 p.m.  DJ Pain 1
8:30 p.m.  The People Brothers Band
9:30 p.m.  Lake Monona Drone Light Show

No tickets are required to attend the free community event, but rooftop capacity is limited. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be held on Sunday, July 24. For full event details please visit mononaterrace.com/25.

In its first 25 Years, Monona Terrace has generated over $697 million in economic impact, held over 16,000 events, and welcomed nearly 9 million visitors and attendees. Additionally, Monona Terrace has hosted over 2,000 free community events--such as rooftop concerts, health and wellness classes, architectural lectures, and educational workshops. Over 25 years, Monona Terrace has made continuous performance improvements, including achieving LEED® Platinum status for its sustainability practices.

The Madison Parks Division continues to seek public input on improvements to the Madison Senior Center courtyard at 330 West Mifflin Street. The courtyard is scheduled for transfer to the Parks Division as a public park and requires renovation.

Parks is holding a series of public outreach sessions to gather community input on the desired amenities for the space. The project design team developed two concept options based on the community input received during the initial outreach sessions. A short online survey to provide your thoughts on the two options is available here. Please consider providing your feedback by completing the survey.

More information on this addition to the Madison Parks system is available on the project website.

Beginning 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, contractors will begin sanitary sewer replacement at the North Broom Street and West Dayton Street intersection. The 400 block of West Dayton Street will be closed at the intersection. North Broom Street will be reduced to one lane of traffic.

In the following weeks, work will progress north eventually crossing West Johnson Street and finishing just east of West Gorham Street. During the crossing of West Johnson Street, traffic will be reduced from two lanes down to one lane during off-peak traffic times and reduced from three lanes down to two lanes during the morning and afternoon peak traffic times.

A map of the closures and anticipated phasing schedule is available here.

Sidewalks and Metro Transit bus stops will remain open.

This work is related to the building construction located at 339 West Gorham Street.

The Madison Parks Division is holding a second round of community engagement meetings for the Madison Senior Center Courtyard Project. The courtyard is scheduled for transfer to the Parks Division as a public park and requires renovation. Parks seeks public input on design concepts to renovate the space based on input received during the two prior meetings. Two outreach sessions are scheduled for this month, one virtual, and one in-person. The design team will present the same concept materials at both meetings; only the meeting format differs.

• Online Meeting: Thursday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering here.
• In-person Meeting: Monday, June 27 at 2:00 p.m., Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin Street

More information on this addition to the Madison Parks system is available on the project website.

VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF 121 E. WILSON STREET

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2022 - 7:00 P.M.

Quad Capital Partners is proposing to redevelop the Lake Terrace office building located at 121 E. Wilson Street. The project will consist of demolishing the existing structure and constructing a fourteen-story, mixed-use building over three levels of below-grade parking. Preliminary plans include approximately 337 residential units, 17,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space, 300 below-grade car parking stalls, and 342 bike parking stalls. The apartments will include a mix of studio, and one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. The commercial space is planned to include a restaurant and potential food hall, and the plan includes an open-air promenade through the building that will connect E. Wilson Street to a plaza overlooking Lake Monona.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at cityofmadison.com/MeetingJune14EastWilson.

Madison Water Utility crews are flushing water mains downtown this week during the late evening and early morning hours. When flushing crews are working close to your residence, you may experience periods of discolored water or very low water pressure. The flushing will occur Monday, May 30 - Thursday, June 2, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. It is advised that you avoid doing laundry or other activities for which discolored water could cause problems during flushing operations. The crews will begin at Blair Street Monday evening and work their way west to Randall Avenue over the next few evenings. The largest impact on core downtown residential properties will be Tuesday and Wednesday overnight.

What is the Water Main (Hydrant) Flushing Program?
To improve water quality and minimize discoloration, City of Madison water mains are comprehensively flushed by a technique known as unidirectional flushing. The procedure is performed in warm-weather months and involves the systematic opening and closing of hydrants, one section of main at a time, to force the water through the pipes at high velocity, removing accumulated mineral sediment until the water is clear. The operation can take from a few minutes to over an hour, although most last about 30 minutes.

Unidirectional flushing differs from conventional flushing in that it involves the closing of adjacent valves and the use of a single hydrant per flush so as to isolate individual sections of main. Conventional flushing also removes accumulated sediment from pipes, but it involves the flushing of multiple hydrants at a time and does not include the valving off of individual sections of main, thereby diminishing the "scouring" efficiency. Conventional flushing is used in areas of the city where fewer minerals build up in the mains, including downtown.

How Will Flushing Affect Water Service?
When flushing crews are working close to your residence or business, you may experience periods of very low pressure or even a complete stoppage of service. We attempt to notify customers in advance if flushing is expected to result in a complete water outage, but such outages are rare.

Flushing operations may also lead to discolored water, which can be drawn into homes and businesses if the water is being used during or immediately following the flushing. Such events should affect customers for a few hours at most. The discoloration is caused by iron (red color) or manganese (black color) particles being dislodged from the water main which can stain porcelain and laundry. If discoloration occurs, open the cold tap nearest the water meter--usually a basement sink--to full flow until the water runs clear. In some situations this may take 5 to 10 minutes. It is also advised that you make sure your water is clear before doing laundry or other projects for which discolored water could cause problems.

A precise schedule of flushing operations is difficult to determine more than a day in advance. If you wish to be notified before work will be done in your block, please contact Shayne Santi at (608) 261-9128 or ssanti@madisonwater.org.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this annual water main cleaning process.

Several Madison streets will be closed for the Run Madtown race event on Sunday morning, May 29.

The Madtown Half Marathon race starts on the Capitol Square at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, to be followed by the 5K race at 7:10 a.m. All traffic impacts will conclude by 11:30 a.m. The combined race course map is available here.

Police and volunteers will be at intersections along the routes. Traffic will be allowed to cross the routes only when there are sufficient gaps in the runners. Drivers should plan to use alternate routes to avoid the race courses, if possible.

Metro Transit buses will detour throughout the event. Detailed Metro Transit detour information is available here.

VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF MADISON COLLEGE SITE AT 200 WISCONSIN AVENUE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2022 - 7:00 P.M.

Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. (WHPC) proposes to redevelop the vacant portion of the downtown Madison College site. The proposal consists of the construction of a new, 12-story, mixed-use building. WHPC proposes 200 studio and one-and two-bedroom apartments, 40 of which would be affordable at 50% AMI (Area Median Income) and 110 of which would be affordable at 80% AMI. The remaining 50 apartments would be market rate. There would be approximately 10,000 square feet of first floor commercial space along West Dayton Street and Wisconsin Avenue. The proposal includes four levels of parking with 240 stalls for cars and 262 stalls for bicycles.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at cityofmadison.com/MeetingMay25MadisonCollege.

The City of Madison is considering improvements to the West Main Street Bicycle Boulevard from Proudfit Street to South Fairchild Street. The goal of the project is to enhance the safety and accessibility for bikers of all ages and abilities. Potential improvements include the following:

• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon installation and median island improvements for the West Main Street bike/pedestrian crossing at Proudfit Street.
• Raised crossing and bump-outs at the Southwest Path Crossing at West Main Street.
• Bump-outs on the southern and eastern corners of the West Main Street and South Bedford Street intersection.
• Resurfacing of existing pavement as needed through West Main Street.
• Other signage and marking improvements along West Main Street.

You are invited to attend a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. to learn about potential improvements and construction details. City staff will present project options, answer questions, and gather feedback from stakeholders. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering here.

You can also provide your feedback by completing a short online survey available here.

The feedback collected will help develop the final project plan. For additional information on the project, including project schedule and updates, visit the project website.

The Madison Parks Division seeks public input on improvements to the Madison Senior Center courtyard at 330 West Mifflin Street. The courtyard is scheduled for transfer to the Parks Division as a public park and requires renovation.

Parks is holding a series of public outreach sessions to gather community input on the desired amenities for the space. In addition, the project team has developed a short online survey to gather input from area residents and future park users on potential improvements. Please consider providing your feedback by completing the survey available here.

More information on this exciting addition to the Madison Parks system, including project schedule and pending meeting dates will be shared on the project website.

The 2022 property assessments are now available on the City website at cityofmadison.com/assessor. Assessment notices were mailed today to all property owners whether or not their assessment has changed from the previous year's value. Property values increased 10.9% overall from the 2021 assessments. Commercial property has increased 12.9% and residential assessments increased 11.4%.

Information about the property assessment process in Madison is available in a Madison Assessor's Office video available here.

As per state statute, a period for "examination of the assessment roll" - what is referred to as "open book" - is provided. This period of time is an opportunity to discuss property value and provide reason for changing value, if appropriate. This "open book" period is set aside for property owners to discuss their assessments with Assessor's Office staff prior to completion of the assessment roll. Property owners who wish to compare assessments may also view assessment data posted on the Assessor's website. Available information includes owner's name, property address, legal description, sale information and property characteristics.

The open book period will begin Monday, May 2 and close Friday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m. Due to the pandemic, open book contact this year will be telephonic or virtual. Property owners must initiate contact with the appraiser for their property in one of two ways:

• Email: openbook@cityofmadison.com
• Call: (608) 266-4531

Support staff fielding the initial contact will direct you to the appropriate appraiser and provide helpful information about the process and resources available. The appraiser will then contact you based on the initial information provided.

Owners who disagree with their assessment are encouraged to speak with the appraiser who established the value. If an error was made or if a property owner has evidence that the assessment does not reflect the actual fair market value of the property, the appraiser will take this information into consideration in setting the final assessed value. Appraisers welcome the opportunity to review any and all information provided. The best evidence of value is the recent sale price of the property or the sale prices of comparable properties.

After talking with the Assessor's Office, owners who still feel the assessed value of their property is incorrect may file a formal objection. The deadline for filing an objection form (or providing notice of intent) is Friday, May 13.

If you have general questions concerning assessments, please contact the Assessor's Office at assessor@cityofmadison.com or (608) 266-4531.

A prescribed burn of the small prairie located adjacent to the Bassett Neighborhood Sign at the intersection of South Broom Street and John Nolen Drive is scheduled for Thursday, April 21 at 3:00 p.m.

The burn site is an approximately 0.16-acre prairie planting located on City of Madison parkland bordered by railroad tracks. With the authorization of the City, the burn will be conducted by volunteers from the Bassett Neighborhood who have been conducting volunteer stewardship of the prairie for several years. They will be led by an environmental scientist with extensive prescribed burn experience and training. The area to be burned is comprised of warm-season grasses and forbs and will produce smoke for up to 30 minutes. Adequate fire intensity will help generate sufficient lift to carry the majority of the smoke well above ground level, where it will dissipate. Signage will be posted on South Broom Street and John Nolen Drive alerting traffic to the prescribed burn.

The prescribed burn is a management tool being used to promote native herbaceous vegetation, and to prevent invasion of vegetation which would be detrimental to the health of the habitat. This burn will assist neighborhood residents active stewardship of this volunteer-planted and maintained prairie, which promotes native plant and pollinator conservation in a highly visible location in the heart of downtown.

The Madison Parks Division seeks public input on improvements to the Madison Senior Center courtyard at 330 West Mifflin Street. The courtyard is scheduled for transfer to the Parks Division as a public park and requires renovation. Parks will hold a series of public outreach sessions to gather community input on the desired amenities for the space.

A virtual project kick-off meeting will be held on Thursday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering here.

The project team will review existing plaza conditions and gather input from area residents and future park users on potential improvements.

More information on this exciting addition to the Madison Parks system, including project schedule and pending meeting dates will be shared on the project website.

VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF 402 W. WILSON STREET

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2022 - 7:00 P.M.

Bear Development proposes to redevelop 402 W. Wilson Street into approximately 47 units of housing. The proposal consists of the reuse of the existing two-story office building as well as a newly constructed four-story addition, with a mix of one- and two-bedroom units and 40 below-grade parking spaces. All of the units in the development would be targeted toward households earning at or below 60% of the area median income. Bear will utilize 4% tax credits and tax-exempt bonds through WHEDA to finance the project.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at cityofmadison.com/MeetingApril6Wilson.

Metro Transit is continuing a public engagement process to garner feedback regarding redesign of Madison's bus network.

Initial project input was used to develop a Draft Network Plan that proposes a complete restructure of service in 2023. Metro Transit is asking the community to provide feedback on the draft plan. You do not need to be an active bus rider, or even a bus rider at all, to participate.

You are invited to attend a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m. to learn how the draft network redesign plan affects downtown residents. This meeting will focus on proposed Metro routing downtown. Metro staff will present the draft plan, answer questions, and gather feedback from downtown stakeholders. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering here.

You can also provide your feedback by completing a short online survey available here.

The feedback collected will help develop the Final Network Plan. For additional information on the Metro Transit Network Redesign project, including how you can stay updated, visit mymetrobus.com/redesign.

The Madison Streets Division's drop-off site located at 1501 West Badger Road will be closing on Friday, March 25. Residents will not be able to use the West Badger Road drop-off site while it is shut down for construction. The site will remain closed until at least the spring of 2023.

Alternative drop-off site locations will be available. Information about these sites can be found below.

More information about the closure and alternative drop-off site locations is available here.

West Side Streets Division Office Remains Open
The Streets Division office located at 1501 West Badger Road will remain open after the drop-off site is closed. 

The office staff will be available for resident questions, large item fee payment, and general assistance with Streets Division services while the drop-off site is closed.

402 South Point Road Will Replace 1501 West Badger Road
Drop-off services currently available at the West Badger Road facility will be moved to 402 South Point Road on the far west side of Madison.

The South Point Road drop-off site will be open for business on Tuesday, March 29.

You will not be able to pay for recycling fees for the items that require one in person at South Point Road. If you are dropping off an item that requires a fee, you should use the work order system and pay for it in advance. Stickers will be mailed to you after the purchase. Items requiring a fee must have the stickers attached to them before they will be accepted.

The South Point Road site will be open through the remainder of the year and through the winter of 2022-23.

New Temporary Drop-off Site at 121 East Olin Avenue
A special additional drop-off site open only on evenings and weekends will be in place at 121 East Olin Avenue. This site will open on Monday, April 4.

This drop-off site location will close for the winter of 2022-23.

Also, this drop-off site is the same location as the waste transfer and brush processing facilities. It is critically important for your safety and Streets Division operations that you visit East Olin Avenue only during the posted times.

Why is the West Badger Road drop-off site closing?
A construction project to demolish and rebuild the salt storage facilities at the West Badger Road drop-off site will get underway this year.

Due to the construction, there will not be sufficient space to operate a drop-off site safely.

More Information
Additional information about all Streets Division services can be found here.

More information specific to the drop-off sites can be found here.

Interested voters are encouraged to act now to vote absentee for the Tuesday, April 5 Spring Election.

Polls will certainly be open on Election Day, but voters may choose to vote absentee for this election. For that to happen, you should request an absentee ballot as soon as possible, or consider In-Person Absentee Voting. If you plan to vote on Election Day, please check MyVote.wi.gov to verify your polling place, as many locations have changed for this election.

Early In-Person Absentee Voting

City of Madison voters may cast absentee ballots and register to vote at all early voting locations beginning today, March 22.

The downtown early voting locations are:

• City Clerk's Office, City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
• UW-Madison Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street

All early voting locations and hours are listed here. Voters must present an acceptable form of photo ID before receiving an absentee ballot.

The Dane County Voter ID Coalition is available to help voters apply for a free Wisconsin ID card, including arranging free transportation to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The Dane County Voter ID Coalition hotline is (608) 285-2141.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

There are several ways registered voters can request absentee ballots. The easiest way is to sign up at MyVote.wi.gov.

Just look for the "Vote Absentee By Mail" button near the top of the page. On a mobile phone, use the menu button in the upper right corner of the website. There is a three-step process that starts with entering your name and date of birth, followed by requesting your ballot. If you don't already have a photo ID on file with the City Clerk's Office, you can upload a copy. Mobile phone users can take a picture and upload it to MyVote. Absentee ballot requests submitted this way go directly to the City Clerk's Office, and you can track your ballot by returning to the website.

Voters can also request absentee ballots by mailing the City Clerk's Office. Detailed absentee voting information is available here. These requests must be accompanied by a copy of your photo ID. If you already have a photo ID on file from previous absentee requests under your current registration, you will not need to provide it again.

The deadline for registered voters to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you is the Thursday before the election, March 31. However, voters should not wait, due to possible delays in mail delivery. If you get an absentee ballot mailed to you, you can still decide to vote at the polls on Election Day if you haven't returned it.

Your absentee ballot must be received in the City Clerk's Office or at your polling place by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, April 5. Again, please request and return ballots as soon as possible.

Starting Monday, March 21, Integrity Grading & Excavating will begin work at the John Nolen Drive, South Blair Street and East Wilson Street intersection. Northbound South Blair Street will be reduced to one traffic lane, which will result in travel delays during peak travel times. 

Starting approximately Friday, April 1, major excavation will begin. During this time, South Blair Street will be fully closed to traffic between East Washington Avenue and East Wilson Street. Westbound East Washington Avenue traffic will not be allowed to turn left onto Blair Street and eastbound John Nolen Drive traffic will be forced to turn right onto Williamson Street. However, one southbound traffic lane will be maintained during the morning rush hour each weekday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Signage suggesting an alternate route using South Broom Street, West Wilson Street and the Outer Loop has been installed by the contractor. Maps of the closures are available here and here.

This project is a full reconstruction of South Blair Street from John Nolen Drive to East Washington Avenue, including the Blair/Wilson/Williamson/John Nolen intersection. Project completion is scheduled for early November. The project will include safety improvements at the Blair/Wilson/Williamson/John Nolen intersection as well as pavement replacement of South Blair Street from Wilson/Williamson to East Washington Avenue. The project will also include replacement of the sanitary and storm sewers within the project limits, new pedestrian scale lighting on South Blair Street and railroad crossing improvements to allow for the installation of a quiet zone. In a quiet zone, railroads are required to cease the routine sounding of their horns when approaching crossings.

A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 22 at 4:30 p.m. at Essen Haus, 514 East Wilson Street, to discuss the construction schedule and impacts.

For more information and project updates, please visit the project webpage here.
 

VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF 317 AND 323  E. WILSON STREET

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022 - 7:00 PM

North Central Group is proposing to redevelop the existing Rubin's Furniture buildings located at 317 and 323 E. Wilson Street into a boutique hotel. The exterior renovation would restore the historic, four-story masonry building and renovate the two smaller, two-story buildings. The interior would be renovated for use as an all-suites, extended-stay boutique hotel consisting of 45 rooms, public space, and back of house spaces. The renovation would preserve the exposed timber beams, masonry walls and, where possible on the first floor, the wood floors. The frontage along E. Wilson Street would also provide space for two or three small retail shops or other commercial use.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at cityofmadison.com/MeetingMarch3Rubins. 

Metro Transit is continuing a process to redesign Madison's bus network to better meet the needs of residents and businesses. The Metro Transit Network Redesign Project will design a route system that will better meet the needs of Madison area residents and businesses by increasing access and frequency, decreasing travel times, and improving the quality of transit riders' experience.

Initial project input was used to develop a Draft Network Plan that proposes a complete restructure of service in 2023. This draft plan is designed toward the ridership goal. The plan focuses on fewer routes that are more direct and frequent, while providing coverage where it is needed most. Metro Transit is asking the community to provide feedback on the draft plan. You do not need to be an active bus rider, or even a bus rider at all, to participate. Improving transit has benefits for the whole community - affecting traffic, development, the economy, the environment, and racial and social justice.

You are invited to attend a virtual public meeting on Thursday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the Draft Network Plan. The Zoom meeting link is available here.

You can also provide your feedback by completing a short online survey available here.

The feedback collected will help develop the Final Network Plan. For additional information on the Metro Transit Network Redesign project, including how you can stay updated, visit mymetrobus.com/redesign.

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 25. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 25. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of January 23 into early morning of January 24) must park their vehicles on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF 700 AND 740 REGENT STREET

MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2022 - 7:00 P.M.

Trinitas Development is proposing to redevelop the surface parking lot behind 700 and 740 Regent Street, adjacent to the Southwest Commuter Path. The proposal would include construction of a new, 12-story, student-oriented, multifamily building with 314 studio, one-, two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom apartments and an enclosed parking structure with approximately 349 parking spaces that will consist largely of replacement parking for the neighboring office building users.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at cityofmadison.com/MeetingJanuary31Neighborhood. 

VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF 519-547 W. WASHINGTON AVENUE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Stopple Revocable Trust is proposing to redevelop 519-547 W. Washington Avenue. The proposal would include demolition of the nine existing houses and construction of a new, six-story multifamily building. The project would step back after the fourth story and would provide 142 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. There would be 167 underground parking stalls.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at cityofmadison.com/MeetingJanuary27Washington.

Two Rounds of Tree Collection

Starting Monday, January 3, the Streets Division will begin Christmas tree collection. As in years past, there will be two rounds of tree collection.
 
The first round of Christmas tree collection will begin on Monday, January 3. Christmas trees placed to the curb by 6:30 a.m. on January 3 in accordance to the rules outlined below will be collected prior to January 14, barring any winter weather complications. Placing your tree to the curb after January 3 could result in your tree not being collected during the first round.
 
The second round of Christmas tree collection will begin on Tuesday, January 18. Christmas trees placed to the curb by 6:30 a.m. on January 18 will be collected prior to January 28, barring any winter weather complications. 
 
If you place your tree to the curb after 6:30 a.m. on January 18, you may miss your final collection round. Residents electing to have their trees collected at the curb rather than bringing the tree to a drop-off site are strongly encouraged to have their tree curbside prior to January 18.
 
After the second round of tree collection is complete, crews will transition to other priorities. Trees set to the curb after the second round of collection occurs in your neighborhood will sit on the terrace until crews begin regular brush collection in the spring.
 
Wreaths, evergreen rope, garlands and boughs will not be collected with Christmas trees. These items regularly contain wire that can jam wood chipping equipment by becoming entangled. Please place these into your tan refuse cart or private dumpster.
 
Plowing and other snow and ice control issues take priority over tree collection, and this may cause delays.
 
Collection Rules
Trees are processed with expensive wood chippers. These machines can be easily damaged by metal, wire and other foreign material. To protect this equipment and the safety of our workers we ask that all residents follow these rules. Failure to follow these rules may result in your tree being left at the curb.

• Remove all tree stands regardless of whether they are metal, plastic or wood.
• Remove all light strings, ornaments and other metal objects.
• Remove any tree bags.
• Place trees at the street edge only.
• Dig out trees if they become buried under snow.

Drop-Off Sites
Residents may also bring Christmas trees to a City drop-off site. The sites are located at 1501 West Badger Road on the southwest side and 4602 Sycamore Avenue on the east side.

The drop-off sites are open 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. These hours will remain in effect until expanded hours begin on Monday, April 4.
 
Happy New Year!

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Thursday, December 30. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 30. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of December 28 into early morning of December 29) must park their vehicles on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

Forecasts are calling for periods of sustained high winds during the overnight hours with the potential for wind gusts near 60 MPH.

Wait to Place Collection Carts out for Pickup Until the Morning
In light of these weather conditions, you should wait to place your trash and recycling carts out for pickup until the morning. Collection carts can be blown over and spill contents into the road, creating a mess that homeowners would need to pick up. And the carts themselves can also blow away and roll for blocks.

Carts should be out for pickup before 7:00 a.m. to ensure pickup.

Consider Moving Large Items Until the Morning
If you have large items at the curb still waiting for the scheduled pickup, you may want to move the items off the terrace until after the threat of high winds pass. Large items can be strewn throughout the neighborhood during high winds, creating clutter and, depending on the items, could be dangerous.

Like collection carts, large items should be out for pickup before 7:00 a.m. to ensure collection.

Additional Information
Residents are also reminded to secure other items in their yards to prevent them from blowing away or causing damage.

It is that time of year again to expect your City of Madison property tax bill. 2021 property tax bill calculation and preparation is now complete. The City of Madison Treasurer's Office is now accepting 2021 property tax payments. 2021 property tax bills have been mailed and are now available online here.

Property taxes can be paid in full to the City by January 31 or can be paid in four installments: due January 31, March 31, May 31 and July 31.

There are several methods of payment to make the process easier. One payment option to consider is Enrolled Payments. Using this method, you may pay online using your checking or savings account. You can create an account to view activity, schedule payments, save payment methods and add other property tax parcels. Select from a variety of email notifications to help manage your payments. For example, residents who pay their tax bills in installments using this payment method can easily set up their accounts to get the added benefit of electronic reminders as a due date approaches. There is not a fee for using this service.

Another payment option is payment by phone. This service offers the option of payment via an automated service operating 24 hours per day. You will be able to enter your checking/savings account or credit/debit card privately by phone by calling 877-899-4281. Individuals using this service are asked to have their parcel and bill numbers ready. There is a fee for using a credit/debit card. There is not a fee for using a checking or savings account.

In addition, property owners are able to make a one-time online payment by credit or debit card or accessing a checking or savings account. There is a fee for using a credit or debit card but none for using a checking or savings account. Residents are still able to submit their payments by mail to the City Treasurer's office. All mailing information is included in the tax bill. You may also pay in person at the City Treasurer's office in Room 107, City-County Building or use the drop box in front of the City-County Building.

All tax payments postmarked on or before December 31, 2021 will be processed as having been paid in 2021.

There will be no recycling, refuse or large item collection by the Madison Streets Division on Thursday, November 25 or Friday, November 26 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. If your material is normally collected on Thursday, it will instead be collected on Wednesday, November 24. Refuse collection in the core downtown will occur on Wednesday. Please place refuse carts to the curb for pickup by 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Streets Division drop-off sites will be closed on Thursday and Friday. They will reopen on Saturday, November 27. This will be the final Saturday the sites will be open in 2021.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Madison Marathon half marathon and full marathon will take place this Sunday, November 14, starting at 7:00 a.m. on the Capitol Square. The runners will go through the UW Arboretum, UW Campus, Warner Park, and back to the Capitol Square, with the last runners finishing around 1:30 p.m.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead if traveling around the race routes, as crossing the route will only be permitted when there are sufficient gaps in the runners. Police officers will be located throughout the course assisting traffic.

The route map (with times of street closures) is available here.

Metro Transit buses will detour throughout the downtown and UW Campus. Detailed Metro Transit detour information is available here.

West Washington Avenue will be fully reopened to traffic by 6:00 a.m. on Friday, November 5 with the completion of the street reconstruction project.

Contractor and City crews will still be onsite to finish up miscellaneous items such as installing street signs and traffic signal poles. This will not affect traffic, but some street parking will be temporarily removed for this remaining work.

Metro Transit buses, which had been detoured, will return to West Washington Avenue on Friday. Routes 5, 8, 15, 70, 72, 75 & 81 return to regular service in both directions at the start of service.

Thank you for your patience during this construction project!

The City of Madison will not be sponsoring a Freakfest Halloween event this year. Historically, this event would occur on the Saturday evening prior to Halloween. This year that date is Saturday, October 30. This also coincides with University of Wisconsin Homecoming weekend.
 
Although no formal event will exist, it is highly likely that very large crowds will converge in the State Street and University Avenue corridor on Saturday. In anticipation of large crowds, the Madison Police Department, collaborating with other City agencies, will be implementing a comprehensive public safety plan.

The public safety plan includes the following on Saturday:

• Metro Transit will detour all buses from State Street all day. Specific details and maps are available here.
• North Broom Street will be closed between West Johnson Street and State Street starting at 4:00 p.m. Access will be maintained to all residential properties and local businesses.
• West Gilman Street will be closed between University Ave and Lisa Link Peace Park starting at 4:00 p.m. Access will be maintained to all residential properties and local businesses.
• A contingency traffic plan will be utilized when and where needed. For example, if State Street becomes very crowded, cross streets like West Gorham Street and West Johnson Street may be closed.
• The Buckeye parking lot located between West Gilman Street and West Gorham Street will be closed to the public starting at 4:00 p.m.
• State Street pedestrian access to and from both sides of North Frances Street and Hawthorne Court will likely be limited to exit only.
• Lisa Link Peace Park lawns will be fenced off, and the sidewalks used for emergency exit if needed.
• City benches, bike racks and planters will be temporarily removed from State Street.
• All bicycles parked on State Street will be removed.
• All State Street area sidewalk cafes will close and be removed by 6:00 p.m.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Multiple streets around Langdon Street and State Street will be closed on Friday afternoon and evening, October 29, for the UW Homecoming Parade and Block Party. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m., with the block party immediately following the parade in and around Alumni Park and Memorial Union. The annual homecoming fireworks display will start at approximately 8:45 p.m. The display will last approximately 15 minutes, and will be fired from a pontoon boat on Lake Mendota adjacent to the Memorial Union.

The following streets will be closed:

• Langdon Street (North Lake Street to Wisconsin Avenue) 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Wisconsin Avenue (Langdon Street to West Gilman Street) 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A driving lane will be kept open to the Edgewater Hotel.
• West Gilman Street (State Street to Wisconsin Avenue) 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• North Lake Street (University Avenue to Langdon Street) 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Access will be maintained to the State Street Campus Garage.
• Langdon Street (North Park Street to North Lake Street) 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A map of the street closures (with times) is available here.

Metro Transit detours affecting several routes will begin at 4:00 p.m. Specific details and maps are available here.

Happy Homecoming! On, Wisconsin!

Starting at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 27, West Washington Avenue will be fully closed between Broom Street and Bassett Street for final asphalt paving. One lane of traffic will remain open on Bassett Street and on Broom Street at all times. Paving is expected to be completed the same day. The closure will remain in place until approximately 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 29 for pavement marking installation. However, forecasted rain may delay the closure to next week Monday and Tuesday for the pavement marking installation.     

One lane of westbound (outbound) traffic will be opened over this weekend--4:00 p.m. Friday, October 29 until 6:00 a.m. Monday, November 1. 

A map of the closure is available here.

The final asphalt paving represents nearing completion of the West Washington Avenue reconstruction project. The estimated final completion date is November 20. Additional information is available on the project website.

Metro Transit bus detours continue around the work zone. Detailed bus detour information is available here.

Metro Transit is holding a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) public meeting where staff will provide updates on implementation of the BRT project focused on the downtown segment of the line. See the proposed downtown 30% design drawings for the east-west MetroRAPID Red Line and station area plans in more detail, share comments and ask questions. You are invited to attend the virtual public meeting on Thursday, October 28 at 6:00 p.m. The Zoom meeting link is available here.

VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF

N. BASSETT AND W. JOHNSON STREETS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Subtext Development is proposing to redevelop a .65-acre site at the northwest corner of N. Bassett and W. Johnson Streets. The proposal includes the demolition of existing buildings located at 308-312 N. Bassett Street, 505-525 Conklin Place and 504-524 W. Johnson Street, and construction of a 12-story, multi-family residential building with approximately 145 apartment units and 115 structured parking spaces. The proposal also includes over 250 bike parking spaces, moped parking, short-term visitor parking and a dedicated drop-off zone for ride share, food delivery and package delivery.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at cityofmadison.com/MeetingOctober7Verve.

The City of Madison is proposing to reconstruct John Nolen Drive between North Shore Drive and Olin Avenue. The goal of the project is to improve the transportation safety for this corridor for pedestrians, bicycles and motor vehicles. The project's scope includes replacing the six bridges on the John Nolen Drive causeway, which are approaching the end of their service life. The adjacent Capital City Trail is also planned to be reconstructed to create additional space for bike and pedestrian traffic, particularly where it is narrow over waterways. A pedestrian and bike underpass between North Shore Drive and South Broom Street is also under consideration. In addition, partial shoreline replacement is being evaluated.

The planning and design process is scheduled through 2025, and will include analysis of existing conditions, feasibility studies and a community engagement process to inform preliminary and final designs. Construction is scheduled for 2026 and 2027.

This project will be planned and designed in coordination with the City's ongoing Lake Monona Waterfront Improvement project, which encompasses Law Park and Olin Park.

You are invited to attend the first public information meeting for the project on Monday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering here.

You can also provide your feedback by completing a short online survey available here.

The purpose of the meeting and survey is to gather initial input from the community on their thoughts regarding John Nolen Drive. The input will be used to develop different options for the roadway, multiuse path and shoreline design. For additional information on project, including how you can stay updated, visit the project website.

Metro Transit is holding a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) public meeting where staff will provide updates on implementation of the BRT project, including 30% design drawings for the east-west MetroRAPID Red Line. See proposed runningway improvements and station area plans in more detail, share comments and ask questions. You are invited to attend the virtual public meeting on Wednesday, September 29 at 6:00 p.m. The Zoom meeting link is available here.

Metro Transit is continuing a process to redesign Madison's bus network to better meet the needs of residents and businesses. The Metro Transit Network Redesign Project will design a route system that will better meet the needs of Madison area residents and businesses by increasing access and frequency, decreasing travel times, and improving the quality of transit riders' experience. It is looking at where buses go, how often they come, and what times service begins and ends. The results could have a big impact on where people can get to in a reasonable amount of time. That could increase ridership, but also improve access to opportunity for people across the region.

Input received from the first phase of the project was used to develop two contrasting network alternatives, the ridership alternative and coverage alternative. Both alternatives are realistic but neither alternative is a proposal. They are intended to show the extremes of what might be possible in Madison to illustrate the potential network designs resulting from different policy decisions.

Metro Transit is asking the community to provide feedback on each alternative and how you think competing design tradeoffs should be balanced in order to best serve our community. You do not need to be an active bus rider, or even a bus rider at all, to participate. Improving transit has benefits for the whole community - affecting traffic, development, the economy, the environment, and racial and social justice.

You are invited to attend a virtual public meeting on Thursday, September 23 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the network alternatives. The Zoom meeting link is available here.

You can also provide your feedback and review the two network alternatives by completing a short ten minute online survey available here.

The feedback collected will help develop the draft Network Plan. For additional information on the Metro Transit Network Redesign project, including how you can stay updated, visit mymetrobus.com/redesign.

Several streets in and around downtown will be closed for the 2021 Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon on Sunday, September 12. Like previous years, the race consists of swimming in Lake Monona, bicycling throughout Dane County and running in the downtown/campus area. The race starts at 6:45 a.m. at Law Park with the swim start. City of Madison road closures for the bicycling portion last from approximately 7:30 a.m. until approximately 5:30 p.m. Road closures for the run portion last from 11:00 a.m. until approximately midnight. All Metro Transit routes will experience significant detouring downtown. Please expect delays.
 
Ironman course maps are available here.
 
A map of downtown street closures and suggested alternate traffic routes is available here.
 
Metro Transit detours are available here.

Starting at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, August 30, West Washington Avenue construction will extend into the Bedford Street intersection, which will fully close the 10 block of South Bedford Street from West Washington Avenue to West Main Street.

Left turns from eastbound West Washington Avenue onto northbound North Bedford Street will remain open. Southbound vehicles on North Bedford Street will only be able to make right turns onto West Washington Avenue.

The closure within the Bedford Street intersection is expected to remain until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 3.

A map of the closure is available here.

This closure is required for sanitary sewer work as a part of the West Washington Avenue reconstruction project. Additional information is available on the project website.

West Washington Avenue will continue to be fully closed to traffic between Bedford Street and Bassett Street, and one-way westbound traffic will continue between Bassett Street and Broom Street.

Metro Transit bus detours continue around the work zone. Detailed bus detour information is available here.

The first Madison Night Market of 2021 will be held on Thursday, August 19, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown. This is the first of five markets for the 5th annual Madison Night Market season. Vendors showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods and fresh produce. The event includes live music, special visiting food carts and pop-up restaurant experiences.

The newly-expanded Market now includes activities on six blocks of State Street and a small portion of West Gilman Street. This expansion allows for vendors to have more space between them and for businesses along State Street to join in on the fun. More than 50 vendors and 70+ area businesses will join in the event. A map of the event is available here.

Live musical performances from Raine Stern and Panchromatic Steel are at Lisa Link Peace Park, 452 State Street, and pre-contracted musicians will be along State Street. The #MNM sign will be located at the top of State Street for photos and Boulders Portable Climbing Gym will be near the campus end of the street.

Markets will be held the third Thursday of the months of August through December, with a special market on Friday, October 22 to be held in partnership with Science on the Square. Madison Night Market is presented by Madison's Central Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the City of Madison.

All Metro Transit buses detour from State Street for the duration of the event. Further details of the detour are available here.

On Saturday, August 14, the Madison Streets Division will begin collecting curbside items in the downtown area beginning at 6:00 a.m. Collections will continue at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 15.

Crews will be emptying refuse and recycling carts, and collecting large items, such as furniture.

Residents moving out of and into apartments downtown are strongly encouraged to follow the collection guidelines outlined on the Streets Division's moving days website. Following collection guidelines keeps City workers safe and makes collections faster.

Streets Division staff will continue monitoring the volume of material set to the curb in the downtown area. On Monday, August 16, crews will be assigned downtown again to continue collection of refuse and recycling carts, and large items.

For more information, visit the moving days website or call the Streets Division office at (608) 246-4532.

Welcome to our new neighbors!

Starting at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 10, West Washington Avenue construction will extend into the Bedford Street intersection, which will require additional traffic movement restrictions. Those new restrictions include:

• No left turns from inbound West Washington Avenue to North Bedford Street (all inbound West Washington Avenue traffic will be forced to turn right onto South Bedford Street).
• No northbound movement through the intersection (from South Bedford Street to North Bedford Street).

This work and closures within the Bedford Street intersection is expected to last three days.

A map of the closure is available here.

West Washington Avenue will continue to be fully closed to traffic between Bedford Street and Bassett Street, and one-way westbound traffic will continue between Bassett Street and Broom Street.  

This is a continuation of construction for the West Washington Avenue reconstruction project. Additional information is available on the project website.

Metro Transit bus detours continue around the work zone. Detailed bus detour information is available here.

Starting at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 4, West Washington Avenue will be fully closed between Bedford Street and Bassett Street. Additionally, West Washington Avenue will close to eastbound traffic between Bassett Street and Broom Street.

South Bassett Street, which is currently closed, will reopen at this time. However, North Bassett Street between West Mifflin Street and West Washington Avenue will remain closed to traffic until Friday, August 6 at approximately 5:00 p.m.

A map of the detour is available here. There will be signed detour routes in place to discourage unnecessary traffic on residential streets.

This is the next phase of construction for the West Washington Avenue reconstruction project. This phase is expected to last until the end of September. Final project completion is expected in mid-November. Additional information is available on the project website.

Metro Transit buses will be detoured around the work zone, and detoured Metro busses will utilize the 400 block of West Doty Street and the 400 and 500 blocks of West Main Street. Detailed bus detour information is available here.

Local access to residences and businesses will be maintained. Residents will be given prior notice by the contractor when access to driveways will be restricted for a significant amount of time. No project work will take place August 14-16 due to the significant turnover of rental properties in the area.

Starting Monday, August 2, the Madison Streets Division is conducting special collections in the downtown area in advance of the annual mass turnover of apartment leases downtown over the next several days. Crews will be collecting refuse, recycling, and large items throughout each weekday until Monday, August 16. Collection service will be suspended this Friday at 3:00 p.m. for the weekend. Special refuse and recycling services will resume downtown on Monday, August 9. Crews will be emptying refuse and recycling carts downtown each weekday between now and Monday, August 16.

Please fill up your carts according to the guidelines below and roll them to the curb anytime through August 16. Crews will empty your carts so you can fill them up again. You may fill up your refuse and recycling carts and roll them out as often as you like until the morning of Monday, August 16. Using your carts for refuse and recycling is easier than lugging lots of bags or loose material to the curb. It will keep our neighborhood cleaner.

Guidelines

Over one million pounds of trash and recyclables will be placed at the curb during this period. The Streets Division needs your help to make this year's move out as orderly as possible. Please follow these guidelines when placing trash and recycling at the curb during the move out:

• Do not put trash in cardboard boxes. Boxes must be flattened and bundled for recycling.
• Keep refuse and large items separate when placed at the curb.
• Put nothing but recycling in green recycling carts. Do not put recycling in tan refuse carts.
• Put all recycling at the curb in the green recycling carts or clear plastic bags. No loose piles of recycling.
• Do not pile bagged trash or large items around recycling or refuse carts.
• Put all refuse at the curb in tan refuse carts or trash bags. No loose piles of trash/garbage.
• Do not pile bagged trash or recyclables on top of furniture or appliances.
• Keep larger metal items separate from other material so that it can be recycled.
• Most appliances, including microwave ovens, require a fee for collection.
• Do not place computers, monitors or televisions at the curb. They should be brought to a drop-off site for recycling.
• Do not take recycling or refuse carts. The carts belong to the City and must remain behind when you move.

Questions?

Additional information is available on the City Moving Days website and informational video. Otherwise, please call the Streets Division at (608) 246-4532.

Welcome to our new neighbors!

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 23, South Broom Street will be fully closed between West Wilson Street and John Nolen Drive for railroad track replacement. Due to the nature of this work, no traffic lanes or sidewalk can be kept open during the work. The reason for the full closure is because the rails are placed in one long piece across the street.

The work is expected to be completed and the street fully reopened by 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning, July 27.

Detour signs will be in place. A map of the detour is available here.

Metro Transit will have bus detours. Detailed bus detour information is available here.

Recent Train Horns Downtown

The unusual recent train horn use downtown by Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (WSOR) is due to this railroad construction project near the South Broom Street crossing that impacts the signals. According to federal law, WSOR must place a "stop and flag order" on the crossing at South Broom Street, which then requires the sounding of the locomotive horns. The "stop and flag order" is due to a crew doing ditching and bank restoration work near South Broom Street and Monona Terrace. This is temporary until the work is complete, and does require horns to be sounded in accordance with federal law throughout the duration of the work. The date of project completion is unknown at this time as this work is weather dependent. However, WSOR has other construction planned in this area over the next couple months.

Also, according to the federal Train Horn Rule, railroads must begin to sound the horn ¼ mile in advance of a public at-grade railroad/highway crossing for each crossing that isn't in a quiet zone or has a "stop and flag order" such as South Broom Street recently. Most of the downtown has been included in quiet zones since 2008. A downtown quiet zone map is available here. In a quiet zone, railroads are required to cease the routine sounding of their horns when approaching crossings. Train horns may still be used in emergency situations. The planned reconstruction of the John Nolen Drive, South Blair Street, East Wilson Street and Williamson Street intersection in 2022 will include the installation of a quiet zone there.

Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 22, North Bassett Street will be closed between West Mifflin Street and West Washington Avenue. This closure is expected to last three weeks--until Thursday, August 12.

The existing closure of South Bassett Street from West Washington Avenue to West Main Street will remain in place during this time. One lane of traffic will continue to be maintained for each direction of travel on West Washington Avenue. A map of the detour is available here.

This closure is for underground utility work as part of the West Washington Avenue resurfacing project. Additional information is available on the project website.

Metro Transit bus detours will remain in place. Detailed bus detour information is available here.

The annual Maxwell Street Days sidewalk sale returns to State Street today, Thursday, July 15, through Sunday, July 18. Hours are Thursday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It continues the tradition of more than 40 years of great bargains and specials on clothing, jewelry, gifts, artwork, sporting goods, books and more, plus fabulous food from State Street and Capitol Square shops and restaurants. This great community event is hosted by the Greater State Street Business Association.

More than 50 businesses have registered to participate this year. A partial list of participants is available here.

For over 40 years, Maxwell Street Days has provided bargains, culinary delights and music for more than 30,000 annual attendees. This annual summer sidewalk sale on State Street takes place the 3rd weekend in July. Why is there a "Maxwell Street Days" on State Street? Maxwell Street in Chicago, was home to a famed outdoor market and "urban bazaar" from 1871 to 1994. In 1975, Martin's, a Madison clothing store and tailor shop, founded an outdoor sidewalk sale to showcase the State Street shopping district, starting Madison's very own "Maxwell Street Days" tradition.

Greater State Street Business Association (GSSBA) membership is open to all businesses and property owners located on State Street, the Capitol Square, and one block off in either of these two areas. Businesses must be inline, storefront businesses to be GSSBA members and to participate in Maxwell Street Days.

All Metro Transit buses detour from State Street for the duration of the event. Further details of the detour are available here.

Please support our downtown local businesses!

The Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin Street, reopens to the public today, Tuesday, July 13.

The center will offer services Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with limited capacity July 13 - August 1. Effective August 2, pre-COVID operating hours will resume and the Madison Senior Center will be open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through September 3, with reduced capacity. Staff will be working a hybrid remote schedule and will remain available to answer your questions via e-mail or telephone during this time. The computer lab is currently accessible for technology lessons by appointment only.

The nutrition meal site will resume on August 2 at Madison Senior Center. Please call NewBridge at 608-512-0000, ext. 4006 to register to attend, or to ask questions.

Several new protocols have been developed for staff and participants to minimize the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Effective September 7, the Madison Senior Center will resume pre-COVID operations. All who enter and are not vaccinated are highly encouraged to wear masks. We ask all participants to follow proper hand and respiratory hygiene. To maintain social distancing, seating capacity is limited through August 1. Additional protocols are in place and will be communicated to all prior to entering and posted throughout the building.

The Madison Senior Center provides healthy aging activities designed to prevent and manage chronic health conditions to older adults 55 and over. The center physically closed in March, 2020 but Madison Senior Center staff continued to provide remote services such as Zoom exercise classes, book club, and lectures on healthy aging, as well as other services such as a tablet lending program called Tablets2Go, a pen pal program, line dancing and intergenerational program opportunities.

The City of Madison will resurface the street and replace utilities on West Washington Avenue between Bedford Street and Broom Street over the next several months. The approval process for obtaining the final Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources permits for the sewer and water main work delayed the project start date. Work on the project will now begin on Monday, July 12. There will be several phases of construction, beginning with work within the Bassett Street intersection which will require a full closure of South Bassett Street at West Washington Avenue.

Construction is anticipated to be phased as follows:

• Phase 1 (~2 week duration)--Close South Bassett Street from West Washington Avenue to West Main Street. Maintain two-way traffic on West Washington Avenue.
• Phase 2 (~2 week duration)--Close North Bassett Street from West Mifflin Street to West Washington Avenue. Maintain two-way traffic on West Washington Avenue.
• Phases 3 & 4 (~12 week duration)–Reopen Bassett Street. Close 500 block of West Washington Avenue (Bedford Street to Bassett Street), and maintain one westbound (outbound) lane on the 400 block of West Washington Avenue (Bassett Street to Broom Street).
• Phase 5 (~1 day duration)--Full closure of West Washington Avenue to complete surface paving.

Metro Transit buses will be detoured around the work zone, and some parking will be temporarily removed on the 500 block of West Main Street to accommodate the detoured Metro busses and temporary boarding locations. Detailed Metro Transit detour information for the initial construction phases is available here. A map of the planned construction phasing for the project, including the Metro detours around the project area, is available here.

Project work includes removal and replacement of asphalt pavement, replacement of water main, sanitary sewer main and laterals, storm sewer and private storm sewer connections, installation of pedestrian street lighting, and replacement of curb and gutter, drive aprons, and sidewalk as needed. New concrete islands will be installed at the intersections to improve pedestrian crossings and provide space for traffic signal installations. Intersection improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists will also be made at the Bassett Street intersection, which will include new pedestrian ramps and an improved bike lane crossing of West Washington Avenue. Crews will also install a parking protected bike lane on South Bassett Street between West Washington Avenue and West Main Street.

The public works contract for this project has been awarded to R.G. Huston Company, Inc. of Cottage Grove. In the past weeks, Madison Gas and Electric Company performed initial work on their gas mains around the intersection with Bassett Street, including the installation of a new manhole just west of Bassett Street. The entire project is expected to be completed in November. 

Additional information is available on the project website, including the fact sheet distributed to area residents and property owners.

The City of Madison will resurface the street and replace utilities on West Washington Avenue between Bedford Street and Broom Street over the next several months. Work includes removal and replacement of asphalt pavement, replacement of water main, sanitary sewer main and laterals, storm sewer and private storm sewer connections, installation of pedestrian street lighting, and replacement of curb and gutter, drive aprons, and sidewalk as needed. New concrete islands will be installed at the intersections to improve pedestrian crossings and provide space for traffic signal installations. Intersection improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists will also be made at the Bassett Street intersection, which will include new pedestrian ramps and an improved bike lane crossing of West Washington Avenue. Crews will also install a parking protected bike lane on South Bassett Street between West Washington Avenue and West Main Street.

Project construction will start on Monday, June 28, beginning at the Bassett Street intersection. During this first phase of work, Bassett Street will be closed to thru traffic at West Washington Avenue, and West Washington Avenue will remain open to a lane of traffic in both directions. The public works contract for this project has been awarded to R.G. Huston Company, Inc. of Cottage Grove. In the past weeks, Madison Gas and Electric Company performed initial work on their gas mains around the intersection with Bassett Street, including the installation of a new manhole just west of Bassett Street. 

Additional information is available on the project website, including the recent fact sheet distributed to area residents and property owners.

Beginning on Thursday, June 3, the Madison Streets Division's large item pickup will change in the core downtown area.

When residents need large item pickup, they will need to schedule the collection via a work order system that can be accessed on the Streets Division's website.

What will I need to do with the work order system?
In the work order, you will submit information about what items you are setting out for pickup or taking to a drop-off site. For curbside collection, you will also schedule the date when the items will be picked up.

You will also use the work order system to pay recycling fees that are necessary for certain items, like appliances or televisions.

Where can I access the new system to submit work orders?
The new work order system for large item disposal and recycling is available here. The link to the work order system is available in multiple locations on the Streets Division's website.

If you have trouble completing the forms, please contact the Streets Division office at 608-246-4532 and staff will be able to help. The office is available to help from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

What does this mean for curbside collection of large items?
You will need to schedule your large item pickup with a work order at the curb before you set items out for pickup.

If the item you need collected requires a fee, you will use the work order system to pay it.

For curbside pickup, you will not receive a sticker after you pay. Once you complete the work order and pay any required fees for the items, you just need to set the item out on the set-out day you selected for pickup.

What does this mean for taking items to the drop-off site?
The only change for drop-off site operations is the website used to purchase recycling fee stickers for items that require one. You will use the new work order system to pay for the recycling fees for items coming to the drop-off site. After purchase, stickers will be mailed to you.

The items must have the sticker attached before they will be accepted at the drop-off sites.

You do not need to use the work order system to drop off items that are accepted without fees.

Why is this change being made?
The move to the work order system will help collection become more efficient.

Under the current system, large item collection crews rove through streets looking for material to collect. This means crews spend a lot of fuel and time searching for items.

By changing to a work order system, our crews can instead go directly to the homes that have out material, saving fuel and time.

This also allows us to get better data about what we collect. In time, as more recycling opportunities become available locally, work orders allow us to be more intentional with our collection system. For example, when mattress recycling becomes available once again, we can dispatch a truck to specifically pickup mattresses at the stops that have them so we can to deliver them to a recycler. This will make for a better process so the recyclable large items won't have to be separated out from the materials we can't yet reclaim.

And also, the work order system should practically eliminate missed large item collections as crews will know exactly which addresses need collection.

Where can I get more information about this new system?
The Streets Division has a website dedicated to answering questions regarding how this new system will work.

You can also contact the Streets Division offices.

Beginning Tuesday, June 1, the City of Madison will resume enforcement of all on-street parking restrictions, ending the temporary suspension of Residential Parking Permit restrictions and time limit restrictions in non-metered areas. With the expiration of Dane County Public Health orders and the lifting of capacity limits on June 2, there will be an increasing need to resume enforcement of the currently suspended restrictions.

In accordance with the Parking Division's COVID-19 pandemic recovery plan and scheduled return to standard parking rates, the temporary reduced $5 night/weekend daily maximum rate will return to the standard $8 night/weekend daily maximum at City-owned garages, effective June 1.

As the impact of the pandemic on the community shifts to allow a return to normalcy throughout the city, parking demand and congestion has also increased. Reinstating the currently suspended restrictions are intended to address the changing parking demands and travel behaviors to best meet the needs of the public.

The following parking restrictions will be reinstated and enforced beginning Tuesday, June 1:

• Residential Parking Permit areas – time limit and "Resident Permit Parking Only" restrictions. Please visit the Residential Parking Permit section of the Parking Division website if you are interested in learning about or obtaining a permit.
• 1-hour and 2-hour posted time limits in non-metered areas. Discover maps of these locations and additional information about on-street non-metered parking here.

Other parking updates and changes to note:

• The standard $8 night and weekend daily rate in all City-owned public parking garages will return to pre-COVID rates, showing a small increase from the current temporary $5 daily maximum. Current hourly rates had previously returned to pre-COVID rates. An explanation of parking rates in City-operated garages and lots is available here.
• Park Smarter, a contactless mobile parking app to pay for meters, is now available for public use.
• Temporary restaurant pick-up loading zones will remain in effect at this time.
• The City Transportation Office remains closed to walk-in services while the Madison Municipal Building is closed to the public. Appointment scheduling services are in development for those who need to visit the office in-person. It is anticipated that this will become available in the coming month.
• All present services are available online or by calling the Parking Division office at (608) 266-4761.

All Madison Public Libraries will reopen beginning Monday, May 24. Expanded services will include in-person library browsing, self-pickup holds and checkout, and access to basic desk services in person. 

Hours of Operation as of May 24:

All libraries except Monroe Street Library
Weekdays 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Saturdays 12:00-5:00 p.m.

Monroe Street Library
Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Library visitors will be expected to adhere to the following safety precautions:

• Visitors aged five and above will be required to wear a mask or face covering meeting current public health guidance at all times while inside the library.
• Visitors must keep six feet of distance between themselves and others not in their household.
• Visitors are encouraged to wash their hands regularly and/or use sanitizer provided by the library before, during, and after their visit.
• No eating or drinking will be allowed in the library.
• Capacity will be monitored to meet current public health guidelines.

Madison Public Library will continue to expand in-person services throughout the rest of the year as public health conditions and staffing levels allow. Visitors can plan their visit by checking madisonpubliclibrary.org for the latest information or calling 608-266-6300.
 

To browse the collection and check out materials:
The library will phase out curbside pickup service on May 24. Customers can place holds online at linkcat.info or call the library at 608-266-6300 to ask staff to place holds. When customers are notified that their holds are available for pickup, they can pick them up in the library. Customers who need a health accommodation can call their pickup library to make arrangements.

To use a library computer:
Library computers are available on a first come, first served basis at eight of our nine locations (Monroe Street Library does not have computers available) for one hour per day. Advance reservations may be made by calling 608-266-6300. Printing costs are $0.10 per page for black & white, and $0.50 per page for color; free printing will be discontinued. For all details, visit madpl.org/computers.

More information:
For currently available library services, including reopening procedure video, visit madpl.org/welcome.
For a list of all library hours and locations, visit madpl.org/locations.
For downloadable audiobooks and eBooks, visit madpl.org/ebooks.

Bus Rapid Transit Project Meeting

Metro Transit is holding a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) spring public meeting where staff will provide updates on implementation of the BRT project, including updates on east and west terminals, station configurations at select intersections, and the status of the station design competition. The virtual meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, at 6:00 p.m. Preregistration is required. A Zoom meeting link will be provided after registration. Please register for the meeting here.

Metro Transit Network Redesign Survey

Metro Transit is starting a process to redesign Madison's bus network to better meet the needs of residents and businesses. The Metro Transit Network Redesign Project will design a route system that will better meet the needs of Madison area residents and businesses by increasing access and frequency, decreasing travel times, and improving the quality of transit riders' experience. We'll be looking at where buses go, how often they come, and what times service begins and ends. The results could have a big impact on where people can get to in a reasonable amount of time. That could increase ridership, but also improve access to opportunity for people across the region.

The BRT Project is about major improvements on the busiest parts of the network. The Transit Network Redesign is about the network serving all of Madison. The redesign will also incorporate bus routes into the future BRT system that is expected to be implemented in 2024.

All community members, riders and non-riders, are encouraged to fill out a quick choices survey. Survey results will help shape the collective goals and priorities for Madison's future transit network. The survey is available here.

 

The 2021 property assessments are now available on the City website at cityofmadison.com/assessor. Assessment notices were mailed today to all property owners whether or not their assessment has changed from the previous year's value. Property values increased 5.9% overall from the 2020 assessments. Commercial property has increased 4.3% and residential assessments increased 6.7%.

Information about the COVID-19 impact on Madison assessments is available in a Madison Assessor's Office video available here.

As per state statute, a period for "examination of the assessment roll" - what is referred to as "open book" - is provided. This period of time is an opportunity to discuss property value and provide reason for changing value, if appropriate. This "open book" period is set aside for property owners to discuss their assessments with Assessor's Office staff prior to completion of the assessment roll. Property owners who wish to compare assessments may also view assessment data posted on the Assessor's website. Available information includes owner's name, property address, legal description, sale information and property characteristics.

The open book period will begin Monday, April 19 and close Friday, April 30 at 4:30 p.m. Due to the pandemic, open book contact this year will be telephonic or virtual. The Assessor's Office remains closed to the public for everyone's safety. Property owners must initiate contact with the appraiser for their property in one of two ways:

• Email: openbook@cityofmadison.com
• Call: (608) 266-4531

Support staff fielding the initial contact will direct you to the appropriate appraiser and provide helpful information about the process and resources available. The appraiser will then contact you based on the initial information provided.

Owners who disagree with their assessment are encouraged to speak with the appraiser who established the value. If an error was made or if a property owner has evidence that the assessment does not reflect the actual fair market value of the property, the appraiser will take this information into consideration in setting the final assessed value. Appraisers welcome the opportunity to review any and all information provided. The best evidence of value is the recent sale price of the property or the sale prices of comparable properties.

After talking with the Assessor's Office, owners who still feel the assessed value of their property is incorrect may file a formal objection.

If you have general questions concerning assessments, please contact the Assessor's Office at assessor@cityofmadison.com or (608) 266-4531.

Virtual Neighborhood Meeting

Proposed Redevelopment at 341 State Street, 315/319/321 W. Gorham Street and 322 W. Johnson Street

Monday, April 19, 2021 - 7:00 P.M.

Please join me for a virtual neighborhood meeting about a redevelopment proposal by Core Spaces for 341 State Street, 315/319/321 W. Gorham Street and 322 W. Johnson Street. The existing buildings would be removed and replaced by a mixed-use student housing project including first floor retail. The proposed project would be three to ten stories in height stepping back from State Street with 20,000-25,000 square feet of retail, 375-400 student apartments, 50-75 affordable student housing apartments and 250-300 enclosed/lower level parking spaces. The existing façades at 315/319 W. Gorham Street and 322 W. Johnson Street would be integrated into the design of the building.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at cityofmadison.com/meetingApr19CoreSpaces.  

Because of COVID-19, voters are encouraged to act now to vote absentee for the Tuesday, April 6 Spring Election.

Polls will be open for those who need them on Election Day, but many voters will vote absentee for this election. For that to happen, you should request an absentee ballot as soon as possible, or consider In-Person Absentee Voting. If you plan to vote on Election Day, please check MyVote.wi.gov on Election Day to verify your polling place, as locations may change for this election.

Early In-Person Absentee Voting

City of Madison voters may cast absentee ballots and register to vote at all early voting locations beginning today, March 23.

The downtown early voting locations are:

• City Clerk's Office, City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
• UW-Madison Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street

All early voting locations and hours are listed here. Voters must present an acceptable form of photo ID before receiving an absentee ballot.

Voting will take place inside at all of the locations. Election officials have been trained to follow the advice of Public Health Madison & Dane County when it comes to COVID-19 safety precautions. Due to capacity restraints, you may need to wait for a voter to exit the absentee voting site before you can enter.

The Dane County Voter ID Coalition is available to help voters apply for a free Wisconsin ID card, including arranging free taxi rides to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The Dane County Voter ID Coalition hotline is (608) 285-2141.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

There are several ways registered voters can request absentee ballots. The easiest way is to sign up at MyVote.wi.gov.

Just look for the "Vote Absentee" button near the top of the page. On a mobile phone, use the menu button in the upper right corner of the website. There is a three-step process that starts with entering your name and date of birth, followed by requesting your ballot. If you don't already have a photo ID on file with the City Clerk's Office, you can upload a copy. Mobile phone users can take a picture and upload it to MyVote. Absentee ballot requests submitted this way go directly to the City Clerk's Office, and you can track your ballot by returning to the website.

Voters can also request absentee ballots by mailing the City Clerk's Office. Detailed absentee voting information is available here. These requests must be accompanied by a copy of your photo ID. If you already have a photo ID on file from previous absentee requests under your current registration, you will not need to provide it again.

The deadline for registered voters to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you is the Thursday before the election, April 1. However, voters should not wait, due to possible delays in mail delivery. If you get an absentee ballot mailed to you, you can still decide to vote at the polls on Election Day if you haven't returned it.

Your absentee ballot must be received in the City Clerk's Office or at your polling place by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, April 6. Again, please request and return ballots as soon as possible.

Starting at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, March 22, until approximately 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, Stevens Construction will close the 10 block of East Doty Street in order to remove the tower crane at the Judge Doyle Square construction site.

East Doty Street will be completely closed between the Block 89 parking garage driveway and South Pinckney Street. A map of the closure and detour route is available here.

Pedestrian Access
The sidewalk on the north side of East Doty Street will remain open at all times. The sidewalk on the south side of East Doty Street (South Pinckney Street to the Wilson Street Garage elevators) will remain closed at all times.

Block 89 Parking Garage
East Doty Street will be converted to two-way traffic from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to the Block 89 parking garage to maintain access to and from the garage. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Doty Street intersection will be converted to an all-way stop-controlled intersection, with flaggers, to allow vehicles to safely exit the Block 89 parking garage.

Wilson Street Parking Garage
The Madison Parking Utility Wilson Street Garage will remain open during this work. However, the East Doty Street driveway for the Wilson Street Garage will be inaccessible during the closure. All Wilson Street Garage traffic will have to use the East Wilson Street driveway to enter/exit. Pedestrian access will be maintained from the Doty Street elevators/stairwell to the sidewalk to the west toward the Madison Municipal Building and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.

This work is highly weather-dependent. Moderate winds or thunderstorms may delay the work and the reopening of the street.

Because of COVID-19, voters are encouraged to act now to vote absentee for the Tuesday, February 16 Primary Election.

Polls will be open for those who need them on Election Day, but most voters should vote absentee for this election. For that to happen, you should request an absentee ballot as soon as possible, or consider In-Person Absentee Voting. If you plan to vote on Election Day, please check MyVote.wi.gov on Election Day to verify your polling place, as locations may change for this election.

Early In-Person Absentee Voting

City of Madison voters may cast absentee ballots and register to vote at all early voting locations beginning February 8.

The downtown early voting locations are:

• City Clerk's Office, City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
• UW-Madison Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street

All early voting locations and hours are listed here. Voters must present an acceptable form of photo ID before receiving an absentee ballot.

Voting will take place inside at all of the locations. Election officials have been trained to follow the advice of Public Health Madison & Dane County when it comes to COVID-19 safety precautions. Due to capacity restraints, you may need to wait for a voter to exit the absentee voting site before you can enter.

The Dane County Voter ID Coalition is available to help voters apply for a free Wisconsin ID card, including arranging free taxi rides to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The Dane County Voter ID Coalition hotline is (608) 285-2141.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

There are several ways registered voters can request absentee ballots. The easiest way is to sign up at MyVote.wi.gov.

Just look for the "Vote Absentee" button near the top of the page. On a mobile phone, use the menu button in the upper right corner of the website. There is a three-step process that starts with entering your name and date of birth, followed by requesting your ballot. If you don't already have a photo ID on file with the City Clerk's Office, you can upload a copy. Mobile phone users can take a picture and upload it to MyVote. Absentee ballot requests submitted this way go directly to the City Clerk's Office, and you can track your ballot by returning to the website.

Voters can also request absentee ballots by mailing the City Clerk's Office. Detailed absentee voting information is available here. These requests must be accompanied by a copy of your photo ID. If you already have a photo ID on file from previous absentee requests under your current registration, you will not need to provide it again.

The deadline for registered voters to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you is the Thursday before the election, February 11. However, voters should absolutely not wait, due to possible delays in mail delivery. If you get an absentee ballot mailed to you, you can still decide to vote at the polls on Election Day if you haven't returned it.

Your absentee ballot must be received in the City Clerk's Office or at your polling place by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, February 16. Again, please request and return ballots as soon as possible.

Proposed Service Adjustments 

On Wednesday, February 10 at 6:00 p.m., Metro Transit and the Madison Transportation Commission will hold a virtual public hearing to review and discuss service adjustments proposed for later in the year. The proposed service adjustments impact numerous downtown routes.

Proposed service adjustments include:

• Routes 8, 12, 15, 70 and 72 moved from State Street to West Washington Avenue and Bassett and Broom Streets.
• Route 2 – Increase weekday frequency from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes in both directions between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (To offset suspension of Route 10 & 27.) 
• Route 10 – Route suspended. (Service added to Routes 2 and 38.) 
• Route 27 – Route suspended. (Service added on Route 2.) 
• Route 38 – Weekday route restored with added mid-day service. During morning and afternoon peaks, buses run every 30 minutes in both directions between University Row/Whitney Way and Pflaum Road (via UW Hospital, Wilson/Square & Dennett/Dempsey). During mid-day, buses continue to run every 30 minutes in both directions between the University Row/Whitney Way and isthmus area (via UW Hospital & Wilson/Square). (To offset suspension of Route 10.) 

Maps of the proposed changes are available here.

Planned Bus Stop Updates

On Wednesday, March 10 at 5:00 p.m., Metro Transit and the 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.

A full list and maps of the proposed bus stop changes are available here.

Give Feedback

Passengers and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting(s) or give feedback. Consideration will be given to views and comments expressed at the meeting(s) as well as to all phone and written comments received.

• Sign up to speak virtually here.
• Fill out feedback form here.
• Call: (608) 266-4466
• Email: mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com
• Written comments can also be sent to: Metro Transit Proposed Changes, 1245 East Washington Avenue, Suite 201, Madison, WI 53703.

Refuse, recycling and large item collections by the Madison Streets Division will begin at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 4. The core downtown area is scheduled to receive City refuse and large item collection service on Thursday. City recycling collection in the core downtown is next scheduled on Thursday, February 11.

You must have your carts and items out for pickup before 6:00 a.m. Items set out after 6:00 a.m. may not be picked up.

When you set your collection carts and/or large items out, do not place them in the street. Use your driveway apron or a cleared area of your terrace if possible. Items and collection carts in the street gutter become obstructions for snow plowing equipment.

Streets Division crews are starting collections early due to the timing and severity of snowstorm that is forecast to hit Madison.

Additional information about Streets Division operations can be found at cityofmadison.com/streets. And more information about winter operations can be found at cityofmadison.com/winter.

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 2. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators may be towed tonight. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.
 
When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
 
Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 2. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

Parking on the Street Sunday Night
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of January 31 into early morning of February 1) must park their vehicles on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Parking on the Street Monday Night
Vehicles parked on the street tomorrow night (the evening of February 1 into early morning of February 2) must be parked on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

The City of Madison is proposing to resurface the street and replace utilities on West Washington Avenue between Bedford Street and Broom Street. Proposed work includes removal and replacement of asphalt pavement, replacement of water main, sanitary sewer main and laterals, storm sewer and private storm sewer connections, installation of pedestrian street lighting, and replacement of curb and gutter, drive aprons, and sidewalk as needed. Crews will also install a protected intersection for pedestrians and bicyclists at the intersection of West Washington Avenue and Bassett Street. Crews will also install a parking protected bike lane on South Bassett Street between West Washington Avenue and West Main Street. The project is currently scheduled to be constructed this summer.

You're invited to a virtual public information meeting on Thursday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m. Details on the project design, construction schedule, residential impacts, and special assessments will be discussed. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at this link. Additional information is available on the project website.

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Thursday, January 28. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators may be towed tonight. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.
 
When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
 
Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 28. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

Parking on the Street Tuesday Night
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of January 26 into early morning of January 27) must park their vehicles on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators will also likely be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Parking on the Street Wednesday Night
Vehicles parked on the street tomorrow night (the evening of January 27 into early morning of January 28) must be parked on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED HOTEL DEVELOPMENT AT 223 S. PINCKNEY STREET

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 - 7:00 P.M.

You're invited to a neighborhood meeting to review the updated plans for a proposed hotel by Mortenson Development as part of the Judge Doyle Square project. The proposed hotel would occupy a portion of the former Government East parking garage location, 223 S. Pinckney Street. A major alteration to the approved planned development zoning has been submitted for City review to increase the number of hotel rooms to 260, provide 4,500 square feet of conference, meeting, and pre-function spaces, and a full-service restaurant with outdoor seating. The curve of the building would be maintained and changes to the façade would be made to align with the design of the Stone House building under construction across the street. The height of the proposed nine-story building would be reduced approximately 35 feet to eliminate the need for an encroachment into the capitol view preservation height limit.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at cityofmadison.com/meetingJan14Block105.

Two Rounds of Tree Collection

Starting Monday, January 4, the Streets Division will begin Christmas tree collection. As in years past, there will be two rounds of tree collection.
 
The first round of Christmas tree collection will begin on Monday, January 4. Christmas trees placed to the curb by 6:30 a.m. on January 4 in accordance to the rules outlined below will be collected prior to January 15, barring any winter weather complications. Placing your tree to the curb after January 4 could result in your tree not being collected during the first round.
 
The second round of Christmas tree collection will begin on Tuesday, January 19. Christmas trees placed to the curb by 6:30 a.m. on January 19 will be collected prior to January 29, barring any winter weather complications. 
 
If you place your tree to the curb after 6:30 a.m. on January 19, you may miss your final collection round. Residents electing to have their trees collected at the curb rather than bringing the tree to a drop-off site are strongly encouraged to have their tree curbside prior to January 19.
 
After the second round of tree collection is complete, crews will transition to other priorities. Trees set to the curb after the second round of collection occurs in your neighborhood will sit on the terrace until crews begin regular brush collection in the spring.
 
Wreaths, evergreen rope, garlands and boughs will not be collected with Christmas trees. These items regularly contain wire that can jam wood chipping equipment by becoming entangled. Please place these into your tan refuse cart or private dumpster.
 
Plowing and other snow and ice control issues take priority over tree collection, and this may cause delays.
 
Collection Rules
Trees are processed with expensive wood chippers. These machines can be easily damaged by metal, wire and other foreign material. To protect this equipment and the safety of our workers we ask that all residents follow these rules. Failure to follow these rules may result in your tree being left at the curb.

• Remove all tree stands regardless of whether they are metal, plastic or wood.
• Remove all light strings, ornaments and other metal objects.
• Remove any tree bags.
• Place trees at the street edge only.
• Dig out trees if they become buried under snow.

Drop-Off Sites
Residents may also bring Christmas trees to a City drop-off site. The sites are located at 1501 West Badger Road on the southwest side and 4602 Sycamore Avenue on the east side.

The drop-off sites are open 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. These hours will remain in effect until expanded hours begin on Monday, April 5.
 
Happy New Year!

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 31. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of December 30 into early morning of December 31) must park their vehicles on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

It is that time of year again to expect your City of Madison property tax bill. 2020 property tax bill calculation and preparation is now complete. The City of Madison Treasury Office is now accepting 2020 property tax payments. 2020 property tax bills have been mailed and are now available online here.

There are several methods of payment to make the process easier. One payment option to consider is Enrolled Payments. Using this method, you may pay online using your checking/savings account. You can view activity, edit your profile, or add/delete accounts. Select from a variety of email notifications to help manage your payments. There is not a fee for using eBilling. Residents who pay their tax bills in installments using the enrolled payments can easily set up their accounts to get the added benefit of electronic reminders as a due date approaches.

Another payment option is payment by phone. This service offers the option of payment via an automated service operating 24 hours per day. You will be able to enter your checking/savings account or credit/debit card privately by phone by calling 877-899-4281. Individuals using this service are asked to have their parcel and bill numbers ready. There is a fee for using a credit/debit card. There is not a fee for using a checking or savings account.

In addition, property owners are able to make a one-time payment by credit or debit card or accessing a checking or savings account. There is a fee for using a credit or debit card but none for using a checking or savings account. Residents are still able to submit their payments by mail to the City Treasury Office. All mailing information is included in the tax bill. You may also use the drop box in front of the City-County Building. Due to the pandemic, in-person payments at the City Treasury Office are not available this year.

All tax payments postmarked on or before December 31, 2020 will be processed as having been paid in 2020.

VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF W. WILSON AND S. HENRY STREETS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 - 7:00 P.M. 

Please join me for a virtual neighborhood meeting about a redevelopment proposal by Apex Real Estate and Walter Wayne Development for the southeast corner of W. Wilson and S. Henry Streets, specifically the properties at 145, 147, 149 and 151 W. Wilson Street, and 309, 313, 315 and 321 S. Henry Street. The existing rental properties would be removed and replaced by a 10- story, multifamily building with approximately 210 apartment units and approximately 230 enclosed parking stalls.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at cityofmadison.com/meetingDec17Wilson.

Alderperson Mike Verveer

There will be no recycling, refuse or large item collection by the City Streets Division on Thursday, November 26 or Friday, November 27 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. If your material is normally collected on Thursday, it will instead be collected on Wednesday, November 25. Refuse and large item collection in the core downtown will occur on Wednesday. Please place refuse carts to the curb for pickup by 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Streets Division drop-off sites will be closed on Thursday and Friday. They will reopen on Saturday, November 28.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The 2020 General Election will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3. The City of Madison has taken extraordinary measures to make voting safe.

If you have not had the opportunity to cast an absentee ballot, you can still vote at your assigned polling place. Previously issued absentee ballots can be witnessed and dropped off at your polling place until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.

The City of Madison Clerk's Office would like voters to know ten things for this Tuesday's election:

1. Many polling places have changed since the last Presidential Election, including most downtown locations. It is very important that you verify your polling location at MyVote.wi.gov. A sample ballot is also available at MyVote.wi.gov.
2. If you have a question or need help, ask a poll worker. We work to keep our elections transparent. Poll workers are happy to answer your questions as long as the questions are not political in nature. The Clerk's Office is available to answer your questions, too.
3. If you are in line to vote at 8:00 p.m., stay in line. A poll worker will stand at the end of the line to make sure everyone who was at the polling place before the polls closed gets an opportunity to vote.
4. Don't let a lack of Voter ID keep you from going to the polls. Voters without acceptable ID may vote provisionally. Provisional voters who get a copy of their ID to the Clerk's Office by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6 will have their ballot counted by the Board of Canvassers that evening. The Dane County Voter ID Coalition can help you obtain a free Wisconsin ID. Their hotline is (608) 285-2141.
5. The address on your Voter ID does not matter. When checking Voter ID, poll workers are only verifying your identity. They are not checking the address on your ID.
6. There is no requirement that your Voter ID meet federal REAL ID requirements. If you renewed your Wisconsin driver license or Wisconsin ID and did not have all the certified documents required for a REAL ID, the DMV would have informed you that your new ID is "non-compliant" with the REAL ID Act of 2005. Even "non-compliant" Wisconsin ID cards are acceptable for proving your identity at the polls.
7. Certain types of Voter ID can be expired. If you are using a Wisconsin driver license, a Wisconsin ID, a U.S. passport, or a military ID to prove your identity at the polls, the ID can have an expiration date of November 7, 2018 or later.
8. Someone convicted of a felony may vote once they've served their sentence and are Off Paper. Wisconsin restores civil rights – including voting rights – to felons who complete the terms of their sentence, including probation, parole, and/or extended supervision. They will just need to re-register to vote at the polls with proof of address.
9. Proof of address is only needed when you are registering to vote or updating your voter registration. If you are registering to vote at the polls on Election Day, your proof of address may be shown in an electronic format, e.g., bringing up your library LINKcat account on your cell phone or showing poll workers your online utility bill. If you have changed your name, you won't need to update your voter registration until you obtain an ID with that new name.  
10. Do not hesitate to contact the Clerk's Office. If you have a question or encounter a problem at your polling place, please let the Clerk's Office know right away at (608) 266-4601.

The current Law Park planning project is expanding to include the John Nolen Drive causeway path and northern portion of Olin Park. Building on the previous community engagement for the park, the Madison Parks Division is holding a workshop for the expanded project area – please help envision the future by participating in the virtual community workshop.

Lake Monona Waterfront Community Workshop
Thursday, October 29
6:00 p.m.

Join the Online Workshop via Zoom
 

The revised study area now includes over 1.4 miles of Lake Monona shoreline and 14 acres of parkland. The original project area for the study included Law Park, the air space over John Nolen Drive (east and west of the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center), and a public access easement connection to East Wilson Street. With the replacement of the causeway bridges and reconstruction of John Nolen Drive between North Shore Drive and Lakeside Street anticipated in 2026, expanding the planning scope for the Law Park project is an opportunity to develop a cohesive vision for the shore of Lake Monona. A map of the revised study area is available here.

The previous community outreach for Law Park in 2019 is now Phase 1, with Phase 2 for the John Nolen Drive and Olin Park expanded area starting now. The new engagement work will build upon the previously collected community input and the Parks Division consultant team is currently organizing the virtual community workshop and stakeholder meetings. The Law Park Preliminary Report is a pre-design document to gather public input on desired improvements and provide a comprehensive site inventory and analysis for the study area. The report will serve as the basis of a future master plan effort for the Law Park/Lake Monona Waterfront, which is anticipated to begin in 2021.

Please visit the project website for further information.

Please help envision this waterfront!

Because of COVID-19, voters are strongly encouraged to act now to vote absentee for the Tuesday, November 3 General Election.

Polls will be open for those who need them on Election Day, but most voters should vote absentee for this election. For that to happen, you should request an absentee ballot as soon as possible, or consider In-Person Absentee Voting. If you plan to vote on Election Day, please check MyVote.wi.gov on Election Day to verify your polling place, as many locations will change for this election.

Early In-Person Absentee Voting

City of Madison voters may now cast absentee ballots and register to vote at drive-up/walk-up voting locations beginning today.

The downtown early voting locations are:

• City Clerk's Office, City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
• UW-Madison Campus (tents outside Memorial Union, Student Activity Center and Union South)

All early voting locations and hours are listed here. Voters must present an acceptable form of photo ID before receiving an absentee ballot.

The City Clerk's Office worked with Public Health Madison & Dane County to develop a safe voting plan for the fall elections. Part of that plan is to offer absentee voting outdoors. Voters are encouraged to check the City Clerk's Office website or call the City Clerk's Office before heading to an absentee voting site in inclement weather.

Voters may use their own blue or black ballpoint pen to mark their ballot. If planning to use their own pen, the voter should wave their pen at the absentee ballot clerk approaching their vehicle.

Absentee clerks will be wearing facemasks and high visibility vests. They will disinfect pens, clipboards and envelope sealers after each use. The absentee clerks will be able to check voter ID through the voter's vehicle window. If the voter needs to register to vote, the absentee clerk will be able to view the voter's proof of address through the vehicle window.

The Dane County Voter ID Coalition is available to help voters apply for a free Wisconsin ID card, including arranging free taxi rides to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The Dane County Voter ID Coalition hotline is (608) 285-2141.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

There are several ways registered voters can request absentee ballots. The easiest way is to sign up at MyVote.wi.gov.

Just look for the "Vote Absentee" button near the top of the page. On a mobile phone, use the menu button in the upper right corner of the website. There is a three-step process that starts with entering your name and date of birth, followed by requesting your ballot. If you don't already have a photo ID on file with the City Clerk's Office, you can upload a copy. Mobile phone users can take a picture and upload it to MyVote. Absentee ballot requests submitted this way go directly to the City Clerk's Office, and you can track your ballot by returning to the website.

Voters can also request absentee ballots by mailing the City Clerk's Office. Detailed absentee voting information is available here. These requests must be accompanied by a copy of your photo ID. If you already have a photo ID on file from previous absentee requests under your current registration, you will not need to provide it again.

The deadline for registered voters to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you is the Thursday before the election, October 29. However, voters should absolutely not wait, due to possible delays in mail delivery. If you get an absentee ballot mailed to you, you can still decide to vote at the polls on Election Day if you haven't returned it.

Your absentee ballot must be received in the City Clerk's Office or at your polling place by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 3. Again, please request and return ballots as soon as possible.

To expand Metro Transit service and reduce travel times across the region, the City of Madison is working to implement a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

The Madison East-West BRT Project Development process is now underway to develop the detailed design of an initial corridor that will operate east/west through Madison's downtown and the University of Wisconsin campus areas.

Please join us to learn about the next phase of the East-West BRT planning study, Project Development. Review the progress completed to date. Learn about the process and outcomes for BRT Project Development. Share your perspective on BRT routes, station design, service plan, and economic development impacts. Learn about improvements to existing North-South Metro routes.

Meeting Details
BRT Project Development Kick-Off Meeting

Thursday, October 22
6:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting via Zoom

About BRT
BRT uses modern stations, larger specialized buses, dedicated lanes where feasible, and other enhancements to provide fast and affordable service to jobs, entertainment, and schools. BRT will complement existing Metro Transit routes and be our city's next big step toward a more sustainable local transit system.

Project Website and Mailing List
Visit MadisonBRT.com to:

• Access the map of the approved locally preferred routes
• Review previous community input and project reports
• Learn about the current planning and engagement process
• Sign up for project updates, including public meetings and events

The First Settlement District of Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc. is brainstorming new improvements for one of the few outdoor public spaces in the neighborhood – Crowley Station platform. The improvements made to the space will be funded in part by the City of Madison Neighborhood Grant Program.

Crowley Station is a two-tiered concrete platform above Madison Water Utility well #17 at 201 South Hancock Street. It is located at an important entryway to the State Capitol and downtown Madison. It is adjacent on one side to John Nolen Drive and Lake Monona and on the other side a National Register Historic District with food, retail and service businesses. East Wilson Street is a busy route for cars, bicyclists and pedestrians who see Crowley Station on their commute.

In 2010, Crowley Station platform received significant improvements by First Settlement neighbors with funds from the Madison Water Utility. This included the addition of outdoor seating and tables on the upper tier. Then in 2014, it became home to Crowley Station Community Gardens (CSCG), which has 20 raised beds on the lower tier. This current project will respect what is already in place and continue the work that many neighbors have done to create this concrete platform into a great public space.

This project is important to the community because it aims to boost the utilization of one of the only neighborhood gathering places. It will not only attract First Settlement residents, but the many visitors to downtown as well. Creating a strong sense of place on the platform will improve the aesthetics for pedestrians and bicyclists on East Wilson Street and benefit downtown as a whole by creating a more vibrant gateway.

You are invited to attend upcoming public visioning meetings over the next few weeks. The meetings will take place via Zoom. You only need to attend one of the three visioning meetings. There are three to allow for people's schedules. All ideas for future improvements and additions to the Crowley Station public space will be welcome at the meetings. At a selection meeting on November 4, the goal is to summarize all the ideas and prioritize them to decide how to use the Madison Neighborhood Grant funds in 2021.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP on the project website here. You will also find more project and event information on the website. If you can't attend the meetings, please feel free to share your ideas in the survey located on the website.

After a ruling yesterday by the United States Supreme Court that allows the 2020 Census to end before October 31, the Census Bureau has announced that they are ending the 2020 Census at 4:59 a.m. Central Daylight Time on Friday, October 16. If you or anyone you know has not yet completed the census, please do so online at my2020census.gov or by calling (844) 330-2020 (English). Both online and phone methods have multiple language options.

It remains critical that everyone who lives in Madison completes the census and is counted. Completing the census is an easy thing you can do right now to help everyone in our community.

Over $675 billion in federal funds are distributed every year to communities across the country based on the census. That means for every person not counted, we stand to lose over $2,000 locally per year for priorities like healthcare, affordable housing, childcare, transportation, education and more. These are resources that will prove vital in our long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some notes when completing the census:

• When completing the census, include everyone that usually lives in your home, even if they are staying somewhere else temporarily.
• Madison residents who spend their winters elsewhere and college students should all complete the census using their Madison-area address.
• There are 10 questions and it will probably take less than 10 minutes to complete the whole form.
• By law, all responses are confidential. There are no questions about citizenship or immigration status.

Please help Madison achieve a complete count by taking the census today and encouraging your friends, family and colleagues to as well. It has never been easier to respond, whether online at my2020census.gov or by phone.

Enforcement of all posted Clean Streets/Clean Lakes Program parking restrictions will resume this Thursday and Friday morning downtown. This parking restriction had been temporarily suspended since early April in an effort to accommodate the community and respond to temporary changes in neighborhood on-street parking needs.

The Clean Streets/Clean Lakes Program prohibits parking on one side of a street for a posted period of time (three or four hours). The parking restriction allows for leaf collection, street sweeping, snow plowing and other maintenance work. This is a year-round restriction on most downtown streets every Thursday and Friday morning.

Other Parking Updates & Reminders

The following non-metered parking restrictions will continue to remain temporarily suspended citywide until further notice, and will not be enforced:

• Residential Permit Only areas
• One-hour and two-hour time limits in non-metered areas

All on-street meters are enforced Monday-Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

A temporary $5 daily maximum fee in all City-owned public parking garages and the Brayton Lot continues; the first hour of parking on Saturdays is free.

Helpful information about winter general parking rules around the city, including options for text or email alerts can be found here.

Current information about Madison parking and any future service changes can be found here.

Absentee voting by mail is underway. Over 88,000 City of Madison residents have had absentee ballots issued to them for the November 3 General Election. Voters may return their absentee ballots by mail, or in person. The Democracy in the Park event provides an excellent option for City of Madison voters to return their absentee ballots in person. The City Clerk's Office is partnering with the City Parks Division to allow City of Madison voters to return their absentee ballots to poll workers stationed in more than 200 City of Madison parks.

The Democracy in the Park event will be held 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Saturday, September 26 and Saturday, October 3. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held Sunday, September 27 and Sunday, October 4 instead. Participating downtown parks include: Brittingham Park, James Madison Park, Law Park, Peace (Elizabeth Link) Park and Proudfit Park. A full list of participating parks is available here.

Poll workers wearing high visibility vests and face masks will be available next to a "Vote" yard sign in 206 city parks to register voters and to accept the delivery of absentee ballots. The poll workers will be available to serve as a witness, if needed.

This is not in-person absentee voting. Poll workers will not be able to issue anyone a ballot at the park. The only way to receive a ballot right now is through the mail. In-person absentee voting begins October 20, and voters will be able to receive and cast an absentee ballot at absentee voting sites at that time.

Poll workers will practice social distancing and will sanitize materials after each use. When the event ends at 3:00 p.m., an election official courier will bring the ballots back to the Clerk's Office. The courier and the poll workers on-site will count the number of absentee ballots being returned to the Clerk's Office, and will seal them in a delivery package with a tamper evident seal that has a unique serial number. The number of ballots and the seal number will be documented on a chain-of-custody form that will be signed by the poll workers in the park and by the courier.

Ballots will be taken directly to the City Clerk's Office where seal numbers and the number of absentee ballots delivered will be verified by Clerk's Office staff.

Metro to Start Collecting Fares

Starting today, September 1, Metro will resume collecting fares on all buses. Passengers will need to present a cash fare or valid pass to ride. 

Board Buses at the Front Door

Also starting today, September 1, passengers are directed to board at the front of the bus to access the farebox. A plexiglass shield has been installed to help prevent virus spread between the driver and passengers when boarding.

Buy Passes Through the Mail

Passes and 10-ride cards can be purchased through the mail by paying online or by check using a printed mail order form. Customers are encouraged to place orders well in advance to account for mail delivery time.

Metro Administration Office is Open

Buy passes and 10-ride cards at Metro's Administration Office located at 1245 East Washington Avenue. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. If those hours present a hardship, please call (608) 266-4904 to set up an appointment to purchase your items.

Bus Capacity Remains at 20

To help prevent virus spread, Metro continues its riding rule of only 20 passengers allowed on each bus.

Masks Required to Ride

As according to existing public health orders, all riders must continue to wear a mask when on the bus.

For more information, contact Metro's customer service center at (608) 266-4466 or mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.

Complete information is available here.
 

During the day and early evening on August 25, two separate groups gathered on the Capitol Square and marched around the downtown area without incident. Later in the evening, a group gathered on the Capitol Square, and also later marched around the downtown area. Members of the group engaged in property damage during the course of the evening; spray painting, breaking windows, and starting several dumpsters on fire. Several businesses were also damaged. Four arrests were made.

The evening of August 24, a crowd gathered on the Capitol Square at the top of State Street. Shortly after 9:00 p.m., the group marched down State Street and around the downtown area, blocking traffic several times but otherwise causing no issues.

The group returned to the Capitol Square and joined others who had arrived. The group – around 500 – later started marching again in the downtown area. Members of the group began engaging in destructive criminal activity in the downtown area. Numerous dumpster and trash fires were started; windows were broken, and multiple businesses were looted. One business was entered, and members of the crowd poured what appeared to be gasoline inside it, then attempted to start it on fire.

Throughout the night, MPD officers provided security for Madison Fire personnel as fires were extinguished. Members of the crowd threw rocks, bottles and other projectiles at officers during the course of the night. Chemical agents were utilized.

Six arrests were made (one of the arrested subjects was armed with a handgun at the time of arrest). MPD will investigate criminal activity that occurred during the night and identify additional suspects.

On Saturday, August 15 the Madison Streets Division will begin collecting curbside items in the downtown area beginning at 5:00 a.m. Collections will continue at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 16.

Crews will be emptying refuse and recycling carts, and collecting large items, such as furniture.

Residents moving out of and into apartments downtown are strongly encouraged to follow the collection guidelines outlined on the Streets Division's moving days website. Following collection guidelines keeps City workers safe and makes collections faster.

Streets Division staff will continue monitoring the volume of material set to the curb in the downtown area. On Monday, August 17, depending on the volume to the curb, crews will be assigned downtown again to continue collection of refuse and recycling carts, and large items.

For more information, visit the moving days website or call the Streets Division office at (608) 246-4532.

Welcome to our new neighbors!

The 2020 Partisan Primary Election will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, August 11. The City has taken extraordinary measures to make voting safe.

If you have not had the opportunity to cast an absentee ballot, you can still vote at your assigned polling place. Previously issued absentee ballots can be witnessed and dropped off at your polling place until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.

The City of Madison Clerk's Office would like voters to know 12 things for this Tuesday's election:

1. Many polling locations have changed since the April election, including several downtown locations. Capitol Lakes, the Doyle Administration Building and Hub Madison Apartments will not host polling places for this election. It is very important that you verify your polling location at cityofmadison.com/WhereDoIVote or MyVote.wi.gov. A sample ballot is also available at MyVote.wi.gov.
2. You may vote in only one political party's primary on the August ballot. This Tuesday, three political parties will narrow down their candidates for the November Election. You are limited to voting in the primary of only one political party of your choice. To mark your ballot, choose a political party, find that party's section on the ballot and vote for individual candidates in that party.
3. For this type of primary, voting in multiple parties invalidates the ballot. This is called cross-over voting. Choose one party and vote for individual candidates within that party. 
4. If you make a mistake, you can get a replacement ballot. You are entitled to up to two replacement ballots. When you ask the poll workers for a new ballot, they will have you partially tear the original ballot and place it in a discarded ballot envelope.
5. Your voter registration is not associated with a political party. The Clerk's Office does not have a record of which party you prefer. Nobody will be able to identify which ballot was marked by you. You vote on a secret ballot.
6. If you moved since July 14, vote from the address you lived at for 28 consecutive days prior to Election Day. It takes 28 days to establish residency for voting purposes. If you move within 28 days of an election, you should vote from your previous address. College students just now returning to Madison after being temporarily away this summer may be voting from the campus address they had last spring. Contact the Clerk's Office if you are unsure of where you are eligible to vote.
7. Curbside voting is available at the curb of your polling place, by the large "Vote Here" feather flag. Curbside voting is available at every election for voters unable to enter the polling location due to health issues or disabilities.
8. The address on your Voter ID does not matter. When checking Voter ID, poll workers are only verifying your identity. They are not checking the address on your ID.
9. Don't let a lack of Voter ID keep you from going to the polls. Voters without acceptable ID may vote provisionally. Provisional voters have until 4:00 p.m. Friday, August 14, to get a copy of their ID to the Clerk's Office. The Dane County Voter ID Coalition can help you obtain a free Wisconsin ID. Their hotline is (608) 285-2141.
10. There is no requirement that your Voter ID meet federal REAL ID requirements. If you renewed your Wisconsin driver license or Wisconsin ID and did not have all the certified documents required for a REAL ID, the DMV would have informed you that your new ID is "non-compliant" with the REAL ID Act of 2005. Even if your Wisconsin ID says "Not for federal purposes," it is acceptable for proving your identity at the polls.
11. Certain types of Voter ID can be expired. If you are using a Wisconsin driver license, a Wisconsin ID, a U.S. passport, or a military ID to prove your identity at the polls, the ID can have an expiration date of November 7, 2018 or later.
12. Do not hesitate to contact the Clerk's Office. If you have a question or encounter a problem at your polling place, please let the Clerk's Office know right away at (608) 266-4601.

Virtual Neighborhood Meeting

Proposed Development on the 10 block of N. Pinckney Street

Thursday, August 13, 2020 - 7:00 p.m.

Please join me for a virtual neighborhood meeting about a development proposal by Urban Land Interests (ULI) for a new building on the 10 block of N. Pinckney Street. ULI proposes to restore the historic American Exchange Bank building at 1 N. Pinckney Street, demolish four existing commercial buildings at 5, 7, 15 and 19 N. Pinckney Street and the adjacent parking lots, and construct a nine-story, mixed-use building with approximately 22,000 square feet of retail space, approximately 305,000 square feet of office space with landscaped terraces, and a six-level underground parking garage with 840 vehicle stalls and 200+ bicycle stalls. ULI is pursuing Planned Development Zoning, which requires approval from the City's Landmarks Commission, Urban Design Commission, Plan Commission and Common Council.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone.  You will receive login information after registering at https://madisonwi.link/amexvirtual.

Alderperson Mike Verveer

The Madison Streets Division is conducting special collections in the downtown area in advance of the annual mass turnover of apartment leases downtown over the next several days. Crews will be collecting refuse, recycling, and large items throughout each weekday until Friday, August 14. Collection service will be suspended this Friday at 3:00 p.m. for the weekend. Special refuse and recycling services will resume downtown on Monday, August 10. Crews will be emptying refuse and recycling carts downtown each weekday between now and Friday, August 14.

Please fill up your carts according to the guidelines below and roll them to the curb anytime through August 14. Crews will empty your carts so you can fill them up again. You may fill up your refuse and recycling carts and roll them out as often as you like until the morning of Friday, August 14. Using your carts for refuse and recycling is easier than lugging lots of bags or loose material to the curb. It will keep our neighborhood cleaner.

Guidelines

Over one million pounds of trash and recyclables will be placed at the curb during this period. The Streets Division needs your help to make this year's move out as orderly as possible. Please follow these guidelines when placing trash and recycling at the curb during the move out:

• Do not put trash in cardboard boxes. Boxes must be flattened and bundled for recycling.
• Keep refuse and large items separate when placed at the curb.
• Put nothing but recycling in green recycling carts. Do not put recycling in tan refuse carts.
• Put all recycling at the curb in the green recycling carts or clear plastic bags. No loose piles of recycling.
• Do not pile bagged trash or large items around recycling or refuse carts.
• Put all refuse at the curb in tan refuse carts or trash bags. No loose piles of trash/garbage.
• Do not pile bagged trash or recyclables on top of furniture or appliances.
• Keep larger metal items separate from other material so that it can be recycled.
• Most appliances, including microwave ovens, require a fee for collection.
• Do not place computers, monitors or televisions at the curb. They should be brought to a drop-off site for recycling.
• Do not take recycling or refuse carts. The carts belong to the City and must remain behind when you move.

Questions?

Additional information is available on the City Moving Days website and informational video. Otherwise, please call the Streets Division at (608) 246-4532.

Welcome to our new neighbors!

Because of COVID-19, voters are strongly encouraged to act now to vote absentee for the Tuesday, August 11 Partisan Primary.

Polls will be open for those who need them on Election Day, but most voters should vote absentee for this election. For that to happen, you should request an absentee ballot as soon as possible, or consider In-Person Absentee Voting. If you plan to vote on Election Day, please check MyVote.wi.gov on Election Day to verify your polling place, as many locations will change for this election.

Early In-Person Absentee Voting

City of Madison voters may cast absentee ballots and register to vote at drive-up voting locations beginning Tuesday, July 28. Absentee voting locations were established based on a Pandemic Voting Access Equity Analysis conducted after the April Election.

The downtown early voting locations are:

• City Clerk's Office, City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Weekdays July 28 - August 7, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Central Library, 201 West Mifflin Street, Weekdays July 28 - 31, 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 1, Noon - 4:00 p.m.

The City Clerk's Office is finalizing plans for absentee voting on the UW-Madison campus the week of August 3 and will announce the hours and locations later this week. Any additional early voting locations and hours will be listed here. Voters must present an acceptable form of photo ID before receiving an absentee ballot.

The City Clerk's Office worked with Public Health Madison & Dane County to develop a safe voting plan for the fall elections. Part of that plan is to offer absentee voting outdoors. Voters are encouraged to check the City Clerk's Office website or call the City Clerk's Office before heading to an absentee voting site in inclement weather.

Voters may use their own blue or black ballpoint pen to mark their ballot. If planning to use their own pen, the voter should wave their pen at the absentee ballot clerk approaching their vehicle.

Absentee clerks will be wearing facemasks and high visibility vests. They will disinfect pens, clipboards and envelope sealers after each use. The absentee clerks will be able to check voter ID through the voter's vehicle window. If the voter needs to register to vote, the absentee clerk will be able to view the voter's proof of address through the vehicle window.

The Dane County Voter ID Coalition is available to help voters apply for a free Wisconsin ID card, including arranging free taxi rides to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The Dane County Voter ID Coalition hotline is (608) 285-2141.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

There are several ways registered voters can request absentee ballots. The easiest way is to sign up at MyVote.wi.gov.

Just look for the "Vote Absentee" button near the top of the page. On a mobile phone, use the menu button in the upper right corner of the website. There is a three-step process that starts with entering your name and date of birth, followed by requesting your ballot. If you don't already have a photo ID on file with the City Clerk's Office, you can upload a copy. Mobile phone users can take a picture and upload it to MyVote. Absentee ballot requests submitted this way go directly to the City Clerk's Office, and you can track your ballot by returning to the website.

Voters can also request absentee ballots by mailing the City Clerk's Office. Detailed absentee voting information is available here. These requests must be accompanied by a copy of your photo ID. If you already have a photo ID on file from previous absentee requests under your current registration, you will not need to provide it again.

The deadline for registered voters to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you is the Thursday before the election, August 6. However, voters should not wait, due to possible delays in mail delivery. If you get an absentee ballot mailed to you, you can still decide to vote at the polls on Election Day if you haven't returned it.

Your absentee ballot must be received in the City Clerk's Office or at your polling place by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, August 11. Again, please request and return ballots as soon as possible.

Starting at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, until approximately 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, Stevens Construction will close the 10 block of East Doty Street. The closure is to erect a tower crane to construct the new apartment building adjacent to the Madison Municipal Building at the Judge Doyle Square site.

East Doty Street will be completely closed between the Block 89 parking garage driveway and South Pinckney Street. A map of the closure is available here. 

Block 89 Parking Garage
East Doty Street will be converted to two-way traffic from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to the Block 89 parking garage to maintain access to and from the garage. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Doty Street intersection will be converted to an all-way stop-controlled intersection, with flaggers, to allow vehicles to safely exit the Block 89 parking garage.

Madison Parking Utility Wilson Street Garage
The East Doty Street driveway for the Wilson Street Garage will be inaccessible during the closure. All Wilson Street Parking Garage traffic will have to use the East Wilson Street driveway to enter/exit. 

Pedestrian Access
The sidewalk on the north side of East Doty Street will remain open at all times. The sidewalk on the south side of East Doty Street (South Pinckney Street to Madison Municipal Building) will remain closed at all times.

No Metro Transit detours are required for this closure.

This work is highly weather-dependent. Moderate winds or thunderstorms may delay the work and the reopening of the street.

Beginning 7:00 a.m. on Friday, July 17, West Dayton Street will be fully closed between North Park Street and North Frances Street for paving operations. The street is expected to be reopened by 5:00 p.m. on the same day. 

Metro Transit Route 80 will detour to West Johnson Street between North Park Street and North Lake Street for the entire day. A map of the bus detour is available here.

The Madison Parking Division is continuing the current suspension of some posted restrictions in non-metered parking areas until further notice. The current off-street $5 daily maximum fee offered at all of the City-owned garages and Brayton Lot continues.

The Parking Division will continue to evaluate all changes on a week-by-week basis, making adjustments to best meet the needs of the community.

The following non-metered parking restrictions will remain temporarily suspended citywide until further notice, and will not be enforced:

• Street sweeping (Clean Streets-Clean Lakes Program) restrictions, including on Thursday and Friday mornings downtown
• 1-hour and 2-hour time-limits in non-metered areas
• Residential Permit Only areas

$5 daily maximum fee in all City-owned public-parking garages:

• Temporary $5 daily maximum fee in all City-owned public parking garages and Brayton Lot.
• The first hour of parking is free on Saturdays.

All other on-street metered and non-metered parking restrictions are in effect and enforceable.

Current information about Madison parking and any future service changes can be found here.

The City appreciates all the continuing efforts made by the community during this unprecedented time. Please keep our community healthy and safe by following Public Health Madison & Dane County recommendations and guidance.

The Madison Parking Division is continuing the current suspension of some posted restrictions in non-metered parking areas through Sunday, July 12. The current off-street $5 daily maximum fee offered at all of the City-owned garages and Brayton Lot continues.

The Parking Division will continue to evaluate all changes on a week-by-week basis, making adjustments to best meet the needs of the community.

The following non-metered parking restrictions will remain temporarily suspended citywide through at least Sunday, July 12, and will not be enforced:

• Street sweeping (Clean Streets-Clean Lakes Program) restrictions, including on Thursday and Friday mornings downtown
• 1-hour and 2-hour time-limits in non-metered areas
• Residential Permit Only areas

$5 daily maximum fee in all City-owned public-parking garages:

• Temporary $5 daily maximum fee in all City-owned public parking garages and Brayton Lot.
• The first hour of parking is free on Saturdays.

All other on-street metered and non-metered parking restrictions are in effect and enforceable.

Current information about Madison parking and any future service changes can be found here.

The City appreciates all the continuing efforts made by the community during this unprecedented time. Please keep our community healthy and safe by following Public Health Madison & Dane County recommendations and guidance.

The City of Madison's Streatery Program on State Street begins tonight, Friday, July 3. The City will close State Street to all vehicular traffic, including Metro Transit buses, every weekend through Sunday, August 23. Restaurants and taverns can take advantage of the City's new Streatery Program to expand their sidewalk cafes.

To aid restaurants and taverns who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Streatery Program allows expanded outdoor dining. The citywide program temporarily allows restaurants and taverns to expand outdoor dining onto the public sidewalks, on-street parking areas, or in privately-owned parking lots through a streamlined administrative approval process, enabling establishments to expand their capacity while administering physical distancing guidelines. All participating establishments are required to maintain good practices to prevent further community spread of COVID-19.

State Street area retailers will continue to be able to sell their wares on the sidewalk under the City's Merchant Vending Program. The City hopes that retailers take full advantage of this unique opportunity when the street is closed to traffic.

This program is temporary, and in order to accommodate weekday Metro Transit bus schedules, the State Street closure will be limited to Friday evenings starting at 6:45 p.m. throughout the weekend, ending late Sunday evenings.

Metro Transit Routes 2, 4, 6, 7 & 8 detour from State Street starting at 6:35 p.m. on Friday through the end of service on Sunday, July 5. Passengers should board buses on the Capitol Square, West Washington Avenue, West Johnson Street or West Gorham Street/University Avenue. A map of the bus detours is available here.

Please consider helping local businesses during this very challenging time by taking advantage of a full pedestrian State Street on weekends this summer. 

The Madison Parking Division is continuing the current suspension of some posted restrictions in non-metered parking areas through Sunday, July 5. The current off-street $5 daily maximum fee offered at all of the City-owned garages has also been extended and will now include the Brayton Lot.

The Parking Division will continue to evaluate all changes on a week-by-week basis, making adjustments to best meet the needs of the community.

The following non-metered parking restrictions will remain temporarily suspended citywide through at least Sunday, July 5, and will not be enforced:

• Street sweeping (Clean Streets-Clean Lakes Program) restrictions, including on Thursday and Friday mornings downtown
• 1-hour and 2-hour time-limits in non-metered areas
• Residential Permit Only areas

$5 daily maximum fee in all City-owned public-parking garages:

• Temporary $5 daily maximum fee in all City-owned public parking garages and Brayton Lot.
• The first hour of parking is free on Saturdays.

All other on-street metered and non-metered parking restrictions are in effect and enforceable.

Current information about Madison parking and any future service changes can be found here.

The City appreciates all the continuing efforts made by the community during this unprecedented time. Please keep our community healthy and safe by following Public Health Madison & Dane County recommendations and guidance.

The City of Madison is currently studying how the Wilson Street corridor (Southwest Commuter Path to South Blair Street) functions for all modes of transportation. You are invited to attend an upcoming virtual public information meeting to learn about the recent developments of the Wilson Street Corridor Study. The meeting will be held on Monday, June 29 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Please register in advance for the meeting at this link.

The meeting will include a presentation and opportunity for questions and answers. Public comments are encouraged at the meeting. The presentation and an updated preliminary report are available on the corridor study website. At the meeting, City staff will share details about street design and preliminary recommendations for the cross section for the Wilson Street corridor. Previous corridor study public meetings have been held over the last two years. Prior meetings laid out project background, goals and objectives, existing conditions and possible design alternatives. For this information, see the meeting materials at the corridor study website.

The corridor study will help guide the design of all future street reconstruction projects in the study area. Following several delays, West Wilson Street from South Broom Street to South Henry Street is now scheduled for reconstruction in 2021. This block contains deteriorated pavement and has a history of water main breaks. The reconstruction of South Broom Street from West Doty Street to John Nolen Drive is also scheduled to be reconstructed as a part of this project.

On Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, a group of 200-300 people along with a number of vehicles moved through the downtown Madison area. The group initially marched, blocked intersections, and obstructed driveways. As the group's behavior escalated, they entered a private condominium building and surrounded a towing vehicle (requiring the driver to abandon the vehicle).

The group later moved to the Capitol Square and removed two statutes from the Capitol grounds (Lady Forward and Hans Christian Heg), and broke windows in a number of buildings. Windows at the City County Building were broken, and a Molotov cocktail was thrown into the building. The group went on to also attempt to force entry to the State Capitol building. OC spray was deployed from within the State Capitol building to repel individuals who were attempting to force entry.

A 10-year planning process will come to an end on Monday, June 22 as the new Wilson Street Garage opens for public parking at 20 East Wilson Street. The Wilson Street Garage is the Madison Parking Division's second new garage to open in the past two years, following completion of the South Livingston Street Garage in December 2018. The two garages are the first new public parking garages that have been built by the City since 1982.

The new Wilson Street Garage will replace the Government East public parking garage. The Government East Garage, built in 1958, was Madison's first public City-owned parking garage. Monday's opening of the Wilson Street Garage will coincide with the closure of Government East Garage, which is scheduled to begin demolition in mid-July. Service interruptions will not occur for daily visitor parking or current monthly permit holders, whose permits will transfer to the new facility.

The new, modern garage has 520 public parking spaces, electrical vehicle charging stations (EVCS) for public use, 40 spaces for City Fleet vehicles, bicycle parking, and a bicycle center. Another new feature is the City's first Parking Division Central Customer Service Ambassador office, which will be located in the garage near the entrance on Wilson Street. The Customer Service Ambassador Office will provide a wide range of services and customer assistance that were previously only available at the Division's main office, including monthly parking services and general assistance. The garage's main entrance and exit are located on East Wilson Street. A reversible lane on the East Doty Street side will provide entry into the garage from East Doty Street during morning hours and other peak entry timeframes, and will be switched to an exit lane in the afternoon and other peak exit timeframes.

The 2020 property assessments are now available on the City website at cityofmadison.com/assessor. Assessment notices were mailed today to all property owners whether or not their assessment has changed from the previous year's value. Property values increased 6.6% overall from the 2019 assessments. Commercial property has increased 8.6% and residential assessments increased 5.5%.

Information about the COVID-19 impact on Madison assessments is available in a Madison Assessor's Office video available here.

As per state statute, a period for "examination of the assessment roll" - what is referred to as "open book" - is provided. This period of time is an opportunity to discuss property value and provide reason for changing value, if appropriate. This "open book" period is set aside for property owners to discuss their assessments with Assessor's Office staff prior to completion of the assessment roll. Property owners who wish to compare assessments may also view assessment data posted on the Assessor's website. Available information includes owner's name, property address, legal description, sale information and property characteristics.

The open book period will begin Monday, June 22 and close Friday, July 3 at 4:30 p.m. Due to the pandemic, aside from an initial two hour period at the beginning of this period, open book contact this year will be telephonic or virtual. In compliance with directives from Public Health, the Assessor's Office remains closed to the public for everyone's safety. Property owners must initiate contact with the appraiser for their property in one of two ways:

• Email: openbook@cityofmadison.com
• Call: (608) 266-4531

Support staff fielding the initial contact will direct you to the appropriate appraiser and provide helpful information about the process and resources available. The appraiser will then contact you based on the initial information provided.

Owners who disagree with their assessment are encouraged to speak with the appraiser who established the value. If an error was made or if a property owner has evidence that the assessment does not reflect the actual fair market value of the property, the appraiser will take this information into consideration in setting the final assessed value. Appraisers welcome the opportunity to review any and all information provided. The best evidence of value is the recent sale price of the property or the sale prices of comparable properties.

After talking with the Assessor's Office, owners who still feel the assessed value of their property is incorrect may file a formal objection.

If you have general questions concerning assessments, please contact the Assessor's Office at assessor@cityofmadison.com or (608) 266-4531.

Virtual Neighborhood Meeting

Proposed Development at 502 and 510 West Washington Avenue

Tuesday, June 23, 2020 - 7:00 P.M.

Please join me for a virtual neighborhood meeting about a development proposal by Keller Development for a new building at 502 and 510 W. Washington Avenue. Keller Development proposes to demolish the nine existing residential buildings (504, 506, 508/510, 512, 514 and 516 W. Washington Avenue, and 8, 10 and 14 N. Bassett Street) and construct a six-story, mixed-use building with approximately 1,500 square feet of commercial space, 103 apartments and 98 underground parking stalls. Keller Development is pursuing Planned Development Zoning, which requires approval from the City's Urban Design Commission, Plan Commission, and Common Council.

You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at https://tinyurl.com/500virtual.

Alderperson Mike Verveer

During the evening hours, there was a gathering on the Capitol Square at the top of State Street. The group marched in the area causing some traffic disruptions. The crowd dispersed at approximately 3:00 a.m. on the Capitol Square. There were no arrests.

A group gathered on the Capitol Square Wednesday evening. The event was peaceful with no incidents of violence. The group size dwindled throughout the night and finally dispersed at about 3:30 a.m. 

Two arrests were made in the area for graffiti.

On Tuesday, at about 1:00 p.m., a group – mainly in vehicles – gathered near the Public Safety Building. A short gathering took place, and the vehicles created some traffic blockage. The vehicles left, later slowing traffic on the beltline. A separate group marched down John Nolen Drive on foot. MPD officers assisted with blocking and re-routing traffic to ensure the safety of all involved. 

Later in the evening, a group of several hundred gathered on the Capitol Square. The group marched around the square several times during the course of the evening, enduring several bouts of heavy rain. Shortly after midnight the group concluded the protest and left the area. No incidents occurred.

Two arrests were made earlier in the evening in the area for spray painting.

MPD remains committed to facilitating peaceful protests and ensuring that community members are able to exercise their First Amendment rights. Thank you to all who participated in a safe and peaceful event.

On Monday, a large group gathered in front of the City County Building to exercise their First Amendment rights.  The group marched to John Nolen Drive and blocked the intersection of John Nolen Drive and North Shore Drive.  MPD officers diverted traffic for several hours to facilitate the protest.  The group marched back to the City County Building and the event ended a short time later.  The protest was peaceful with no disturbances or issues.

Later in the evening, a group gathered at the top of State Street on the Capitol Square to protest.  The group grew during the evening.  MPD elected not to engage the protest and allow for the First Amendment expression to continue.  During the protest, some acts of graffiti occurred, and numerous items (barricades, construction fences, etc.) were moved into the roadway.

Shortly before 1:00 a.m. the formal gathering ended and the crowd began to disperse.  Large groups immediately began moving down State Street, engaging in looting, graffiti, and property damage. One subject fired multiple shots in the air from a handgun, and two individuals were attacked and struck with a crowbar. Individuals were also observed attempting to light Molotov cocktails during the evening. Officers in protective gear deployed to State Street as a result of this behavior.  Multiple officers were struck with rocks and projectiles as they moved to secure the street.  Chemical agents were utilized in response.

For the third straight night, a number of individuals have come downtown not for the purpose of First Amendment expression, but to engage in violence, looting and property damage.  15 arrests were made during the night.  MPD is grateful to the many outside law enforcement agencies and National Guard personnel who assisted.

 MPD also responded to a number of looting incidents elsewhere in the city.

The Mayor has appropriately ordered the extension of a nighttime curfew from 9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. in the isthmus area another two evenings, June 1 and 2. In addition, all businesses are required to be closed in the downtown business district during curfew hours and traffic is restricted. The full details are available in the Emergency Order here.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Please stay safe during this very difficult and painful time.

A large protest group has gathered and are currently marching in-bound on John Nolen Drive towards the Capitol Square. The Madison Traffic Engineering Division has been assisting the Police Department incident management team by providing traffic control measures to divert traffic off of John Nolen Drive. As we are uncertain of the crowd's destination, motorists are advised to avoid the area and take alternative routes.

The following intersections are currently closed:

• John Nolen Drive and East Olin Avenue
• John Nolen Drive and East Lakeside Street
• John Nolen Drive and South Blair Street

Additionally, crews have placed barricades along West Washington Avenue from Regent Street to the Capitol Square where they will be available, as needed, for further intersection closures.

City staff is currently monitoring traffic impacts and will implement traffic signal timing changes as needed around the isthmus.

On Sunday evening, MPD officers were present in the State Street area to protect community members' First Amendment Rights and maintain public safety.  At about 6:00 pm, a group formed on the Capitol Square, initially engaging in peaceful protest.  The group began marching up and down State Street, and around the Capitol Square.  The marching continued over the course of several hours, and the group grew in size to several hundred.  Occasional rocks were thrown at officers during this time, but officers did not engage the crowd and continued observing.

The crowd continued marching after the 9:30 pm curfew went into effect. As the group was marching in the street, MPD initially made the determination not to engage the crowd for violating the curfew order.  Officers remained in standard uniforms, passively observing the crowd and blocking traffic when necessary.

Shortly before 10:00 pm, the crowd surrounded a group of officers (in standard uniform) who had been observing.  Projectiles were thrown at the officers, and one individual struck an officer in the face.  Shortly after that, additional officers responded to the area and chemical agents were dispersed.

Officers continued efforts to disperse the crowd, utilizing chemical agents.  The group eventually scattered through the downtown area.  As the group moved through the downtown area:

• Multiple stores were looted in the State Street area.
• Multiple fires were set.
• Rocks and other projectiles were thrown at officers; several officers were injured as a result.
• Numerous other instances of graffiti and property damage occurred.
• 15 arrests were made.  One individual arrested for looting was armed with a handgun.  Several attempted to steal an MPD squad.

MPD was assisted by a number of other law enforcement agencies as well as National Guard personnel.  MPD remains committed to protecting First Amendment rights and maintaining public safety.  Unfortunately, over the last two nights a number of individuals have been intent on acting in a violent and destructive manner. 

 MPD also responded to a number of incidents of looting across the city.

Saturday, a large group gathered on the State Capitol grounds to advocate for justice for George Floyd.  The group marched down East Washington Avenue, to Williamson Street, before returning to the Capitol grounds.  Officers blocked traffic and ensured that the group could express themselves safely. 

At about 4:30pm, the demonstration ended and the crowd began dispersing.  A group of around 150 remained in the area, and began damaging property.  The group damaged vehicles and broke windows as they moved to the State Street area.  There, the group began breaking business windows and attempting entry to a jewelry store.  MPD officers responded and ordered the group to disperse.  Chemical agents were utilized as officers attempted to move the crowd from the area.

Over the course of the evening, officers continued efforts to maintain order, preserve public safety and prevent looting.  Mutual aid from surrounding agencies was requested to provide additional support to MPD personnel.  Throughout the evening:

• Approximately 75 businesses on State Street were damaged and/or looted.
• One MPD squad was broken into, driven a short distance and then set on fire.  The vehicle was a complete loss.  Two rifles were stolen from the vehicle before it was destroyed. Several other squads sustained damage.
• Throughout the night officers were pelted with hard objects, including rocks, bottles and chairs. One officer was injured; many were struck by objects and avoided serious injury due to protective equipment.
• The MPD armored rescue vehicle was hit by a bullet.
• Multiple small fires were set and extinguished in the area.
• A number of businesses in other parts of the City were also looted, including both East Towne and West Towne malls.
• Three arrests were made; MPD will be working to identify, arrest and prosecute others who engaged in acts of violence, property damage, looting or theft.

MPD remains committed to protecting community members' First Amendment rights.  However, violence and property damage will not be tolerated.

Tonight at 11:30 p.m. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew on Madison's Isthmus beginning at 12:01 a.m. May 31 until 5:00 a.m. May 3, and again 9:30 p.m. May 31 until 5:00 a.m. June 1.

"I do not take this action lightly, and I want to be clear that this is in response to a number of people endangering themselves and others by shattering glass, destroying property, and engaging in widespread, systematic looting of local businesses." Said the Mayor. "This is NOT in response to the peaceful and legitimate protests that took place earlier today."

"I am heartbroken, this is worse than any of the Halloween riots I witnessed here in terms of the amount of looting and property damage. This is a very dangerous situation, people live above all of these stores being breached. I strongly support and thank the Mayor for imposing a curfew," said Alder Mike Verveer, District 4, who represents the area hardest hit by disturbances today.

"I encourage everyone in Madison that is protesting the murder of George Floyd and the insidious, systemic racism that our country suffers from, to follow Madison's Black leaders and Black-led organizations, who organized a significant, impactful event this afternoon and will continue to work in our community." Added Mayor Rhodes-Conway. "To anyone from outside Madison, seeking to foment trouble and harm our community: this emergency order is also directed at you. We don't want you here, and we reject any attempt to incite violence."

The state of emergency is in effect until June 3, and will be considered by the Common Council at their June 2 meeting.

Earlier today, a large group gathered on the State Capital grounds to advocate for justice for George Floyd. The group marched down East Washington Avenue, to Williamson Street, before returning to the Capital grounds. Officers blocked traffic and ensured that the group could express themselves safely.

At about 4:30pm, the demonstration ended and the crowd began dispersing. A group of around 150 remained in the area, and began damaging property. The group damaged vehicles and broke windows as they moved to the State Street area. There, the group began breaking business windows and attempting entry to a jewelry store. MPD officers responded and ordered the group to disperse. Chemical agents were utilized as officers moved the crowd from the area. The group has continued to engage in property damage and looting along State Street. Numerous projectiles – including rocks and chairs – have been thrown at officers.

MPD remains committed to protecting community members' First Amendment rights. However, violence and property damage will not be tolerated.

Officers remain engaged in efforts to maintain public safety and members of the public are encouraged to avoid the downtown area tonight.

Due to unforeseen issues, Madison Water Utility crews were not able to flush water mains downtown last week. The flushing work will now occur this week. Unlike previous years, this will be done during the day this year. When flushing crews are working close to your residence or business, you may experience periods of discolored water or very low water pressure. The flushing will occur Tuesday, May 26 - Friday, May 29 during daytime hours. It is advised that you avoid doing laundry or other activities for which discolored water could cause problems during flushing operations. The crews will begin at Blair Street on Tuesday and work their way west to Randall Avenue over the next few days. The largest impact on core downtown residential properties will be on Tuesday and Wednesday.

What is the Water Main (Hydrant) Flushing Program?
To improve water quality and minimize discoloration, City of Madison water mains are comprehensively flushed by a technique known as unidirectional flushing. The procedure is performed in warm-weather months and involves the systematic opening and closing of hydrants, one section of main at a time, to force the water through the pipes at high velocity, removing accumulated mineral sediment until the water is clear. The operation can take from a few minutes to over an hour, although most last about 30 minutes.

Unidirectional flushing differs from conventional flushing in that it involves the closing of adjacent valves and the use of a single hydrant per flush so as to isolate individual sections of main. Conventional flushing also removes accumulated sediment from pipes, but it involves the flushing of multiple hydrants at a time and does not include the valving off of individual sections of main, thereby diminishing the "scouring" efficiency. Conventional flushing is used in areas of the city where fewer minerals build up in the mains, including downtown.

How Will Flushing Affect Water Service?
When flushing crews are working close to your residence or business, you may experience periods of very low pressure or even a complete stoppage of service. We attempt to notify customers in advance if flushing is expected to result in a complete water outage, but such outages are rare.

Flushing operations may also lead to discolored water, which can be drawn into homes and businesses if the water is being used during or immediately following the flushing. Such events should affect customers for a few hours at most. The discoloration is caused by iron (red color) or manganese (black color) particles being dislodged from the water main which can stain porcelain and laundry. If discoloration occurs, open the cold tap nearest the water meter--usually a basement sink--to full flow until the water runs clear. In some situations this may take 5 to 10 minutes. It is also advised that you make sure your water is clear before doing laundry or other projects for which discolored water could cause problems.

A precise schedule of flushing operations is difficult to determine more than a day in advance. If you wish to be notified before work will be done in your block, please contact Shayne Santi at (608) 261-9128 or ssanti@madisonwater.org.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this annual water main cleaning process.

As phase 1 of the Forward Dane Plan begins, the City of Madison Parking Division will reinstate enforcement of on-street parking meters and street sweeping (Clean Streets-Clean Lakes Program) restrictions beginning Monday, June 1. Resident Permit-Only and 1-hour and 2-hour posted restrictions in non-metered areas will remain suspended through at least Friday, June 8.

The following on-street parking restrictions will remain temporarily suspended citywide through Sunday, May 31, and will not be enforced:

• On-street meters (fees and time limits are suspended)
• Residential Permit Only
• 1-hour and 2-hour time-limits in non-metered areas
• Street sweeping (Clean Streets-Clean Lakes Program) restrictions, including on Thursday and Friday mornings downtown

All other parking restrictions must still be followed.

What to expect on Monday, June 1: All parking meter fees and time limits and street sweeping restrictions will be enforced. Specifically:

• On-street meter fees will be required during the hours of 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday. The posted time limit restrictions at meters (i.e., 25 minutes, 1-hour, 2-hour) will also be enforced.
• Posted street sweeping (Clean Streets-Clean Lakes) restrictions will be enforced, including on Thursday and Friday mornings downtown.
• Temporary restaurant pick-up loading zones will remain in effect, and the Parking Division will continue to consider requests from businesses for new temporary loading zones.
• Resident Permit-Only and 1-hour and 2-hour restrictions in non-metered areas will continue to be suspended through at least June 8.

Additional information to keep in mind:

• City-owned parking garages offer a low cost, long-term parking option when parking longer than 2 hours. The City has implemented procedures for frequent disinfecting of equipment, door handles, stair railings and other surfaces in garages for the safety of staff and visitors. Visitors can make payment using automated equipment at pay-on-foot stations (cash and credit card), and at the exit by credit card.
• The City Transportation Office remains closed to the public while working towards re-opening procedures that protect the health of staff and customers. We appreciate your patience while we prepare to safely reopen offices.

Further information about Madison parking can be found here.

The City appreciates all the continuing efforts made by the community during this unprecedented time. Please keep our community healthy and safe by following Public Health Madison & Dane County recommendations and guidance.

Earlier this week, Public Health Madison & Dane County released Forward Dane, a phased reopening plan for Dane County during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, based on active monitoring of the data-based metrics outlined in the plan, an order has been issued that moves Dane County into Phase 1 of the reopening plan, effective Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 8:00 a.m.

Phase 1 includes:

• Reopening all businesses--such as restaurants, gyms and retail establishments--to 25% capacity with certain public health requirements and physical distancing.
• Salons, tattoo parlors and spas can open by appointment only.
• Indoor gatherings at commercial facilities of 50 people or fewer are allowed, with physical distancing.
• Indoor gatherings at private residence of 10 people or fewer are allowed, with physical distancing.
• Outdoor gatherings of 50 or fewer are allowed, with physical distancing.
• Select businesses and activities with high risk for disease transmission are still closed.
• Park courts and fields are open, individuals must maintain physical distancing.

As outlined in the Forward Dane plan, certain data criteria must be met to move forward through the phases. Dane County will remain in Phase 1 for a minimum of 14 days, which is one incubation period for COVID-19. If criteria are met, Public Health will issue a Phase 2 order. If criteria are not met, they will be reassessed at regular intervals.

While the phase we are in has changed, the virus has not: it is still as infectious and dangerous as it has always been. Businesses and workspaces are enacting measures to help keep us safe, but no matter where you go, there is still a possibility of coming in contact with the virus.

Community members need to remain vigilant and follow public health recommendations to protect themselves and each other:

• Remember to physically distance from people you don't live with by staying 6 feet away.
• Wear a cloth face cover if you go out in public.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home as much as possible, especially if you are a person at higher risk for severe illness.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Find more information and resources on coronavirus on the Public Health Madison & Dane County website.

The unusual recent train horn use downtown by Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (WSOR) is due to railroad construction near the South Broom Street crossing that impacts the signals. According to federal law, WSOR must place a "stop and flag order" on the crossing at South Broom Street, which then requires the sounding of the locomotive horns. The "stop and flag order" is due to a crew doing ditching and bank restoration work near South Broom Street and Monona Terrace. This is only temporary until the work is complete, and does require horns to be sounded in accordance with federal law throughout the duration of the work. The date of project completion is unknown at this time as this work is weather dependent. However, it may last for as long as a few weeks.

Also, according to the federal Train Horn Rule, railroads must begin to sound the horn ¼ mile in advance of a public at-grade railroad/highway crossing for each crossing that isn't in a quiet zone or has a "stop and flag order" such as South Broom Street this week. Most of the downtown has been included in quiet zones since 2008. A downtown quiet zone map is available here. In a quiet zone, railroads are required to cease the routine sounding of their horns when approaching crossings. Train horns may still be used in emergency situations or to comply with other federal regulations or railroad operating rules.

In the area of the East Rail Corridor, where there is not currently a quiet zone, there are 10 public crossings in a 2-mile stretch resulting in a federal mandate to blow locomotive horns at least 40 times as one train passes through this area. So, unfortunately, at times it seems like a continuous horn through neighborhoods east of the Capitol Square. The frequency and decibel sound of the horns is governed by the Federal Railroad Administration.

I'm very pleased to report that the planned reconstruction of the John Nolen Drive, South Blair Street, East Wilson Street and Williamson Street intersection in 2022 will include the installation of a quiet zone.

There have been very few complaints about WSOR compliance with the downtown quiet zones since we worked hard to institute them. Until today, the most recent quiet zone train noise complaints that I received were related to a "weather restriction order" in early 2018 due to extreme temperature fluctuations causing signal malfunctions. I greatly appreciate downtown residents contacting me about these issues affecting our quality of life.

Madison Water Utility crews are flushing water mains downtown this week. Unlike previous years, this will be done during the day this year. When flushing crews are working close to your residence or business, you may experience periods of discolored water or very low water pressure. The flushing will occur Tuesday, May 19 - Friday, May 22 during daytime hours. It is advised that you avoid doing laundry or other activities for which discolored water could cause problems during flushing operations. The crews will begin at Blair Street on Tuesday and work their way west to Randall Avenue over the next few days. The largest impact on core downtown residential properties will be on Tuesday and Wednesday.

What is the Water Main (Hydrant) Flushing Program?
To improve water quality and minimize discoloration, City of Madison water mains are comprehensively flushed by a technique known as unidirectional flushing. The procedure is performed in warm-weather months and involves the systematic opening and closing of hydrants, one section of main at a time, to force the water through the pipes at high velocity, removing accumulated mineral sediment until the water is clear. The operation can take from a few minutes to over an hour, although most last about 30 minutes.

Unidirectional flushing differs from conventional flushing in that it involves the closing of adjacent valves and the use of a single hydrant per flush so as to isolate individual sections of main. Conventional flushing also removes accumulated sediment from pipes, but it involves the flushing of multiple hydrants at a time and does not include the valving off of individual sections of main, thereby diminishing the "scouring" efficiency. Conventional flushing is used in areas of the city where fewer minerals build up in the mains, including downtown.

How Will Flushing Affect Water Service?
When flushing crews are working close to your residence or business, you may experience periods of very low pressure or even a complete stoppage of service. We attempt to notify customers in advance if flushing is expected to result in a complete water outage, but such outages are rare.

Flushing operations may also lead to discolored water, which can be drawn into homes and businesses if the water is being used during or immediately following the flushing. Such events should affect customers for a few hours at most. The discoloration is caused by iron (red color) or manganese (black color) particles being dislodged from the water main which can stain porcelain and laundry. If discoloration occurs, open the cold tap nearest the water meter--usually a basement sink--to full flow until the water runs clear. In some situations this may take 5 to 10 minutes. It is also advised that you make sure your water is clear before doing laundry or other projects for which discolored water could cause problems.

A precise schedule of flushing operations is difficult to determine more than a day in advance. If you wish to be notified before work will be done in your block, please contact Shayne Santi at (608) 261-9128 or ssanti@madisonwater.org.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this annual water main cleaning process.

Today, the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted to invalidate the Safer at Home order issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, effective immediately.

Public Health Madison & Dane County is disappointed in the ruling, as the Safer at Home order has substantially slowed the increase of COVID-19 cases in Dane County.

As a result, Public Health Madison & Dane County is using its local authority to issue a new City of Madison and Dane County order that incorporates the elements of the statewide Safer at Home order, effective immediately.

According to the criteria Public Health Madison & Dane County has identified using the Badger Bounce Back scorecard our county data looks promising, but it is critical to continue following Safer at Home right now to keep Dane County residents healthy and keep our healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed.

By continuing to follow Safer at Home and practicing physical distancing, we can all work together to achieve these criteria and begin the phased reopening of Dane County as soon as possible.

Curbside service will begin on May 11

While library buildings remain closed, librarians are working remotely to answer library and community questions. Madison Public Library has opened two new centralized telephone services: regular reference assistance and library support, and the Madison Internet Access Information Line. Both services can be reached by calling 608-315-5151 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Reference assistance and help with resources
Common questions involve checking a library record, resetting PIN numbers for restored access, placing holds, or questions about using online resources and collections, including troubleshooting the Libby app or OverDrive/Wisconsin's Digital Library online collection access. Please call this line for information and resource referral questions, homework questions, or other assistance.

Madison Internet Access Information Line
For those who need help finding access to the internet, library staff can assist in locating nearby public Wi-Fi, or provide information about free or low-cost internet access plan options and contact information to request internet access from private companies or public assistance programs.

Curbside pickup service
Madison Public Library will offer curbside pickup service starting Monday, May 11, at all Madison Public Library locations except Alicia Ashman Library which is currently being renovated. Curbside pickup service hours will be 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Curbside pickup will allow library customers to:

• pick up existing holds currently on the shelves at all libraries except Alicia Ashman.
• place holds on specific items currently available in libraries, online via LINKcat or by calling 608-315-5151.
• ask library staff to make recommendations and place holds for other materials available at specific libraries by calling 608-315-5151.

Due to restrictions in State Executive Order #28, there is no delivery of library materials between library locations. Because of this, library customers must request library materials that are on the shelves of the library they wish to visit; libraries may not move materials between locations at this time to fulfill customer holds.

All curbside pickup service requests will require an appointment; appointments will be scheduled by calling the library at which items will be picked up.

All staff working the service will receive training and the personal protective equipment necessary to keep themselves, other staff, and the public safe. All employees will wear face coverings according to City of Madison policy, and the library asks that library customers observe social distancing best practices.

At this time, book drops will remain closed and returns will not be accepted. Library buildings will also remain closed to the public.

Additional library service updates are available here.
Library hours and locations are available here.
Downloadable audiobooks and eBooks are available here.
The LINKcat online library catalog is available here.

The Madison Streets Division Urban Forestry Section's spring tree planting season is underway. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing guidelines, the number of trees planted this spring will be half of what crews would plant during a normal spring season. This will result in significant delays in planting replacement street trees downtown. Due to the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, numerous downtown ash trees have been removed by the City over the past several months and weeks, including recently on State Street. Most of these replacement trees are now scheduled to be planted this fall.

Many residents who are expecting a tree to be planted on the City-owned right-of-way terrace in front of their home this spring may instead receive the tree during the fall planting season later this year.

Where and how will the spring planting occur?
The Urban Forestry Section will plant in areas of Madison with recently completed road reconstruction projects or in areas where planting was explicitly scheduled to occur this spring, such as new developments.

Using a combination of vehicles and personnel responsibly spaced for proper social distancing, crews will be able perform the planting in a way that will be safe for both the arborist and the tree while maximizing the number of trees that can be planted this season.

How did COVID-19 cause a delay in planting trees?
Standard tree planting procedures for terrace trees require arborists to work in close proximity to each other.

Trees selected for planting in the terraces are mostly "balled and burlapped" trees. They were harvested from nurseries with soil and roots balled up and contained within burlap to be ready for planting. This kind of tree stock improves the chances that the trees survive in the terrace.

"Balled and burlapped" trees are very heavy, approaching 300 pounds. Since they are so heavy, under normal conditions arborists work very close to each other as they position the tree into the ground. A video demonstration of planting a "balled and burlapped" tree can be found here.

With social distancing, the standard planting procedure is not possible. Crews will be spaced out and fewer arborists will be working to position the tree safely into the ground. In many cases, just a single arborist will be performing the work on placing the tree into the ground. This will slow down the planting process.

How many trees will be planted this spring and how many does that mean will be planted in the fall?
The goal is to plant approximately 900 trees during the spring planting season with more plantings this fall.

The number of trees that can be planted in the fall depends on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and if crews will be able to return to normal planting procedures. The Urban Forestry Section is committed to planting as many trees as possible in a manner that is healthy for the trees and safe for the arborists.

Additional Information
Additional information about the Urban Forestry Section of the Streets Division can be found here.

The current suspension of many on-street parking restrictions that was scheduled to end on Sunday, April 26 has been extended. All on-street meters, residential permit only restrictions, 1-hour and 2-hour time-limit restrictions in non-metered areas, and street sweeping (Clean Streets-Clean Lakes Program) parking restrictions are now temporarily suspended through Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, to mirror the new end date of the current Wisconsin Safer at Home Order.

The following on-street parking restrictions will remain suspended citywide through Monday, May 25, and will not be enforced:

• On-street meters (fees and time limits are suspended)
• Residential Permit Only
• 1-hour and 2-hour time-limits in non-metered areas
• Street sweeping (Clean Streets-Clean Lakes Program) restrictions, including on Thursday and Friday mornings downtown

All other parking restrictions must be followed.

A reminder of what to remember to avoid a citation:

• Do not park in posted "No Parking" areas (marked with paint, signs and hoods). These are still valid and enforceable.
• Vehicles are still required to move every 48 hours, or could be considered abandoned and subject to citation and towing.
• Disabled parking license plates or permits are still required to park in designated disabled parking stalls.
• Do not park in marked Metro Transit bus stops.
• Do not block fire hydrants.
• Do not park in posted loading zones to allow for day-to-day business needs.
• Vehicles still need to allow City services to complete their work, including refuse and recycling collection.
• All off-street Madison Parking Utility garages and lots are operating as normal and will still require payment.

Further information about Madison parking can be found here.

The City of Madison appreciates all the continuing efforts made by the community during this unprecedented time. Please keep our community healthy and safe by following Public Health Madison & Dane County recommendations and guidance.

Beginning Monday, April 20, Terra Engineering and Construction will fully close West Dayton Street between North Mills Street and North Park Street. This closure is part of the ongoing University of Wisconsin Dayton Street utility replacement project from last year.

Final completion of the project and re-opening of West Dayton Street is anticipated to take place in June.

Metro Transit has detoured Route 80 off of West Dayton Street to West Johnson Street. Further details of the Metro Transit service detour are available here.

The City of Madison is launching several new initiatives to assist community members in having safe, healthy spaces for walking and biking during the COVID-19 Safer at Home order.

Some initial locations designated as "shared streets" have already been signed by City workers. These street closures (outside of the core downtown) will widen the distance for pedestrians and bikers to safely travel with enough social distancing.

There are also planned improvements for the Capital City Trail downtown to make it easier for all users to have adequate space for social distancing. The Capital City Trail, Madison's busiest path, facilitates a critical link through the isthmus and has not seen a decrease in use during the Safer at Home order.

Details for the Capital City Trail improvements to more safely accommodate pedestrians and bikers:

• Work will begin on Monday, April 20 at 7:00 a.m. and will last for 2-3 days.
• The path will remain open to users during the construction. Monitors will be present to direct traffic.
• Work will widen the fine gravel shoulder of the path between North Shore Drive and South Broom Street and Machinery Row and Monona Terrace.

These initiatives intend to expand space and make social distancing easier for residents walking and biking. They are not intended for people to congregate and socialize.

When using popular paths, such as the Capital City Trail, please walk, run or ride at less popular times. Please remember that these paths are needed for people traveling to essential jobs and services. You could also try new and different routes by using the Low Stress Bicycle Route Finder. 

As always, it is safest to remain home, but if you do venture into public, it is recommended to wear a cloth face cover as an additional tool to prevent people who do not display symptoms from spreading the virus.

The City appreciates all the continuing efforts made by the community during this unprecedented time. Please keep our community healthy and safe by following Public Health Madison & Dane County recommendations and guidance.

City of Madison Assessor Michelle Drea announced today that property assessment notices will be delayed for at least two months due to COVID-19. While the start of the assessment process is delayed, the taxation process remains unchanged. Property owners have the same rights and responsibilities for review of their notice. Communication with the Assessor's Office during the open book period, and the formal objection process duties remain unchanged. Tax bills will be sent and payment due at the same time as prior years.

The delay is due to a number of reasons because of the pandemic. There are three main reasons for the delay, they include safety, resources and infrastructure.

Safety: As the City follows State law (Wis. Stat. § 70.45) "examination of the assessment roll"- what we refer to as "open book"- includes a mandatory two hour period wherein the assessor must be available to meet with the public to discuss their assessments. In many jurisdictions, this is the sum total of open book. It is the statutory minimum for what is required. Obviously, Madison affords far greater opportunity for property owners to communicate with our City Assessor's office during the extended period of open book. Unfortunately, there is no virtual option for the two hour meeting requirement and no legislative fixes are forthcoming. As a result of the pandemic, City Assessor Michelle Drea is unwilling to push forward with the assessment cycle and put any property owner or member of her office at risk by fulfilling the statutory requirement of a two hour in-person meeting.

Resources: The internal requirements to set values and print assessment notices requires resources beyond that of solely the Assessor's Office. In particular, the Madison Information Technology Department (IT) is heavily involved in the process. At this time, City IT staff is regularly working incredible amounts of overtime just to sustain current practices and ensure that essential services are functioning properly. Any non-essential service that requires IT participation that can be postponed should be postponed. That includes assessment notices.

Infrastructure: The City Assessor's office will receive thousands of phone calls once assessments reach property owners. Teleworking is not conducive to that level of call volume. Our property owners deserve prompt and informed responses when calling regarding their assessments. This requires City staff to be working in the office.

As Public Health Madison & Dane County determine workers are safe in their office and face to face meetings would not compromise anyone's health, the City will notify the public prior to the release of the assessments. 

The 2020 Spring Election and Presidential Preference Vote will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, April 7. The City has taken extraordinary measures to make voting safe.

If you have not had the opportunity to cast an absentee ballot, you can still vote at your assigned polling place. Previously issued absentee ballots can be witnessed and dropped off at your polling place until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Otherwise, absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, April 7, in order to be counted.

The City of Madison Clerk's Office would like voters to know 12 things for this election:

1. Many polling places have changed for this election, including several downtown locations. Capitol Lakes, the Doyle Administration Building and Hub Madison Apartments will not host polling places for this election. It is very important that you verify your polling location at cityofmadison.com/WhereDoIVote or MyVote.wi.gov. A sample ballot is also available at MyVote.wi.gov.
2. You may use your own black or blue ballpoint pen. At the public test of election equipment, we made sure the tabulator accurately tallied ballots marked with blue or black ballpoint ink. We cannot guarantee that other colors of ink will be counted. Sharpies might bleed through the ballot and affect contests on the other side of the ballot. Gel pens do not dry fast enough, and gel gums up inside of the tabulator, causing ballot jams. If you have a pen that writes really smoothly, it is likely a gel pen, and it does not work well with our election equipment.
3. Curbside voting is available. As always, voters unable to enter the polling place due to disability or illness may vote from the curb. We anticipate that curbside voting will be utilized by voters who have underlying health conditions, are at high risk for COVID-19, or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. When you pull up to the curb of the polling place, you will see a sign posted with a number to call in order to reach the poll workers inside. Two poll workers, wearing protective face shields, will bring you a ballot that you may mark inside your vehicle. If you have your own ballpoint pen, wave the pen at the poll workers so they know you do not need a pen. Hold your Voter ID up to your window for the poll workers to check. Crack your window open just enough to receive your ballot from the poll workers. Mark your ballot, fold it, and pass it back to the poll workers through your cracked car window. The poll workers will feed your ballot into the tabulator to be counted. Two poll workers are involved in this process for accountability purposes.
4. Hand sanitizer will be at the poll book table and polling place exit. Voters will be asked to sanitize their hands at the poll book table before signing the poll book. This will allow time for the voter's hands to dry before they receive their ballot. Hand sanitizer will also be available for voters to use as they exit the polling place.
5. Keep your ballot dry. A chance of rain is in the forecast for Tuesday. When ballots get wet, they shred in the tabulator and can take down the tabulator for the entire day. If your ballot gets wet, whether with rain or sanitizer, ask a poll worker for a replacement ballot.
6. Maintain social distancing. In the interest of public safety, we ask that all voters and poll workers practice social distancing to the greatest extent possible. If you are in line, allow six feet of space between you and the next voter. You will be interacting with poll workers through a Plexiglass screen. When selecting a voting booth to use, allow six feet of space between you and other voters. Poll workers will be disinfecting pens and voting booths after each use.
7. Voters will not need to remove their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Poll workers have been instructed to verify the identity of a voter wearing a facemask by comparing the eyes in the voter's ID to the eyes of the voter before them. Poll workers should not ask voters to remove their facemasks.
8. Voters who have not returned an absentee ballot may vote at the polls. Voters who received an absentee ballot but have not sent that ballot back to the Clerk's Office have the option of voting at the polls on Election Day instead. Voters who have returned their absentee ballot to be counted may not vote at the polls on Election Day.
9. Election results will not be available on election night. We are currently under a federal court order to not run the election results on election night. Absentee ballots that are postmarked by Election Day, April 7, and received by April 13, at 4:00 p.m., or hand-delivered by April 7, at 8:00 p.m., will be counted by the Board of Canvassers on April 13, and the election results will be released once those ballots are counted.
10. Voters may use three library book drops to return their absentee ballots. Central Library, Pinney Library and Sequoya Library have opened their book drops for voters returning their absentee ballots (sealed in the absentee certificate envelope with the voter's signature, witness signature, and witness address). The Clerk's Office will retrieve these ballots from the respective libraries at noon on Election Day. Please deliver your completed absentee ballot to your polling place after noon on Election Day. To make sure ballots are not damaged, please do not return library materials to these book drops.
11. Need an absentee ballot witness? Call the Dane County Voter ID Coalition hotline at (608) 285-2141. The waiver of the absentee witness signature for voters who cannot get a witness is up in the air right now, pending a final decision of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Please make every attempt to get a witness if at all possible. If not possible, write a statement to that effect on the absentee envelope.
12. Do not hesitate to contact the City Clerk's Office. If you have a question or encounter a problem at your polling place, please let the Clerk's Office know right away by calling (608) 266-4601.

Stay safe!

All on-street meters, residential permit only restrictions, 1-hour and 2-hour time-limit restrictions in non-metered areas, and street sweeping (Clean Streets-Clean Lakes Program) parking restrictions are temporarily suspended through Sunday, April 26, unless otherwise noticed. This order amends the previous notice which was scheduled to expire April 6, and expands the suspension of on-street parking restrictions to include street sweeping (Clean Streets-Clean Lakes Program) restrictions, including on Thursday and Friday mornings downtown.

Effective immediately, the following on-street parking restrictions are suspended citywide through Sunday, April 26 or until otherwise noticed, and will not be enforced:

• On-street meters (fees and time limits are suspended)
• Residential Permit Only
• 1-hour and 2-hour time-limits in non-metered areas
• Street sweeping (Clean Streets-Clean Lakes Program) restrictions, including on Thursday and Friday mornings downtown

All other parking restrictions must be followed.

A reminder of what to remember to avoid a citation:

• Do not park in posted "No Parking" areas (marked with paint, signs and hoods). These are still valid and enforceable.
• Vehicles are still required to move every 48 hours, or could be considered abandoned and subject to citation and towing.
• Disabled parking license plates or permits are still required to park in designated disabled parking stalls.
• Do not park in marked Metro Transit bus stops.
• Do not block fire hydrants.
• Do not park in posted loading zones to allow for day-to-day business needs.
• Vehicles still need to allow City services to complete their work, including refuse and recycling collection.
• All off-street garages and lots are operating as normal and will still require payment.

Further information about Madison parking can be found here.

Today is Census Day, the day that determines who is counted in the 2020 Census and where they are counted.

As so much of our focus is appropriately on our community response to COVID-19, it remains critical that everyone who lives in Madison completes the census and is counted. As we practice physical distancing, please take the opportunity to show social solidarity by completing the census, now, from the comfort and safety of your own home and encourage your friends, family and colleagues to do the same. You can fill it out online at my2020census.gov, by phone or by mail. Filling out the census is an easy thing you can do right now to help everyone in our community.

Over $675 billion in federal funds are distributed every year to communities across the country based on the census. That means for every person not counted, we stand to lose over $2,000 locally per year for priorities like healthcare, affordable housing, childcare, transportation, education and more. These are resources that will prove vital in our long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of today, 46.04 percent of Wisconsin households have responded to the 2020 Census since invitations began arriving in mailboxes last month. Please join them. Responding now will minimize the need for a census taker to follow up and visit your home later this year.

Some notes when completing the census:

• Respond for where you live as of April 1 (Census Day).
• When filling out the census, include everyone that usually lives in your home as of April 1, even if they are staying somewhere else temporarily.
• Madison residents who spend their winters elsewhere and college students should all complete the census using their Madison-area address.
• There are 10 questions and it will probably take less than 10 minutes to complete the whole form.
• By law, all responses are confidential. There are no questions about citizenship or immigration status.

Please help Madison achieve a complete count by taking the census today and encouraging your friends, family, and colleagues to as well. It has never been easier to respond, whether online at my2020census.gov, by phone or by mail – all from the comfort and safety of your home and without having to meet a census taker.

APPLY TO BE A POLL WORKER

The City of Madison is in urgent need of hundreds of poll workers for the April 7 Spring Election and Presidential Preference Primary. The City needs 700 more poll workers to replace poll workers who have canceled, and ensure that we have enough election officials to support the election. Please consider helping ensure every voter is able to vote on Election Day.

Here is some additional information about the job:

• You'll be paid for your work. The City pays an hourly living wage of $13.62/hour.
• Choose from multiple shifts. There are multiple shifts for poll workers. The morning shift is 6:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Afternoon/evening shifts are 1:00 p.m. until close or 4:00 p.m. until close. You are also welcome to work the full day.
• We're taking extra safety precautions. Polling locations are being planned to provide for social distancing and all poll workers will have gloves to wear. There will also be hand sanitizer and disinfectant at each location, and poll workers are asked to clean touch screens and voting booths regularly, and disinfect pens after each use. Poll worker training is also being offered as a webinar instead of in-person.

Poll workers must be at least 18 years old, a United States citizen, a resident of Dane County for at least 10 days, have never been convicted of a felony and not disqualified from voting.

The online application and additional information is available here.

REGISTER TO VOTE AND REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT

Voters are again strongly urged to act now to vote absentee for the April 7 election.

You can still register to vote until March 30 at MyVote.wi.gov. Once you are registered, you can request an absentee ballot by mail online at MyVote.wi.gov or by sending an email to voting@cityofmadison.com. Please include your name, address at which you are registered to vote, email address to which the ballot should be sent, and a copy or picture of your voter ID (if not already on file in the City Clerk's Office). The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Thursday, April 2 at 5:00 p.m.

Absentee ballots must be received in the City Clerk's Office in time for delivery to the polls on Election Day, April 7.

CURBSIDE VOTER REGISTRATION AND ABSENTEE VOTING

Due to COVID-19 precautions and social distancing requirements, all in-person absentee voting will now be curbside. Curbside voter registration and absentee voting is available through Friday, April 3 to all city residents. Curbside voting is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. outside of the City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Additional information is available here.

If you had the Clerk's Office mail you an absentee ballot, and you need a witness, you may use the curbside voting process for that purpose. Additional options for witnesses are available here.

If you plan to vote on Election Day, please check MyVote.wi.gov on Election Day to verify your polling place, as many downtown locations will change for this election.

Metro Transit continues to play a critical function providing transportation for employees of essential services, including hospital workers, grocery providers, and others. For many in our community, Metro Transit is the only way to access food, medical appointments and pharmacies.  As transit agencies around the nation are adapting service and safety protocols, Metro Transit is joining them with additional measures.

Rear Door Entry and Exit
Effective Tuesday, March 24, customers are asked to board and exit buses using the rear doors. This new required practice will continue until April 20 or until such other date as may be determined to address the COVID-19 medical emergency. Disabled customers in wheelchairs will continue to board at the front of buses. Customers are asked to maintain social distancing and leave at least 6 feet of distance from the driver. Fares will not be collected on fixed route service while this measure is in place. 

Safety and Social Distancing
The following measures and requests announced March 17 continue: 

• Capacity on Metro Transit buses is limited to 15 passengers plus the driver.
• We ask that Metro Transit be used only for essential trips such as travel to medical appointments, grocery stores, etc.
• Please use alternative forms of transportation if they are available to you.
• Enter and exit the bus through the rear doors.
• You should maintain a distance of 6 feet from the driver and your fellow passengers.

It is particularly important for riders who are at a high risk of severe illness, including paratransit riders, to avoid public transit.

High risk individuals include:

• People 60 years or older.
• People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease or diabetes.
• People who have a weakened immune system.
• Women who are pregnant.

Transit Service
Metro continues to follow Saturday schedules all seven days of the week. Metro will provide regular weekday (Monday – Friday) commuter service to Verona/Epic (55 & 75), Fitchburg (44, 48 & 49), Sun Prairie (23) and Middleton (72). The University of Wisconsin Campus routes currently will operate regular weekday service Monday through Friday, and standard weekend service on Saturday and Sundays.

As the situation evolves it is likely there will be additional service modifications to maintain access to essential service sectors, and potentially reduce service to low need areas. Metro Transit will communicate service modifications as appropriate to address community needs.

Available routes and Saturday schedules can be found online at mymetrobus.com, or call Metro Customer Service at 608-266-4466.

In response to concerns of restaurants and other businesses, the Madison Parking Utility is assisting with temporary loading zone parking restrictions adjacent to local restaurants and other businesses providing carry-out service. While on-street parking meters, residential parking only restrictions, and 1-hour and 2-hour time limit restrictions in non-metered areas are relaxed citywide through April 5, to allow all-day parking, all other posted restrictions should be followed. 

On-street locations posted with temporary loading zone restrictions will allow for short-term parking only for patrons to be able to park in front of an establishment for a quick pick-up without concern of a parking ticket.

While unable to open State Street for parking due to insufficient space and continuity of Metro Transit route service for critical workers across our city, parking has been blocked off in designated areas at cross streets to make for greater convenience to restaurant patrons. We encourage you to visit the downtown, stretch your legs with a brief walk, and patronize your favorite establishments.

Restaurants and other businesses requesting assistance for on-street loading areas to facilitate carry-out and delivery can contact the Parking Utility at (608) 266-4761 or email parking@cityofmadison.com.

Parking Utility staff are reviewing requests and, to the extent possible, will post temporary signage and/or hood on-street metered spaces to create loading zone areas for carry-out and delivery needs. There is no fee charged at this time for these types of requests.

Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 22, Dawes Rigging and Crane will fully close the 10 block of East Wilson Street between South Pinckney Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to set up a crane to deliver HVAC equipment to the roof of the Madison Club. The closure is expected to last until 7:00 p.m.

During the closure, East Wilson Street will be converted to a two-way street between King Street and the Government East Parking Garage. Local access will be maintained at all times. 

Because of COVID-19, voters are strongly encouraged to act now to vote absentee for the April 7 Spring Election and Presidential Preference Primary.

Polls will be open for those who need them on Election Day, but most voters should vote absentee for this election. For that to happen, you should request an absentee ballot as soon as possible, or consider In-Person Absentee Voting. If you plan to vote on Election Day, please check MyVote.wi.gov on Election Day to verify your polling place, as many locations will change for this election.

Early In-Person Absentee Voting

The Madison City Clerk's Office is currently open to the public. The City Clerk's Office is open for voter registration and in-person absentee voting Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and this Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. The City Clerk's Office is located in Room 103, City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. In addition, the City Clerk's Office has opened an early voting location in the Madison Municipal Building in Room 153, 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.

Furthermore, curbside voting is now available in reserved parking spaces on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard outside of the City-County Building and the Madison Municipal Building. Voters who are high-risk for COVID-19 may register to vote and/or cast their ballot from their vehicle. High-risk populations include older adults and people with chronic health conditions. Curbside voting will be offered Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through April 3. Signs are posted at each of the designated stalls prompting voters who need to use the curbside voting option to call the City Clerk's Office. A pair of election officials will be sent out to the voter's vehicle to assist the voter in registering (if needed) and voting.

In-person absentee voting will continue to be available for City of Madison residents in the City Clerk's Office through April 4. Additional early voting locations are currently scheduled to open on March 29 at UW-Madison campus locations. Early voting locations are changing frequently. Any additional early voting locations and hours will be listed here. Voters must present an acceptable form of photo ID before receiving an absentee ballot.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

There are several ways registered voters can request absentee ballots. The easiest way is to sign up at MyVote.wi.gov.

Just look for the "Vote Absentee" button near the top of the page. On a mobile phone, use the menu button in the upper right corner of the website. There is a three-step process that starts with entering your name and date of birth, followed by requesting your ballot. If you don't already have a photo ID on file with the City Clerk's office, you can upload a copy. Mobile phone users can take a picture and upload it to MyVote. Absentee ballot requests submitted this way go directly to the City Clerk's Office, and you can track your ballot by returning to the website.

Voters can also request absentee ballots by mailing, emailing or faxing the City Clerk's Office. Detailed absentee voting information is available here. These requests must be accompanied by a copy of your photo ID. If you already have a photo ID on file from previous absentee requests under your current registration, you will not need to provide it again.

The deadline for registered voters to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you is the Thursday before the election, April 2. However, voters should not wait, due to possible delays in mail delivery. If you get an absentee ballot mailed to you, you can still decide to vote at the polls on Election Day if you haven't returned it.

Your absentee ballot must be received in the City Clerk's Office or at your polling place by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, April 7. Again, please request and return ballots as soon as possible.

For local COVID-19 developments, please visit the COVID-19 City website.

Reduced Service Begins on Monday, March 23

For many of our community's most vulnerable resident's Metro Transit service is their only way to access essential goods and services such as groceries, employment, medical appointments and pharmacies. For this reason, transit agencies around the country are striving to maintain service. Metro Transit will join them in continuing to provide this essential public service, while also working to protect the health and safety of our employees and customers.

Safety and Social Distancing

After consultation with Public Health, we have determined that several steps should be taken to reduce the risk of community spread of COVID-19 and increase the ability for riders and employees to follow social distancing guidelines.

• Beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, capacity on Metro Transit buses will be limited to 15 passengers plus the driver.
• We ask that Metro Transit be used only for essential trips such as travel to employment, medical appointments, grocery stores, etc.
• Please use alternative forms of transportation if they are available to you.
• Exit the bus through the rear doors.
• Other than brief periods during boarding, you should maintain a distance of 6 feet from the driver and your fellow passengers.

It is particularly important for riders who are at a high risk of severe illness, including paratransit riders, to avoid public transit. High risk individuals include:

• People 60 years or older
• People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.
• People who have a weakened immune system
• Women who are pregnant

Changes in Service

After careful consideration, Metro Transit will be reducing service and following Saturday schedules all seven days of the week beginning on Monday, March 23. In addition, we will continue to provide regular weekday (Monday – Friday) commuter service to Verona/Epic (55 & 75), Fitchburg (44, 48 & 49), Sun Prairie (23) and Middleton (72). The University of Wisconsin Campus routes are exempt and will operate regular standard weekday service Monday through Friday and standard weekend service on Saturday and Sundays.

This modified service will continue until such time the City begins to return to a more normal function.

Paratransit service will remain unchanged; however, we strongly encourage paratransit riders who are at high risk of severe illness to protect themselves and stay home if possible.

We will also be selectively increasing the number of buses on routes with high ridership in order to meet the demand while still maintaining the maximum capacity of 15 riders per bus.

Available routes and Saturday schedules can be found online at mymetrobus.com, or call Metro Customer Service at 608-266-4466 for more information.

In an effort to accommodate the community and respond to temporary changes in neighborhood and business on-street parking needs, all on-street metered and time-limit parking restrictions will be relaxed, effective 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18 through Sunday, April 5, 2020.

This means that on-street metered, 1-hour and 2-hour limit areas, including "permit only" areas, will not be enforced city-wide during this time period. On-street meters will not require payment.

All other restrictions should be followed, including:

• Posted "No Parking" areas, signs and hoods are still valid and enforceable.
• Vehicles are required to move every 48 hours, or could be considered an abandoned vehicle and subject to citation and towing.
• Disabled parking license plates or permits are still required to park in designated disabled parking stalls.
• Do not park in marked Metro Bus stops.
• Street Sweeping and Clean Streets-Clean Lakes restrictions are still in effect for posted dates and times, including on Thursday and Friday mornings downtown.
• Leave loading zones free for day-to-day business needs.
• All off-street garages and lots are operating as normal and will still require payment.

Further information about the Madison Parking Division can be found here.

Public Health Madison & Dane County is issuing a county-wide directive to close schools as of March 16, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. to mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

This order is also a county-wide directive to stop gatherings of 50 or more people. This order will continue until further notice.

"Schools play a crucial role in providing nutrition and other critical services to students, but they also pose a risk to children and staff with underlying health conditions and their closure can reduce community spread of COVID-19," said Janel Heinrich, Director of Public Health Madison & Dane County. "Closing schools and canceling events are a disruption to our lives, but we believe these measures are necessary for the safety of our community."

Wisconsin Statute 252 outlines a health officer's authority to take "all measures necessary to prevent, suppress, and control communicable disease." Violation of or failure to comply with this order is a crime punishable by fine, imprisonment or both.

Public Health Madison & Dane County further strongly recommends that all nonessential social gatherings of under 50 people be postponed.

If a gathering must be held with fewer than 50 attendees, Public Health Madison & Dane County recommends the following precautionary steps:

• Older adults, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and people with underlying health conditions that are at increased risk of COVID-19 are encouraged not to attend (including employees);
• Social distancing recommendations should be met (limit contact of people within six (6) feet from each other for ten (10) minutes or longer);
• Provide sanitation and prevention hygiene resources to all attendees and employees; and
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coronavirus website, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services coronavirus website or the Public Health Madison & Dane County coronavirus website.

The Madison City Clerk's Office is extending hours the balance of this week so that UW students and other City of Madison residents may register and vote absentee prior to UW Spring Break. The City Clerk's Office will be open for voter registration and in-person absentee voting this Thursday, March 12 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, March 13 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The City Clerk's Office is located in Room 103, City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.

In-person absentee voting will continue to be available for City of Madison residents for the April 7 Spring Election in the City Clerk's Office next week through April 4. Absentee voting and voter registration will be available at all Madison Public Library locations beginning on March 23. Additional early voting locations are currently scheduled to open on March 29 at UW-Madison campus locations. Hours and locations are listed here. Voters must present an acceptable form of photo ID before receiving an absentee ballot.

Voters may visit MyVote.wi.gov to check their voter registration, request an absentee ballot, find out what will be on the ballot or find their polling location.

The City of Madison has a unique opportunity to evaluate both the golf and non-golf uses for its four golf courses through the work of the Task Force on Municipal Golf in Madison Parks. Madison Parks is hosting two community engagement meetings and offering an online survey to gather public input for the purposes of informing the Task Force. At the community meetings, staff will provide an overview of the purpose and goals of the Task Force, as well as the work completed to date, including potential course closure scenarios. While the Task Force has agreed that affordable and accessible municipal golf within the City of Madison is important to the community, it is working to determine the proper amount and location of holes to be offered, while at the same time considering other users and uses of the public space. The meetings and online survey provide a forum for both golfers and non-golfers to voice their opinions.

Information gathered at the community engagement meetings and through the online survey will be considered by the Task Force as the team develops recommendations to be completed by May 1, 2020.

You make complete the online survey here. The survey is open until March 31.

Community engagement meetings:

Thursday, March 5, 2020
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Evjue Commons
3330 Atwood Avenue

Tuesday, March 10, 2020
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Goodman Maintenance Facility
1402 Wingra Creek Parkway

The City of Madison has canceled the snow emergency for this evening, Wednesday, February 19.

Streets Division staff determined the second evening of a snow emergency is not necessary due to the weekly posted parking restrictions downtown on Thursday and Friday mornings. The Streets Division will operate plows in these areas during the posted parking restricted times to push the snow back to the curb for the streets to be wide and safe. All who park in areas with posted parking restrictions are strongly encouraged to follow those rules so snow plowing can take place during those posted times. Violators may be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect tonight only in areas outside of the Snow Emergency Zone.

Individuals who park their vehicle in the Snow Emergency Zone overnight tonight (February 19 into the early morning hours of February 20) do not need to abide by the overnight alternate side parking restrictions. All daytime parking restrictions remain in effect.

Alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect for residents outside of the Snow Emergency Zone. Overnight alternate side parking rules are enforced outside of the snow emergency zone every year from November 15 to March 15 regardless of weather conditions.

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 20. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

Parking on the Street Tuesday Night
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of February 18 into early morning of February 19) must park their vehicles on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators will also very likely be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Parking on the Street Wednesday Night
Vehicles parked on the street tomorrow night (the evening of February 19 into early morning of February 20) must be parked on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 11. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators will also very likely be towed again tonight. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.
 
When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
 
Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

Parking on the Street Sunday Night
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of February 9 into early morning of February 10) must park their vehicles on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators will also likely be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Parking on the Street Monday Night
Vehicles parked on the street tomorrow night (the evening of February 10 into early morning of February 11) must be parked on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111.

In-person absentee voting is underway for City of Madison residents for the February 18 Spring Primary Election. In addition to the City Clerk's Office in the City-County Building, absentee voting and voter registration are available at all Madison Public Library locations. Additional early voting locations will open on February 10 at UW-Madison campus locations. Hours and locations are listed here. To view a sample ballot, look up your voter registration or your street address here.

If you are voting absentee through the mail, remember that Madison's mail is processed in Milwaukee, increasing the amount of time it takes to return your ballot to the City Clerk's Office. Rather than mailing your absentee ballot back to the Clerk's Office, you are welcome to drop it off with the Clerk's Office personnel at an absentee voting site. Otherwise, be sure to mail your ballot back to the Clerk's Office as soon as possible so it can be counted.

UW-Madison will be hosting a Public Information Session as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment Meeting for the Kohl Center Addition Project on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at Memorial Union. Please check the 'Today In The Union' (TITU) boards for the meeting room location. The meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a 30-45 minute presentation and a question session to follow.

The proposal constructs a 37,348 GSF 3-story addition over the existing loading dock area off the southwest corner of the Kohl Center to provide additional space for strength and conditioning, sports medicine, academics, and administrative functions; and a 34,785 GSF renovation of existing space in the Kohl Center for the expansion of service level spaces to expand locker rooms, media rooms, club rooms, and kitchen spaces. These new and renovated spaces will serve men's and women's basketball, golf, hockey, swimming, and tennis programs, as well as the cheerleading and dance teams. As an addition, the project will connect in the southwest corner of the existing building. The project borders the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (WSOR) right-of-way. Coordination with WSOR has begun and will continue throughout the project. Construction of the addition is planned to begin in October 2020 with substantial completion in March 2023.

UPDATE: The former MATC building, where the leak occurred, has been ventilated. Gas service remains shut down. MFD units are beginning to clear the scene. Roads remain closed but are expected to re-open soon.

The public is asked to avoid the area of Johnson Street, Dayton Street, North Carroll Street and Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Madison as multiple agencies respond to a reported natural gas leak.

The Madison Fire Department was dispatched at 8:48 a.m. after a contractor reportedly struck a main gas line near the old MATC building located on Wisconsin Avenue between West Johnson and West Dayton Streets. Gas service to the site was shut down at approximately 9:00 a.m.

All workers on site at the building have safely evacuated, are accounted for, and are sheltering off-site. Firefighters are also surveying nearby buildings for the presence of natural gas. At this time, no mass evacuation is underway. There are no injuries reported.

With the help of Madison Police, a safety perimeter is in place in the locations described above. All vehicular traffic in the area is prohibited, and motorists are asked to choose alternate routes.

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Monday, January 20. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators will also very likely be towed again tonight. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.
 
When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
 
Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the website or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Monday, January 20. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

Parking on the Street Saturday Night
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of January 18 into early morning of January 19) must park their vehicles on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Parking on the Street Sunday Night
Vehicles parked on the street tomorrow night (the evening of January 19 into early morning of January 20) must be parked on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the site or by calling (608) 261-9111.

The City of Madison has canceled the snow emergency for this evening, Sunday, January 12.

Streets Division staff assessed the road conditions and determined the second evening of a snow emergency is not necessary due to lighter than expected snowfall amounts.

This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect tonight only in areas outside of the Snow Emergency Zone.

Individuals who park their vehicle in the Snow Emergency Zone overnight tonight (January 12 into the early morning hours of January 13) do not need to abide by the overnight alternate side parking restrictions. All daytime parking restrictions remain in effect.

Alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect for residents outside of the Snow Emergency Zone. Overnight alternate side parking rules are enforced outside of the snow emergency zone every year from November 15 to March 15 regardless of weather conditions.

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Monday, January 13. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

Parking on the Street Saturday Night
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of January 11 into early morning of January 12) must park their vehicles on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators may also be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Parking on the Street Sunday Night
Vehicles parked on the street tomorrow night (the evening of January 12 into early morning of January 13) must be parked on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the site or by calling (608) 261-9111.

Two Rounds of Tree Collection

Starting Thursday, January 2nd the Streets Division will begin Christmas tree collection. As in years past, there will be two rounds of tree collection.
 
The first round of Christmas tree collection will begin on Thursday, January 2. Christmas trees placed to the curb by 7:00 a.m. on January 2 in accordance to the rules outlined below will be collected prior to January 17, barring any winter weather complications. Placing your tree to the curb after January 2 could result in your tree not being collected during the first round.
 
The second round of Christmas tree collection will begin on Tuesday, January 21. Christmas trees placed to the curb by 7:00 a.m. on January 21 will be collected prior to February 7, barring any winter weather complications. 
 
If you place your tree to the curb after 7:00 a.m. on January 21, you may miss your final collection round. Residents electing to have their trees collected at the curb rather than bringing the tree to a drop-off site are strongly encouraged to have their tree curbside prior to January 21.
 
After the second round of tree collection is complete, crews will transition to other priorities. Trees set to the curb after the second round of collection occurs in your neighborhood will sit on the terrace until crews begin regular brush collection in March.
 
Wreaths, evergreen rope, garlands and boughs will not be collected with Christmas trees. These items regularly contain wire that can jam wood chipping equipment by becoming entangled. Please place these into your tan refuse cart or private dumpster.
 
Plowing and other snow and ice control issues take priority over tree collection, and this may cause delays.
 
Collection Rules
Trees are processed with expensive wood chippers. These machines can be easily damaged by metal, wire and other foreign material. To protect this equipment and the safety of our workers we ask that all residents follow these rules. Failure to follow these rules may result in your tree being left at the curb.

• Remove all tree stands regardless of whether they are metal, plastic or wood.
• Remove all light strings, ornaments and other metal objects.
• Remove any tree bags.
• Place trees at the street edge only.
• Dig out trees if they become buried under snow.

Drop-Off Sites
Residents may also bring Christmas trees to a City drop-off site. The sites are located at 1501 West Badger Road on the southwest side and 4602 Sycamore Avenue on the east side.
 
The drop-off sites are open 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. These hours will remain in effect until expanded hours begin on Saturday, April 4.
 
Happy New Year!

It is that time of year again to expect your City of Madison property tax bill. 2019 property tax bill calculation and preparation is now complete. The City of Madison Treasurer's Office is now accepting 2019 property tax payments. 2019 property tax bills have been mailed and are now available online here.

There are several methods of payment to make the process easier. One payment option to consider is Enrolled Payments. Using this method, you may pay online using your checking/savings account. You can view activity, edit your profile, or add/delete accounts. Select from a variety of email notifications to help manage your payments. There is not a fee for using eBilling. Residents who pay their tax bills in installments using the enrolled payments can easily set up their accounts to get the added benefit of electronic reminders as a due date approaches.

Another payment option is payment by phone. This service offers the option of payment via an automated service operating 24 hours per day. You will be able to enter your checking/savings account or credit/debit card privately by phone by calling 877-899-4281. Individuals using this service are asked to have their parcel and bill numbers ready. There is a fee for using a credit/debit card. There is not a fee for using a checking or savings account.

In addition, property owners are able to make a onetime payment by credit or debit card or accessing a checking or savings account. There is a fee for using a credit or debit card but none for using a checking or savings account. Residents are still able to submit their payments by mail to the City Treasurer's office. All mailing information is included in the tax bill. You may also pay in person at the City Treasurer's office in Room 107, City-County Building.

All tax payments postmarked on or before December 31, 2019 will be processed as having been paid in 2019.

The Madison Police Department (MPD) has utilized surveys for the past few years as an additional way to gather information and feedback from our community. The 2019 annual community survey is now available. The MPD wants to know your concerns and how well the MPD is addressing your concerns. The survey is an opportunity for the MPD to better understand what is important to you. The MPD hopes that you will take a few minutes to complete the survey. In order for the MPD to improve their service to the community, they need and value your feedback. One of their core values is a commitment to continuous improvement and your insights will aid the MPD as they consider ways in which they can modify or enhance their service model.

The survey is being conducted by the Police Foundation, a nonprofit, non-member organization dedicated to improving policing. The survey has been prepared by researchers across the nation. It is entirely independent and supported and funded by the National Institute of Justice of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The survey takes approximately five minutes or less to complete and is anonymous. Please use this link to access the survey:

https://policefoundation.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gSgyFFSTH9JTH7

On Sunday, December 8, starting at 3:00 p.m. the annual Run Santa Run 5K will take place. Runners will start on the Capitol Square, head east on East Mifflin Street to North Baldwin Street and return on East Dayton Street and East Mifflin Street to the Square. A map of the route is available here. 

Traffic will not be allowed to cross the route when runners are going through. Police will be stationed along the route to assist in directing traffic. Police will keep North Webster Street open during the run. 

The last runners will be finished around 4:30 p.m.  

The streets of the Capitol Square (Mifflin Street, Carroll Street, Main Street and Pinckney Street) will be closed from 11:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Metro Transit buses will not serve the Capitol Square all day on Sunday. The Capitol Loop Detour will be utilized one block off the Square.

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED DANE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING ADDITION

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019 - 7:00 P.M.

CITY-COUNTY BUILDING, ROOM 354

210 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BOULEVARD

Please join me for a neighborhood meeting about a proposal by Dane County to add a south tower addition behind the existing Public Safety Building located at 115 W. Doty Street.  The addition would be located in the entire existing rear parking lot in the 100 block of W. Wilson Street. The proposed addition would be approximately the same height as the adjacent Dane County Courthouse, likely up to the capitol view preservation limit.  The Dane County Sheriff's Office currently has three facilities housing inmates.  This project would consolidate the Public Safety Building Jail, the City-County Building Jail located on the sixth and seventh floors, and the Ferris Huber Center on Rimrock Road.  The new facility would provide improved housing, programming, visitation, recreation, medical, and mental health spaces for inmates.

Alderperson Mike Verveer

There will be no recycling, refuse or large item collection by the City Streets Division on Thursday, November 28 or Friday, November 29 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. If your material is normally collected on Thursday, it will instead be collected on Wednesday, November 27. Refuse and large item collection in the core downtown will occur on Wednesday. Please place refuse carts to the curb for pickup by 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Streets Division drop-off sites will be closed on Thursday and Friday. They will reopen on Saturday, November 30.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Public Involvement Meeting

Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Sidewalk Reconstruction Project

Thursday, November 21, 2019 – 6:00 p.m.

Madison Municipal Building, Room 206

215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard

The City of Madison is proposing a 2020 project to reconstruct the sidewalks and terraces on the 100 and 200 blocks of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. The proposed project would also include removal of the existing trees and planting new trees in an improved planting environment. This meeting is being held to provide information, to obtain neighborhood input on the project and to answer any questions.

Please contact Jim Wolfe in the City Engineering Division with any comments or questions. He may be reached at jwolfe@cityofmadison.com or (608) 266-4099.

Neighborhood Meeting

Redevelopment Proposal for 216 S. Pinckney Street

Monday, November 18, 2019 – 7:00 p.m.

Madison Municipal Building, Room 215

215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard

Please join me for a neighborhood meeting about a proposal by Stone House Development, Inc. to redevelop the Judge Doyle Square site, 216 S. Pinckney Street. Stone House proposes to construct Block 88 Apartments, a nine-story, mixed-income, mixed-use project with approximately 7,100 square feet of retail space and 161 apartments. The retail space would be located on the first floor facing S. Pinckney Street. The apartments would be in a tower built on top of the recently constructed City parking garage. Of the 161 apartments, 37 would be designated as affordable, with 20 units having income restrictions set at 60% of the county median income and 17 units having income restrictions set at 80% of the county median income. The fifth floor would have a community room, fitness area, and indoor/outdoor cooking and gathering areas. There would also be 148 parking stalls in the recently constructed above-ground parking garage for residential use.

Alderperson Mike Verveer

The Madison Marathon half marathon and full marathon will take place this Sunday, November 10, starting at 7:00 a.m. on the Capitol Square. The runners will run through the UW Arboretum, UW Campus, Warner Park, and back to the Capitol Square, with the last runners finishing around 1:30 p.m.  

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead if traveling around the race routes, as crossing the route will only be permitted when there are sufficient gaps in the runners. Police officers will be located throughout the course assisting traffic.
 
The route map (with times of street closures) is available here.
 
Metro Transit buses will detour throughout the downtown and UW Campus. Detailed Metro Transit detour information is available here.

Due to ongoing congestion, traffic and safety concerns on Langdon Street across from the Memorial Union, intercity bus loading will be relocated to the west side of the 200 block of North Lake Street (between West Dayton Street and West Johnson Street) over the next several weeks. Intercity buses will pick up and drop off passengers on the west side of the street, adjacent to the Gordon Dining and Event Center terrace. A map of the new intercity bus stop location is available here.

Signage will be installed along that side of the block indicating the bus stop, and the parking meters will be bagged and unavailable for public parking. Two bus shelters will also be installed for use by intercity bus passengers. The intercity bus companies will have personnel stationed periodically at Langdon Street during the transition period, to assist passengers unaware of this change. The intercity bus companies will also include this relocation information on their websites and with ticketing information.

Starting on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, Badger Bus, Jefferson Lines and Lamers Bus Lines will begin passenger loading at the North Lake Street location. Coach USA services, including Megabus and Van Galder, will begin passenger loading along North Lake Street on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Passengers are encouraged to contact the bus companies directly if they have questions regarding boarding and alighting locations.

You are invited to attend a public meeting for the following two upcoming projects along South Blair Street (US 151) that are scheduled to be constructed concurrently in 2022:

Intersection Project: Reconstruction of the John Nolen Drive, South Blair Street, East Wilson Street and Williamson Street intersection to provide dedicated left-turn lanes on US 151, multimodal improvements, and replace utilities as needed. This project is the result of a previous study by the City of Madison and subsequent Highway Safety Improvement Program funding aids.

Pavement Replacement Project: Replacement of the existing pavement, curb and gutter, utility replacement as needed and curb ramps along South Blair Street from the above intersection project to East Washington Avenue and along East Washington Avenue from Blair Street to Blount Street. Pedestrian scale lighting is proposed along South Blair Street.

The meeting time and location are as follows:

Monday, November 4, 6:30 p.m.

Madison Municipal Building, Room 153

215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard

At this meeting, engineers and project managers will talk about the details and plans for the intersection and pavement replacement projects. A more specific timeline of work will also be shared. There will be an opportunity to ask the project managers and engineers questions about the project, and the public is encouraged to attend. The City of Madison is working jointly with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation on design and construction of the project.

Multiple streets around State Street will be closed on Saturday, October 26 for the 14th annual Freakfest event. Streets crossing State Street will begin closing at 5:00 p.m. Streets will be closed until approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 27.

West Dayton Street, West Johnson Street and North Lake Street will close at 5:00 p.m. West Gorham Street will stay open until 6:00 p.m.

Two earlier closures are required for the construction of concert stages. West Gilman Street will be closed between State Street and North Henry Street starting at 8:00 a.m. West Mifflin Street will be closed at Wisconsin Avenue starting at 2:00 p.m.

A map of the street closures (with times) is available here. North Bassett Street, which has been closed for reconstruction, will be reopened by Saturday to facilitate the West Johnson Street detour.

Metro Transit detours affecting several routes will begin on Friday, October 25 at 6:00 p.m. Specific details and maps are available here.   

State Street event gates will be enforced from 7:00 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. During this time, an event ticket will be needed to cross or enter State Street.

All parked bicycles will be removed from the entire length of State Street and some side streets on Saturday.  

Happy Halloween!

Enjoy family fun at the Downtown Madison Family Halloween along State Street and the Capitol Square on Wednesday, October 23, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. This annual event welcomes approximately 2,500 families to the downtown area for a safe, fun way to celebrate the upcoming holiday. This year there are over 70 trick-or-treat stops and 14 special activity stops.

The special free and low-cost activities for families and kids 12 and under include: Overture Center Kids in the Rotunda "Mad Science" shows, hayrides, crafts, spooky stories, ghostly tours, festive Halloween photos, trick-or-treating at participating businesses and more.

Additional information (including a listing and map of all activity and trick-or-treat stops) is available here. Print guides are available at activity stops and at the Downtown Madison Visitor Center, located at 452 State Street.

The family fun Halloween event is presented by Madison's Central Business Improvement District (BID).

Please attend a public information meeting to learn more about the downtown route options for the City's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

The City of Madison is exploring options for a new Phase 1 East-West Bus Rapid Transit line to make our transit system work faster and smarter. BRT uses dedicated lanes where feasible and will operate 15-minute service during most of the day, including evenings and weekends. BRT will serve modern stations to provide fast and cost-effective service to jobs, entertainment and schools. Madison's BRT will complement existing Madison Metro routes.

City project leaders will be in attendance to present details about the overall BRT project, and more specifically, will review BRT station locations and route options for the downtown portion of the service. Members of the public, especially downtown stakeholders, will be encouraged to provide feedback at the meeting.

Bus Rapid Transit - Downtown Route Options Public Involvement Meeting:

Tuesday, October 29, 6:30 p.m., Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin Street

Please contact David Trowbridge with any questions or comments: (608) 267-1148 or dtrowbridge@cityofmadison.com. Additional information is available at MadisonBRT.com.

Today, ABC for Health, Inc. is kicking off the ABC for Health Mural Project, a year-long endeavor to refresh the art on the downtown Madison building's western facing façade.

ABC for Health's beautiful and eclectic building sits on the corner of Mifflin and Bassett Streets in Downtown Madison's Capitol Neighborhood. The site, the longtime host to community-centered businesses and projects, has taken advantage of its large brick canvas, hosting advertisements and colorful murals over the last 5 decades. In that time, the mural has seen four different iterations, the most recent and current version completed in 1987.

"Now, we seek your input and support on deciding what comes next," says Bobby Peterson, Executive Director of ABC for Health, Inc. The agency today is launching its mural project webpage where the community can stay up to date on the project's progress, contribute to a project fundraiser, or respond to a call for artists: https://www.safetyweb.org/mural.html.

Peterson continues, "Our goal for this mural project is to continue to adorn our wall with public art that commemorates the culture and traditions of the Mifflin Street community. We seek to honor the present values of the city, our nonprofit organization, and new neighbors. We also want to set our sights on the future of Madison, and hope to have a mural that encourages a vision forward with optimism, hope, and progress."

ABC for Health says it is now seeking proposals from artists with experience in arts for the design and execution of a mural that honors the unique history of its Madison, Wisconsin community, while integrating the mission of its agency with stories from the lives they have touched. ABC for Health envisions themes of diversity, inclusion, & innovation in the Mural Project's overall mission: Commemorating the Past. Honoring the Present. Setting Sights on the Future.

Celebrating 25 years in 2019, ABC for Health, Inc., is a Wisconsin-based, nonprofit, public interest law firm dedicated to linking children and families, particularly those with special health care needs, to health care benefits and services. ABC for Health's mission is to provide information, advocacy tools, legal services, and expert support needed to obtain, maintain, and finance health care coverage and services.

The City of Madison's West Washington-West Mifflin (Mifflandia) Special Area Plan planning process is nearing conclusion. The Public Review Draft of the Plan was introduced as a Madison Common Council Resolution and is under review by several City committees and commissions. The draft plan can be found here.

The plan analyzes opportunities within a small area centered upon the 400-500 blocks of West Mifflin Street and West Washington Avenue. The Downtown Plan (adopted in 2012) established a vision for the future transformation of this area, and recommended a more detailed plan for the future. To accomplish this, City Planning staff utilized a public engagement strategy called "Mifflandia" to interact with students, residents, businesses, property owners, and other stakeholders. "Mifflandia" used a lighthearted name to engage people who may not normally be interested in urban planning, and utilizes unique techniques reach a wide audience.

The result of this engagement was the development of plan recommendations for more detailed design standards and implementation strategies for the planning areas. The plan also addresses land use, preservation, redevelopment opportunities, building and streetscape design, open space, activity nodes and connectivity to the abutting neighborhoods.

The Common Council is scheduled to review the plan at its meeting of Tuesday, November 5. The Common Council legislative file can be found here. It includes the recommendations of reviewing City committees and commissions.

You may review past information and data resources, as well as sign up for further plan updates, on the project website. Thank you for your input and comments during this planning process.

Multiple streets around Langdon Street and State Street will be closed on Friday afternoon and evening, October 11, for the UW Homecoming Parade and Block Party. The parade starts at 6:00 p.m., with the block party immediately following the parade in and around Alumni Park and Memorial Union. The annual homecoming fireworks display will start at approximately 8:50 p.m. The display will last approximately 15 minutes, and will be fired from a pontoon boat on Lake Mendota adjacent to the Memorial Union.

The following streets will be closed:

• Langdon Street (North Lake Street to Wisconsin Avenue) 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Wisconsin Avenue (Langdon Street to West Gilman Street) 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A driving lane will be kept open to the Edgewater Hotel.
• West Gilman Street (State Street to Wisconsin Avenue) 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• North Lake Street (University Avenue to Langdon Street) 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Access will be maintained to the State Street Campus Garage
• Langdon Street (North Park Street to North Lake Street) 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A map of the street closures (with times) is available here.

Metro Transit detours affecting several routes will begin at 4:00 p.m. Specific details and maps are available here. The intercity bus stop will relocate from Langdon Street to University Avenue at East Campus Mall.

Happy Homecoming! On Wisconsin!

A Madison Lakefront For All

We need your vision. Your voice to imagine a new Law Park.

Imagine fishing, biking, water sports and outdoor play along with arts, entertainment, and food while people and families gather and have fun in and around this downtown waterfront park! Come share and learn more about what Law Park can be. Share your ideas, community goals, and priorities for this lakeshore greenspace. Everyone is welcome!

Project Description

The City of Madison Parks Division is developing a preliminary report for Law Park that will serve as a reference and guide for future master plan development. The current project includes a robust community engagement effort and a technical analysis of the existing park. The community engagement will focus on gathering input from a diverse range of Madison residents to identify desired park improvements, outline goals for the future master plan process, and generate ideas to connect the waterfront park to the greater downtown area. The technical inquiry will include site investigations and analysis of the current site conditions to identify potential improvement opportunities.

Law Park is a 4.7-acre park situated along the shore of Lake Monona. Current amenities in the park include a public boat launch, bench seating, public art, floating piers and a parking lot. The park is three blocks from the State Capitol and offers over 2,500 linear feet of shoreline access. Although the park provides a linear connection along the south edge of the Isthmus, the available green space is isolated from the greater downtown area and Capitol Square. Numerous plans to improve Law Park and connect it to downtown Madison and the surrounding area have been proposed over the city's history. None have been implemented to date.

Get Involved!

The City of Madison invites the community to participate in either of these workshops in order to share community needs, explore potential opportunities, and help determine what this downtown waterfront park can mean for the Greater Madison Community. Your input is key to this project's success!

• Wednesday, September 18, 6:00-7:30 PM, Workshop at Madison Central Public Library, 201 West Mifflin Street
• Tuesday, October 1, 6:00-7:30 PM, Open House at Badger Rock Neighborhood Center, 501 East Badger Road

Visit the project website to subscribe to the email list for updates, take the online survey, view a map of park and neighborhood context and learn more about the project.

Starting at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, September 16, until approximately 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20, JP Cullen will close the 10 block of East Doty Street in order to remove the two tower cranes at the Judge Doyle Square construction site.

East Doty Street will be completely closed between the Block 89 parking garage driveway and South Pinckney Street. A map of the closure and detour route is available here.

East Doty Street will be converted to two-way traffic from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to the Block 89 parking garage to maintain access to and from the garage. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Doty Street intersection will be converted to an all-way stop-controlled intersection to allow vehicles to safely exit the Block 89 parking garage.

In addition, due to the Wednesday Farmers' Market on the 200 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, right turns from West Main Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard will be restricted on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Madison Traffic Engineering Division will be monitoring traffic and adjust signal timing to detour Outer Loop traffic to the Capitol Square. Drivers should expect delays during peak travel hours and use an alternate route, if possible.

All Madison Public Library locations will be closed on Thursday, September 12, for a Staff In-Service Day. Normal operating hours will resume on Friday, September 13.

Sunday hours (1:00-5:00 p.m.) resumed for Central Library, 201 West Mifflin Street, on September 9. They will continue through May 24, 2020.

The annual in-service day of engagement and organizational development affords library staff an opportunity to connect, share experiences and engage in important discussions that ultimately help the library better serve the community. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.

While the libraries are closed, patrons may still use library book drops to return items, or LINKcat to place holds, check library card records, or renew items. The library's databases and downloadable audiobooks and eBooks are also accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week with a library card.

Several streets in and around downtown will be closed for the 2019 Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon on Sunday, September 8. Like previous years, the race consists of swimming in Lake Monona, bicycling throughout Dane County and running in the downtown/campus area. The race starts at 6:40 a.m. at Law Park with the swim start. City of Madison road closures for the bicycling portion last from approximately 7:30 a.m. until approximately 5:30 p.m. Road closures for the run portion last from noon until approximately midnight. All Metro Transit routes will experience significant detouring downtown. Please expect delays.
 
Ironman course maps are available here.
 
A map of downtown street closures and suggested alternate traffic routes is available here.
 
Metro Transit detours are available here.

Madison East-West BRT Planning Study Meeting Three – Draft Recommendations

Please join City of Madison staff and consultants to learn more about the draft recommended routes and station locations for the East-West Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Additional analysis of cost, ridership and system design will also be shared. The meeting will begin with a short open house and presentation, followed by time to visit breakout rooms containing detailed information about the east, west, and downtown route segments. City and consultant staff will be available to discuss and answer questions.

Thursday, August 29, 6:00-7:30 p.m. (presentation begins at 6:15 p.m.)

Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin Street

Project Description
The City of Madison is exploring options for a new east-west BRT line. BRT uses dedicated lanes where feasible, modern stations, larger specialized buses, and other enhancements to provide fast and cost-effective service to jobs, entertainment, and schools. Madison's BRT will complement existing Madison Metro routes and be our city's next big step toward a more sustainable local transit system.

The goal of the Madison East-West BRT Planning Study is to develop a plan and initial design for the city's first BRT route. The city will use this plan to apply for federal funding to complete design and construction. The planning study will conclude in fall 2019, with construction of the east-west BRT route possible in 2024. Among the details to be identified through this study are the start/finish locations, station locations, street routes, and locations for infrastructure such as dedicated bus lanes.

Get Involved
The City of Madison invites community members to participate in exploring what BRT is and what it could mean for Madison's public transit system. Madison BRT should reflect the range of community needs, concerns, and priorities. Please share your input to make this project a success.

Project Website and Mailing List
Visit MadisonBRT.com to:

• Learn more about BRT, its benefits, and how it works.
• Access a map of the Madison East-West BRT study area.
• View BRT photos and information about projects in other cities.
• Sign up for project email updates, including public meetings and events.

Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 22, North Bassett Street will be fully closed between West Dayton Street and West Washington Avenue for street reconstruction. The project is expected to be completed and the street reopened in mid-November.

Madison Gas and Electric Company recently completed installing a new electrical duct package on Bassett Street that necessitated lane closures for the past several months prior to the street reconstruction. During the street reconstruction North Bassett Street will be closed to all through traffic by the City's contractor, S&L Underground, Inc. Local access to residences will be maintained, but residential driveways may be closed for several days when work is taking place immediately in front of the driveway. There will be limited impacts to traffic on West Dayton Street and West Washington Avenue, but it is expected that two?way traffic will be maintained on those streets. At times, the intersection with West Mifflin Street will need to be closed, but access at this intersection will be maintained whenever possible. All on?street parking will be removed during construction.

The reconstruction of North Bassett Street will include replacement of the water main, sanitary sewer main and laterals, installation of new pedestrian scale lighting, and replacement of the pavement, curb, driveway apron, and sidewalk as necessary.

This project also includes a test of proposed modifications to the bike lane and parking lane on this portion of North Bassett Street. These proposed changes include moving the bike lane to be adjacent to the curb, and the parking lane will be relocated to be between the right travel lane and the bike lane, away from the curb. The bike lane and parking lane would then be separated by a buffer and plastic delineators. These proposed changes are the result of a corridor study. Detailed information about the Bassett Street corridor study is available here.

Several downtown streets will be closed on Saturday morning, August 17, due to the 11th Annual Madison Mini-Marathon & 5K. The race starts at 7:00 a.m. on Langdon Street, continues to the Capitol Square, through the UW Arboretum and back to the UW campus. 

Traffic will not be allowed to cross the route when runners are present. The last runners will finish at approximately 11:00 a.m., and all streets will reopen by 12:30 p.m.

A map of the route is available here. A list of street closures and specific closure times is available here.

Metro Transit detours are available here.

On Thursday and Friday, August 15 and 16, the Streets Division will begin collecting curbside items in the downtown area beginning at 4:00 a.m. 

Crews will be emptying refuse and recycling carts, and collecting items large items, such as furniture.

Residents moving out of and into apartments downtown are strongly encouraged to follow the collection guidelines outlined on the Streets Division's moving days website. Following collection guidelines keeps City workers safe and makes collections faster.

Streets Division staff will continue monitoring the volume of material set to the curb in the downtown area. On Saturday, August 17, depending on the volume to the curb, crews will be assigned downtown again to continue collection of refuse and recycling carts, and large items.

For more information, visit the moving days website or call the Streets Division office at (608) 246-4532.

Welcome to our new neighbors!

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR 636 W. WASHINGTON AVENUE

MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2019 - 7:00 P.M.

DOUBLETREE HOTEL

525 W. JOHNSON STREET

Please join me for a neighborhood meeting about a proposal by Greenway Real Estate to redevelop the convenience store and gas station at 636 W. Washington Avenue. The new five-story mixed-use building would include two levels of underground parking and approximately 50 market-rate rental apartments consisting of a mix of studios, one- and two-bedrooms and a limited number of three-bedroom units. The project's ground level will include a residential lobby and building amenities, including a ride-in bike storage area, and commercial office space. The site is zoned Urban Mixed Use and the proposal contemplates no change to the zoning or variance requests. Groundbreaking would occur in the spring of 2020 with completion in May 2021.

Alderperson Mike Verveer

The Madison Streets Division is conducting special collections in the downtown area in advance of the annual mass turnover of apartment leases downtown over the next several days ("Hippie Christmas"). Crews will be collecting refuse, recycling, and large items throughout each weekday until Friday, August 16. Collection service will be suspended this Friday at 3:00 p.m. for the weekend. Special refuse and recycling services will resume downtown on Monday, August 12. Crews will be emptying refuse and recycling carts downtown each weekday between now and Friday, August 16.

Please fill up your carts according to the guidelines below and roll them to the curb anytime through August 16. Crews will empty your carts so you can fill them up again. You may fill up your refuse and recycling carts and roll them out as often as you like until the morning of Friday, August 16. Using your carts for refuse and recycling is easier than lugging lots of bags or loose material to the curb. It will keep our neighborhood cleaner.

Guidelines

Over one million pounds of trash and recyclables will be placed at the curb during this period. The Streets Division needs your help to make this year's move out as orderly as possible. Please follow these guidelines when placing trash and recycling at the curb during the move out:

• Do not put trash in cardboard boxes. Boxes must be flattened and bundled for recycling.
• Keep refuse and large items separate when placed at the curb.
• Put nothing but recycling in green recycling carts. Do not put recycling in tan refuse carts.
• Put all recycling at the curb in the green recycling carts or clear plastic bags. No loose piles of recycling.
• Do not pile bagged trash or large items around recycling or refuse carts.
• Put all refuse at the curb in tan refuse carts or trash bags. No loose piles of trash/garbage.
• Do not pile bagged trash or recyclables on top of furniture or appliances.
• Keep larger metal items separate from other material so that it can be recycled.
• Most appliances, including microwave ovens, require a fee for collection.
• Do not place computers, monitors or televisions at the curb. They should be brought to a drop-off site for recycling.
• Do not take recycling or refuse carts. The carts belong to the City and must remain behind when you move.

Questions?

Additional information is available on the City Moving Days website and informational video. Otherwise, please call the Streets Division at (608) 246-4532.

Welcome to our new neighbors!

A Madison Lakefront For All

We need your vision. Your voice to imagine a new Law Park.

Imagine fishing, biking, water sports and outdoor play along with arts, entertainment, and food while people and families gather and have fun in and around this downtown waterfront park! Come share and learn more about what Law Park can be. Share your ideas, community goals, and priorities for this lakeshore greenspace. Everyone is welcome!

Project Description

The City of Madison Parks Division is developing a preliminary report for Law Park that will serve as a reference and guide for future master plan development. The current project includes a robust community engagement effort and a technical analysis of the existing park. The community engagement will focus on gathering input from a diverse range of Madison residents to identify desired park improvements, outline goals for the future master plan process, and generate ideas to connect the waterfront park to the greater downtown area. The technical inquiry will include site investigations and analysis of the current site conditions to identify potential improvement opportunities.

Law Park is a 4.7-acre park situated along the shore of Lake Monona. Current amenities in the park include a public boat launch, bench seating, public art, floating piers and a parking lot. The park is three blocks from the State Capitol and offers over 2,500 linear feet of shoreline access. Although the park provides a linear connection along the south edge of the Isthmus, the available green space is isolated from the greater downtown area and Capitol Square. Numerous plans to improve Law Park and connect it to downtown Madison and the surrounding area have been proposed over the city's history. None have been implemented to date.

Get Involved!

The City of Madison invites the community to participate in any of these workshops in order to share community needs, explore potential opportunities, and help determine what this downtown waterfront park can mean for the Greater Madison Community. Your input is key to this project's success!

• Thursday, August 15, 6:00-7:30 PM, Workshop at the Atrium on Park Street, 2300 S. Park Street
• Wednesday, August 21, 6:00-7:30 PM, Workshop at Warner Park Community Recreation Center, 1625 Northport Drive
• Wednesday, September 18, 6:00-7:30 PM, Workshop at Madison Central Public Library, 201 W. Mifflin Street
• Tuesday, October 1, 6:00-7:30 PM, Open House at Badger Rock Neighborhood Center, 501 East Badger Road

Visit the project website to subscribe to the email list for updates, take the online survey, view a map of park and neighborhood context and learn more about project.

The City of Madison Parks Division and the Parks Long Range Planning Committee are hosting a community engagement meeting on Thursday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Central Library, and a public survey. At the community meeting, staff will provide background information on the current policy (Madison General Ordinance 8.19) and provide a forum for both dog owners and non-dog owners to voice their opinions.

The ordinance, originally created in 1973, and updated several times since essentially prohibits dogs in most parks and public spaces. Currently, the City of Madison offers 8 off-leash dog parks and 26 parks where dogs, on-leash and on path are allowed. The majority of the more than 270 parks do not allow dogs.

"We recognize that our existing policy is outdated and needs to be revisited. Despite the significant growth in licensed dogs in the city and the growth of multi-family housing, most of our parks are not dog-friendly. We also recognize that not everyone wants dogs to be allowed in parks. We want to hear from the community and have a goal of finding an appropriate policy balance that enhances the quality of life for residents," said Eric Knepp, Madison Parks Superintendent.

Information gathered at the community engagement meeting and through the public survey will be the first step in a process of potentially updating or changing the current ordinance. The Parks Long Range Planning Committee (LRP) began considering this project earlier in 2018. With guidance from the public, the LRP will send recommendations for review to the Board of Park Commissioners and Madison Common Council.

The survey is open through mid-August and is posted on the Parks Project page.

The City of Madison is preparing for 5G advanced wireless implementation. The City is developing guidelines that will allow cellular companies to locate small cell installations in a way that maximizes technological benefits, while attempting to preserve street-side aesthetics. The City invites the public to an informational meeting and public hearing before the Board of Public Works on Wednesday, July 17, at 6:00 p.m. at the Madison Engineering Operations Facility, 1600 Emil Street.

All those who attend will learn about the process and what the City is doing to regulate the placement of the new small cell facilities. Wireless companies plan to install antennas and equipment on poles on public streets. The meeting will review the interim design guidelines and other requirements the City is considering to regulate the installation of the new facilities.

Wireless companies are installing antennas because there is a growing need for wireless and cellular data. Traditionally, wireless providers used large cellular towers to serve customers, but with newer technology and additional data needs, the towers can't keep up with the increased demand for high speed wireless data. Future 5G technology is also expected to increase download speeds and eventually allow for new capabilities not possible with slower download speeds.

To support the growing need, wireless network providers are starting to install equipment known as "small cells," which are low-powered antennas that provide an area with higher data volume than the large towers, but in a much smaller area. Since the small cells serve smaller areas, the facilities need to be installed much closer together, serving only a couple of blocks in all directions.

The small cell facilities typically are attached to poles within the right-of-way including new standalone poles, utility poles and street light poles. When the small cell is placed on a utility pole or street light pole, the existing pole must be replaced. The small cell equipment is allowed in the public right-of-way per federal and state law, just like utilities. Federal and state regulations have limited the City's ability to regulate but some regulation is still possible.

Per federal regulations, the small cell antenna may be no larger than three cubic feet in volume (about the size of a large suitcase), and all equipment associated with the small cell technology, including the antenna, may be no larger than 27 cubic feet.

The City adopted an ordinance governing small cell installations with an effective date of August 1, 2019. The ordinance requires that the City Engineer put in place small cell design standards to insure that small cell facilities are installed so as to reduce the impact on the public while recognizing the limitations imposed on municipalities by federal and state regulations.

Additional information about small cell infrastructure is available here. The City of Madison interim small cell design guidelines are available here.

There will be no refuse, recycling, brush, or large item collection on Thursday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The Madison Streets Division drop-off sites will also be closed.

Madison residents who normally have their refuse and recycling collected on Thursday should instead place their carts to the curb for collection by 7:00 a.m. on Friday, July 5. Recycling and refuse collection in the core downtown will occur on Friday.

Since the Streets Division will be collecting refuse and recycling from both the Thursday and Friday districts on July 5, it is very important that residents in these areas place their carts curbside prior to 7:00 a.m. on that day. Carts set out late may not be collected.

Also, since Streets Division crews will be diverted from their normal tasks in order to collect refuse and recycling from the Thursday and Friday districts on July 5, other services, such as brush and large item collection, will be temporarily delayed.

Happy Independence Day!

The proposed West Wilson Street and South Broom Street reconstruction project is now planned for 2020. The current anticipated schedule of public meetings is noted below, but these dates are subject to change, so please check the project website prior to attending any of these meetings.

At each meeting, there will be further discussion of the design details of this project, including the proposed bike facilities on West Wilson Street and South Broom Street. More specifically, marked bike lanes or a marked two-way cycle track will be discussed for Wilson Street, and a two-way cycle track is currently proposed for South Broom Street between West Wilson Street and West Main Street (parking between West Doty Street and West Main Street would be removed), along with a shared use path between John Nolen Drive and West Wilson Street. The design of the South Broom Street cycle track will likely involve modifications to the bus stop on South Broom Street, north of West Doty Street, which could involve the installation of the City's first "floating bus stop" in which buses stop outside of the cycle track, and passengers board/deboard the buses from an island that would be constructed between the cycle track and travel lane on South Broom Street.

The delay in the public meeting schedule means that it won't be possible for any portions of this project to be constructed in 2019; all work is now planned for 2020. The anticipated meeting schedule is as follows:

• Transportation Policy & Planning Board: Monday, July 1 at 5:00 p.m. in Room 201 of the City-County Building. The interim recommendations of the Wilson Street corridor study will be discussed at this meeting.
• Transportation Commission: Wednesday, July 10 at 5:00 p.m. in Room 215 of the Madison Municipal Building. The plans and specifications of the West Wilson Street and South Broom Street reconstruction project will be discussed, more specifically as it relates to the transportation aspects of the project.
• Board of Public Works: Wednesday, July 17 at 4:30 p.m. in Room 108 of the City-County Building. The plans, specifications and assessments of the West Wilson Street and South Broom Street reconstruction project will be discussed.
• Common Council: Tuesday, August 6 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 201 of the City-County Building. The plans and specifications of West Wilson Street and South Broom Street project will be discussed, and this meeting will also be a public hearing regarding the assessments.

If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact the Project Engineer, Jim Wolfe, at (608) 266-4099 or at jwolfe@cityofmadison.com. This includes requests relating to the proposed plans, specifications and assessments, and also requests relating to the actual operations of construction.

As you likely know, Festival Foods Shake the Lake, produced by the Madison Mallards, will take place downtown again on Saturday, June 29. As in previous years, this major event will bring several thousand attendees downtown. John Nolen Drive will be closed between South Broom Street and South Blair Street for the festival that starts at 5:00 p.m., and for viewing the fireworks to be staged over Lake Monona starting at 10:00 p.m. Live music stages will be located at the east and west sides of the Monona Terrace tunnel on John Nolen Drive. Stage performances will occur from 5:00 p.m. until the 10:00 p.m. fireworks show. The fireworks show is expected to last up to 30 minutes, and a choreographed soundtrack will be available on Madison iHeart Media radio stations. A full Shake the Lake schedule and additional information is available at shakethelake.org. Admission is free. Tickets are available for purchase to a viewing area on the Monona Terrace Rooftop.

John Nolen Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic between South Broom and South Blair Streets from 6:00 a.m. Saturday until 6:00 a.m. Sunday. South Broom Street will remain open to and from John Nolen Drive. Wilson Street and Williamson Street will also remain open. Additionally, starting at 9:45 p.m., John Nolen Drive will be closed between Olin Avenue and South Broom Street. This section of John Nolen Drive will only be closed during the fireworks show to keep drivers from parking on John Nolen Drive--until approximately 11:15 p.m. In the event of the fireworks being postponed due to rain or other conditions, the event would take place on Sunday, the 30th, and road closures would be similar to the above. The music and entertainment portions are rain or shine and would not be re-scheduled to Sunday. In addition, the Capital City Trail (bike path) between Broom Street and Blair Street will be closed from 4:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. for safety reasons. Bicycles will be allowed in the event zone, but need to be walked in the event zone. Bicycle parking will be available under both ends of Monona Terrace.

Event organizers will have staff direct pedestrians and traffic in and around the event area. Event access will only be permitted from Broom Street, Blair Street and via the Monona Terrace parking helixes. A security fence has been erected the length of the railroad corridor and will be secured during the event. "No event access" barricades and signage will be posted along the Wilson Street corridor to direct people from entering the dead-end streets unless they have final destinations on those streets. The intersection of South Hamilton, South Henry and West Wilson Streets will be staffed by the Mallards to properly direct motorists and pedestrians at that busy location.

The Madison Streets Division will be providing additional services to the neighborhoods surrounding the event area on Monday, July 1. All residences and businesses in the Bassett and First Settlement Neighborhoods (the area between East and West Washington Avenues and John Nolen Drive) will receive refuse and recycling pick-up on Monday morning. This is in addition to the regular service to be provided on Friday, July 5. Downtown residents are welcome to leave their refuse and recycling carts out on the street terrace Saturday to be used by pedestrians. Downtown streets will be swept as needed on Monday. The Madison Parks Division will provide additional cleaning of Brittingham Park and Crowley Station, and supply extra refuse/recycling containers in those areas. Event organizers are responsible for clean-up effort in the event area on Saturday night and Sunday.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Enjoy the weekend!

Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, June 24, Terra Engineering will close westbound West Dayton Street between North Park Street and East Campus Mall. This closure will last approximately six weeks. Westbound traffic can detour using North Lake or North Frances Streets to University Avenue. 

This closure is part of the ongoing University of Wisconsin West Dayton Street utility replacement project. More information regarding this project can be found here.

Approximately three weeks later (around July 15), the eastbound lanes in the same area will also close. At that time, two-way traffic will be unavailable.

Northbound and southbound traffic will be maintained through the West Dayton Street/North Park Street intersection.

Metro Transit Route 80 buses will continue to be detoured to use West Dayton Street to North Charter Street to West Johnson Street to North Lake Street. Further details of the Metro Transit service detour are available here.

Wisconsin & Southern Railroad will replace the entire railroad track crossings at the East Wilson Street and South Blair Street intersection starting on Thursday, June 20. Due to the nature of replacing the rails, this will require multi-day street closures, including during peak traffic times. The replacement will occur under the following street closure schedule:

• 6:00 a.m., Thursday, June 20--East Wilson Street fully closed to all traffic between South Franklin Street and South Blair Street. This section will remain closed until approximately 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23.
• 5:00 a.m., Saturday, June 22--South Blair Street fully closed to all traffic between Railroad Street and Williamson Street. This section will also remain closed until approximately 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23.

Maps of the two street closures (with times) are available here and here.

The Williamson Street crossing of the Capital City Trail will remain open throughout the work. Bicyclists will be able to use East Wilson Street on Thursday and Friday by following bike detour signage to go around the construction area. On Saturday and Sunday bicyclists will not be able to safely cross the railway construction area and will be required to use other routes, including East Main Street.

Metro Transit detours affecting several routes will begin Thursday morning and continue through Sunday evening. Specific details and maps are available here.

Drivers should plan to avoid the area, if possible, during these times.

InterCon Construction has closed West Mifflin Street at North Bassett Street to install an underground electrical duct package for Madison Gas and Electric Company.

One lane of traffic will remain open on North Bassett Street. However, vehicles on North Bassett Street are not able to turn right or left onto West Mifflin Street and vehicles on West Mifflin Street do not have access to North Bassett Street. A map of the intersection closure is available here.

InterCon Construction expects to reopen the intersection on Monday, July 22. The City project to reconstruct North Bassett Street between West Dayton Street and West Washington Avenue is currently estimated to begin on Monday, August 12. Further information on the street reconstruction project is available here.

Runners participating in the 40th annual Isthmus Paddle & Portage race will cross the isthmus between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 15. Participants will start at James Madison Park, run on North Hamilton Street to Pinckney Street to King Street, to East Wilson Street, across South Blair Street to Law Park. A route map is available here.

Police officers will direct traffic at streets that intersect the route. 

Drivers should expect travel delays downtown during this time.

Stroll, roll, pedal or glide your way at Ride the Drive on Sunday, June 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The 11th Annual Ride the Drive, presented by City of Madison Parks, is more than just a bike ride. It is a route of four miles of John Nolen and North Shore Drives closed to motor vehicles. The route provides activities, entertainment, food, restrooms and more at the three adjacent parks: Brittingham, Law and Olin.

Streets on the route will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. John Nolen Drive will be closed from Olin Avenue to the South Blair Street and East Wilson/Williamson Streets intersection. North Shore Drive will be closed from Proudfit Street to John Nolen Drive.

For those not familiar, Ride the Drive is an annual celebration of Madison's commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle. Since 2009, this car-free event has opened streets to bicycles and other forms of transportation, and provided activities and entertainment along the way. For a complete listing of activities, entertainment and food options, visit the Ride the Drive website.

The day of the event pick up a route map with the vendor list and your RTD Prize Pass. The RTD Prize Pass is new this year and available from any Madison Parks information booth. Participants stop at three vendors at each of the three parks and return the completed Prize Pass for a chance to win great Parks prizes. A drawing will be held the week following Ride the Drive.

As you likely know, the City of Madison's West Washington - West Mifflin (Mifflandia) Special Area Plan community planning process is well underway. The plan will analyze opportunities within a small area centered upon the 400-500 blocks of West Mifflin Street and West Washington Avenue. The Downtown Plan (adopted in 2012) established a vision for the future transformation of this area, and recommended a more detailed plan for the future.

To accomplish this, City Planning staff is utilizing a public engagement strategy called "Mifflandia" to interact with students, residents, businesses, property owners, and other stakeholders. "Mifflandia" uses a lighthearted name to engage people who may not normally be interested in urban planning, and utilizes unique techniques reach a wide audience.

The result of this engagement will be the development of plan recommendations for more detailed design standards and implementation strategies for the planning areas. This plan will also address land use, preservation, redevelopment opportunities, building and streetscape design, open space, activity nodes and connectivity to the abutting neighborhoods.

Please join us for the final scheduled Mifflandia Plan Public Meeting on Monday, June 3, at the Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin Street. An open house will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. presentation by City staff. Previous public meetings occurred on October 29 and March 4.

City planning staff has prepared draft plan recommendations for discussion and review. Tamales from A La Brasa Restaurant, our North Broom Street neighbor, will be served during the meeting.

You may review past information and data resources, as well as sign up for further plan updates, on the project website.

Final Public Meeting

Monday, June 3, 2019
Madison Senior Center - 330 West Mifflin Street

Meeting Itinerary:

6:30 p.m. Open House
7:00 p.m. City Staff Presentation

Madison Water Utility crews are flushing water mains downtown this week during the late evening and early morning hours. When flushing crews are working close to your residence, you may experience periods of discolored water or very low water pressure. The flushing will occur Monday, May 27 - Thursday, May 30, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. It is advised that you avoid doing laundry or other activities for which discolored water could cause problems during flushing operations.  The crews will begin at Blair Street Monday evening and work their way west to Randall Avenue over the next few evenings. The largest impact on core downtown residential properties will be Tuesday and Wednesday overnight.

What is the Water Main (Hydrant) Flushing Program?
To improve water quality and minimize discoloration, City of Madison water mains are comprehensively flushed by a technique known as unidirectional flushing. The procedure is performed in warm-weather months and involves the systematic opening and closing of hydrants, one section of main at a time, to force the water through the pipes at high velocity, removing accumulated mineral sediment until the water is clear. The operation can take from a few minutes to over an hour, although most last about 30 minutes.

Unidirectional flushing differs from conventional flushing in that it involves the closing of adjacent valves and the use of a single hydrant per flush so as to isolate individual sections of main. Conventional flushing also removes accumulated sediment from pipes, but it involves the flushing of multiple hydrants at a time and does not include the valving off of individual sections of main, thereby diminishing the "scouring" efficiency. Conventional flushing is used in areas of the city where fewer minerals build up in the mains, including the downtown.

How Will Flushing Affect Water Service?
When flushing crews are working close to your residence or business, you may experience periods of very low pressure or even a complete stoppage of service. We attempt to notify customers in advance if flushing is expected to result in a complete water outage, but such outages are rare.

Flushing operations may also lead to discolored water, which can be drawn into homes and businesses if the water is being used during or immediately following the flushing. Such events should affect customers for a few hours at most. The discoloration is caused by iron (red color) or manganese (black color) particles being dislodged from the water main which can stain porcelain and laundry. If discoloration occurs, open the cold tap nearest the water meter--usually a basement sink--to full flow until the water runs clear. In some situations this may take 5 to 10 minutes. It is also advised that you make sure your water is clear before doing laundry or other projects for which discolored water could cause problems.

A precise schedule of flushing operations is difficult to determine more than a day in advance. If you wish to be notified before work will be done in your block, please call Shayne Santi at (608) 261-9128 or email water@madisonwater.org.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this annual main cleaning process.

Several Madison streets will be closed this weekend for three Run Madtown races. Unlike previous years, the Twilight 5K and 10K races will not start and end on the Capitol Square. Runners will instead start and finish on Library Mall. The Half Marathon race route start and finish remains on the Capitol Square.

The Twilight 5K and 10K races will start at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. The route map for these two races is available here.

The Madtown Half Marathon race starts at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 26. The route map is available here.  

Police and volunteers will be at intersections along the routes. Traffic will be allowed to cross the routes only when there are sufficient gaps in the runners. If possible, drivers should plan to use alternate routes to avoid the race courses. 

There are several Metro Transit detours each day. Information about those detours is located here.

Please join us for the second neighborhood meeting for McGrath Property Group's proposed new mixed-use project called "The East End," which will be situated on most of the properties currently owned by the Essen Haus (with the exception of the Hotel Ruby Marie and the four rental homes on S. Blair Street).  Updated plans will be presented at this meeting.  The proposed project will create approximately 180 residential units, 220 covered parking stalls and 10,000 sq. ft. of commercial space.  The project also proposes the demolition of the buildings housing most of the Essen Haus restaurant on 510-518 E. Wilson Street.  506 E. Wilson Street (housing the Come Back In) will be restored as part of this project.  McGrath intends to submit their formal Land Use Application for the project to the City on May 29, 2019.  Construction is projected to begin on October 1, 2019, with occupancy slated for April 1, 2021.

Neighborhood Meeting: Thursday, May 16, 2019 - 7:00 p.m.

Madison Municipal Building, Room 153 - 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard

We look forward to seeing you on the 16th.

Alderpersons Marsha Rummel and Mike Verveer

After two successful seasons, the Madison Night Market returns downtown tonight, Thursday, May 9, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. for the first of four 2019 markets.

The Madison Night Market, with approximately 100 unique vendors, is located in the heart of downtown Madison where State Street meets West Gilman Street.

The Market is a celebration of Madison's unique and inspiring creative culture. Vendors showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods and fresh produce. The event includes live music, special visiting food carts and pop-up restaurant experiences. The Market is presented by Madison's Central Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the City of Madison. More than 5,000 people attended each of the four markets last year.

Many downtown businesses are staying open later and offering a wide variety of special events and sales. Visit the website at madisonnightmarket.com to find out more on these participating retailers and their special offers.
 
The Market will be held the second Thursday of the months of May, June, August and September along West Gilman Street. It will vary from month to month with different vendors and entertainment. From 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. downtown residents and visitors are invited to come celebrate all things Madison.

The City of Madison is exploring options for a new East-West BRT line and needs your input to make this project a success.

Please give us your feedback and help us understand your priorities for a proposed East-West Bus Rapid Transit corridor.

• Take Survey
• Screen Reader Accessible Survey

Also join us for a public meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Madison Senior Center, to learn about potential routes and station locations along this proposed East-West BRT corridor.
 
The meeting will include a presentation and open house breakout rooms based on location (west, downtown, east). Participants will learn about project goals and be able to provide input on route options (particularly downtown and on the west side), station locations, investment priorities, and how BRT buses are accommodated along the roadway. There will be a follow-up public meeting in the summer to present and gather additional input on the draft corridor recommendation, using input gathered from this meeting.
 
This second public meeting is part of a broad public engagement effort that began in December 2018 to understand community needs, concerns, and priorities for BRT. We invite you to share your input and join us in exploring what BRT could mean for the future of transportation in Madison.
 

About BRT

BRT uses modern stations, larger specialized buses, dedicated lanes where feasible, and other enhancements to provide fast and affordable service to jobs, entertainment, and schools. BRT will complement existing Metro Transit routes and be our city's next big step toward a more sustainable local transit system.
 
Meeting Details:

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Planning Study Public Meeting #2 
Presentation and Open House

Tuesday, May 14, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin Street

More Information:

Visit: madisonbrt.com

• Sign up for project updates.
• Take public survey #2, available through June 16th.
• Learn more about this project and BRT in other cities.

Contact:
David Trowbridge, Project Manager, City of Madison
(608) 267-1148, dtrowbridge@cityofmadison.com

Several downtown streets will be closed on Saturday morning, April 27, for the Crazylegs Classic Run/Walk. 

Please see the route map for impacted streets available here.

Traffic will not be allowed on or across the run or walk routes when participants are in the immediate area. Depending on the location along the routes, expect travel impacts between 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Unlike previous years, the event will not start at the Capitol Square. Runners and walkers will both start on Library Mall at the intersection of State Street and North Lake Street with staging on Library Mall along State Street and down North Park Street.

Several Metro Transit bus routes will be detoured. Detour details are available here. 

Please allow extra travel time if traveling downtown during this time. 

McGrath Property Group is proposing to construct a new mixed-use project called "The East End," which will be situated on most of the properties currently owned by the Essen Haus (with the exception of the Hotel Ruby Marie). The proposed plan will create approximately 230 to 250 residential units, up to 340 covered parking stalls and 10,000 to 20,000 square feet of commercial space. McGrath proposes to demolish the four existing homes on 112-120 S. Blair Street and the buildings housing most of the Essen Haus restaurant on E. Wilson Street. Two existing buildings on E. Wilson Street (506 E. Wilson - Come Back In - and 518 E. Wilson Street) will be restored as part of this project. McGrath intends to submit their formal Land Use Application for the project to the City on May 29, 2019. Construction is projected to begin on October 1, 2019, with occupancy slated for April 1, 2021.

Neighborhood Meeting: Thursday, April 25, 2019 - 7:00 p.m.

Madison Municipal Building, Room 215 - 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard

A second neighborhood meeting is scheduled to be held on Saturday, May 11, 2019.

We look forward to seeing you on the 25th.

Alderpersons Marsha Rummel and Mike Verveer                                        

Starting Monday, April 15, Brittingham Dog Park on South Broom Street will be closed until mid-July for renovations. The Madison Parks Division and its contractor, Raymond P. Cattell Inc., will be installing synthetic dog park turf and other amenities at the dog park. This will be Madison's first public synthetic turf dog park.

Public neighborhood meetings were held last year to guide the redesign of the dog park. After reviewing different options, consensus was reached on the preferred option at the final meeting. Additional information on the park improvements is available on the project website here. Also, the detailed project plans and specifications are available here.

The 2019 property assessments are now available on the City website at cityofmadison.com/assessor. Assessment notices were mailed on Tuesday to all property owners whether or not their assessment has changed from the previous year's value. Property values increased 6.4% overall from the 2018 assessments. Commercial property has increased 6.5% and residential assessments increased 6.3%.

Property owners may view the 2019 preliminary assessments at the Office of the City Assessor on business days between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday, April 15 through Wednesday, May 1. This "Open Book" period is set aside for property owners to discuss their assessments with Assessor's Office staff prior to completion of the assessment roll. Property owners who wish to compare assessments may also view assessment data posted on the Assessor's website. Available information includes owner's name, property address, legal description, sale information and property characteristics.

Owners who disagree with their assessment are encouraged to speak with the appraiser who established the value. If an error was made or if a property owner has evidence that the assessment does not reflect the actual fair market value of the property, the appraiser will take this information into consideration in setting the final assessed value. Appraisers welcome the opportunity to review any and all information provided. The best evidence of value is the recent sale price of the property or the sale prices of comparable properties.

After talking with the Assessor's Office, owners who still feel the assessed value of their property is incorrect may file a formal objection. The Assessor's Office must be notified, either orally or in writing, of intent to object at least 48 hours before the first meeting of the Board of Review. The Board's first scheduled meeting is Thursday, May 9 at 4:30 p.m. Owners must notify the Assessor's Office of their intent to object no later than 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 7. In addition, an objection form obtained from the Assessor's Office must be completed and filed with the Assessor's Office prior to or within the first two hours of the first meeting of the Board of Review.

The Board of Assessors will review all properly filed objections and make any necessary corrections or changes. The Board will inform owners of its decisions by mail. Owners who disagree with these decisions may proceed to a formal hearing before the Board of Review. Similar to a court, the Board of Review has the responsibility for resolving differences of opinion of valuation. Its function is to decide if the assessment is correct based upon oral testimony and evidence presented by the property owner and the Assessor's staff. After hearing the evidence, the Board will decide whether to lower, raise or sustain the assessment. Board of Review decisions may be appealed to Dane County Circuit Court.

If you have questions concerning your assessment, please contact the Assessor's Office at assessor@cityofmadison.com or (608) 266-4531.

Starting on Monday, April 8, Terra Engineering & Construction will close West Dayton Street between North Charter Street and North Park Street as part of a University of Wisconsin steam tunnel project. For details on street closure impacts, please see the map available here.

Included in the project is a full reconstruction of West Dayton Street, which includes storm sewer, underground MGE utilities, water main, asphalt pavement replacement and spot curb and gutter and sidewalk replacement. 

The West Dayton Street closure is expected to last through October. 

Due to the location of the steam tunnel, the sidewalk on the north side of West Dayton Street will be closed for the duration of the project. The sidewalk on the south side of West Dayton Street will remain open for the duration of the project.

Bikes will be detoured to the Southwest Commuter Path.

Metro Transit Route 80 buses will be detoured to use West Dayton Street to North Charter Street to West Johnson Street to North Lake Street. Further details of the Metro Transit service detour are available here.

As you likely know, West Wilson Street from South Broom Street to South Henry Street is scheduled for reconstruction in 2019. Water main breaks and deteriorated pavement over the last year have made this project a priority. As part of the approval for the 2018 reconstruction project on West Wilson Street, the Common Council required that the City conduct a more comprehensive transportation study of the Wilson Street corridor--South Broom Street to South Blair Street. A map of the study area is available here.

With another project scheduled, the City is currently studying how the Wilson Street corridor (South Broom Street to South Blair Street) functions for all modes of transportation. Project public meetings were held in November, December and February, and laid out project background, goals and objectives, existing conditions and possible design alternatives. For this information, see the meeting materials at the project website here.

A fourth public meeting will be held in order to discuss and get feedback on new alternative designs in development.

This meeting will focus on details of the street design options, especially for the South Broom Street to South Henry Street block (the 2019 construction project). The alternatives to be discussed provide different options for accommodating cyclists including: conventional bike lanes, a contra-flow bike lane, and a protected bike facility, and also provide different options for parking and loading. The City is also considering adding two to three blocks of South Broom Street (John Nolen Drive to West Doty Street or West Main Street) to the 2019 project. Previous meetings included some discussion on this portion of South Broom Street, and more detail will be provided at this meeting. A preliminary report will be posted to the corridor study website prior to the meeting.

Wilson Street Corridor Transportation Study Meeting:

Tuesday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Room 215 (formerly Room 260), Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard

Public comments are encouraged at the meeting.

Starting Monday, April 1, R.G. Huston Company will begin the reconstruction of:

• East Wilson Street--South Franklin Street to South Blair Street
• Williamson Street--South Blair Street to South Blount Street
• South Blount Street--Capital City Trail to Williamson Street

Only one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction on East Wilson Street and Williamson Street, which will result in peak hour traffic delays. South Blount Street will be fully closed for approximately one month of the overall project. Intermittent work along the Capital City Trail will require path closures and detours. A map of the reconstruction project area is available here. Project completion is scheduled for mid-August. 

Madison Gas and Electric will be performing localized utility work during the street reconstruction project. 

During the street reconstruction project, Wisconsin & Southern Railroad will replace the railroad crossing at the East Wilson Street/South Blair Street/John Nolen Drive intersection, which will have major traffic impacts. The tentative schedule is Wednesday, June 19 through Sunday, June 23. Updates will be provided closer to that time. 

Additional project information can be found on the project website here.
 

MIFFLIN STREET BLOCK PARTY MEETING

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019 - 7:00 P.M.

MADISON SENIOR CENTER

330 W. MIFFLIN STREET

As you may know, the Mifflin Street Block Party is fast approaching on Saturday, April 27. The annual event had no cases of serious injuries or property damage last year. As your City alderperson, I need your help again to make the day safe for everyone.

You are invited to attend a neighborhood meeting to discuss this year's event. At the meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the upcoming event with City officials and your neighbors. Representatives of the Madison Police and Fire Departments, Building Inspection Division and I will explain our expectations for the day and will answer all questions. Please help me and your neighbors by joining together to ensure a safe event. I look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Alderperson Mike Verveer

In-person absentee voting is underway for City of Madison residents for the April 2 Spring Election. In addition to the City Clerk's Office in the City-County Building, absentee voting and voter registration are available at all Madison Public Library locations. Additional early voting locations will open on March 25 at UW-Madison campus locations. Hours and locations are listed here. To view a sample ballot, look up your voter registration or your street address here.

If you are voting absentee through the mail, remember that Madison's mail is processed in Milwaukee, increasing the amount of time it takes to return your ballot to the City Clerk's Office. Rather than mailing your absentee ballot back to the Clerk's Office, you are welcome to drop it off with the Clerk's Office personnel at an absentee voting site. Otherwise, be sure to mail your ballot back to the Clerk's Office as soon as possible so it can be counted.

The annual Madison Shamrock Shuffle run and St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place this weekend downtown.

On Saturday, March 16, Shamrock Shuffle runners start on State Street and head east toward West Gilman Street. State Street will be closed between North Lake Street and West Gilman Street throughout the morning. The 10k and 5k races start at 8:00 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. respectively, and the last runners will cross the finish line around 9:30 a.m. Streets on the course will be temporarily closed as runners go through.

The St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. on the Capitol Square. The Capitol Square will be closed to traffic from 11:00 a.m. until about 3:00 p.m.

Metro Transit route detours may be found here.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Wisconsin Youth Strike for Climate Justice march and rally will likely cause traffic delays on Friday, March 15. Students from Madison and elsewhere will march to a rally outside of the State Capitol to call for climate justice. The event is part of a worldwide effort for simultaneous demonstrations in state capitals and other cities.

Madison East High School has been designated as the march gathering place. Students and others will gather at East High School at 11:15 a.m., and will then march to the Capitol, commencing at 11:45 a.m. The Capitol rally is scheduled to start at 12:45 p.m., and conclude at 2:15 p.m.

The route of the march is East Washington Avenue to the Capitol Square, then looping around the Square to the top of State Street. The rally will be on the State Street steps of the Capitol. For safety reasons, due to the number of persons anticipated, the Madison Police Department has determined that the entire three lanes of inbound traffic on East Washington Avenue may be temporarily closed to facilitate this march.

As you may know, the City of Madison's West Washington - West Mifflin (Mifflandia) Special Area Plan community planning process is underway. The plan will analyze opportunities within a small area centered upon the 400-500 blocks of West Mifflin Street and West Washington Avenue. The Downtown Plan (adopted in 2012) established a vision for the future transformation of this area, and recommended a more detailed plan for the future.

To accomplish this, City Planning staff is utilizing a public engagement strategy called "Mifflandia" to interact with students, residents, businesses, property owners, and other stakeholders. "Mifflandia" uses a lighthearted name to engage people who may not normally be interested in urban planning, and utilizes unique techniques reach a wide audience.

The result of this engagement will be the development of plan recommendations for more detailed design standards and implementation strategies for the planning areas. This plan will also address land use, preservation, redevelopment opportunities, building and streetscape design, open space, activity nodes and connectivity to the abutting neighborhoods.

The first public meeting and plan kickoff occurred on October 29. Please join us for the second Mifflandia Plan Public Meeting, also billed as a Mifflandia Plan Samosa Party, on Monday, March 4, at the Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin Street. An open house will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. presentation by City staff.

City planning staff has prepared some draft plan alternatives and recommendations based off the more general recommendations from the 2012 Downtown Plan for discussion and review. Samosas, tea and mango lassi from Maharani Indian Restaurant, our West Washington Avenue neighbor, will be served during the meeting.

Please consider completing the first public engagement online survey if you have not previously done so. The survey is available here.

You may review past information and data resources, as well as sign up for further plan updates, on the project website.

Second Public Meeting

Monday, March 4, 2019
Madison Senior Center - 330 West Mifflin Street

Meeting Itinerary:

6:30 p.m. Open House
7:00 p.m. City Staff Presentation

The City of Madison is in the process of developing its first Historic Preservation Plan. This two-year long process kicked off in September 2017. Since that time, the Historic Preservation Plan Advisory Committee, the consultant team, and City staff have been working to develop a framework that will guide the City's efforts and resources devoted to preservation in the coming years. The committee started with identifying the community's values around historic preservation. Then, the committee identified what we want to accomplish (goals), how we can do it (objectives), and actions to implement the plan (strategies). All of this has been based on public input received during public and committee meetings, and through surveys, the project website, emails, and other activities.  

We need your assistance for the next step of the process. Please join us to discuss the potential strategies and the goals and objectives they relate to. We are also asking for your help to identify the timing and potential partners to implement each strategy.

If you are unable to attend the meeting or want a head start on the meeting information, please fill out the survey available here.

Please email historicpreservation@cityofmadison.com with any questions or comments. To get updates on the plan process, please visit the project website.

The City of Madison has canceled the snow emergency for this evening, Thursday, February 21.

Streets Division staff assessed the road conditions and determined the second evening of a snow emergency is not necessary.

This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect tonight only in areas outside of the Snow Emergency Zone.

Individuals who park their vehicle in the Snow Emergency Zone overnight tonight (February 21 into the early morning hours of February 22) do not need to abide by the overnight alternate side parking restrictions. All daytime parking restrictions remain in effect.

Alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect for residents outside of the Snow Emergency Zone. Overnight alternate side parking rules are enforced outside of the snow emergency zone every year from November 15 to March 15 regardless of weather conditions.

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Friday, February 22. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

Parking on the Street Wednesday Night
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of February 20 into early morning of February 21) must park their vehicles on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators may be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Parking on the Street Thursday Night
Vehicles parked on the street tomorrow night (the evening of February 21 into early morning of February 22) must be parked on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Snow Plowing Update

Throughout the day on Wednesday, Streets Division crews looped through the salt route network, plowing and applying salt where needed. Crews will remain on the salt routes through the remainder of the storm.

Crews will continue serving the salt routes through the afternoon and into the evening rush hour. Once salt routes are in good winter driving condition, these trucks will switch to plowing neighborhood streets. These crews will not be applying salt to neighborhood streets in response to today's storm. They will only be working on pushing back the snow that fell today.

At midnight tonight, the snow plowing will continue. The Streets Division expects to have all Madison streets cleaned up from this storm by 8:00 a.m. Thursday, February 21.

In order to meet this goal, the Streets Division needs residents to make good choices when they park their cars. Please choose off-street parking options. If you must park on the street tonight, follow alternate side parking rules. Following alternate side parking rules creates an open lane of travel for snow plows to do their work and push the snow all the way back to the curb.

Commuting through the city today and this evening will be slow, especially as the storm continues to drop snow and ice on the city. Please allow for plenty of extra travel time to arrive at your destinations safely. And allow for an extra 15 or 20 minutes for your Thursday morning commute as well as some slippery spots may persist, especially in untreated residential areas, and driveway aprons may be filled with snow due to the overnight cleanup work.

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 19. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators may be towed tonight. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m., you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.
 
When parking in the garages overnight, please do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
 
Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off West Washington Avenue.

SNOW PLOWING UPDATE

Throughout the day on Monday, Streets Division crews continued their regular post-storm work. The salt routes were maintained. Neighborhood streets were plowed back and sanded where needed. Snow removal operations were underway today as crews worked to scoop and haul excess snow that caused vision hazards and other obstructions. Other crews also worked on plowing bus stops, school crosswalks, and so on.

The salt routes are in good winter driving condition, and should remain so through the evening and into the Tuesday morning commute. However, neighborhood streets may still have slick spots, so roadway users must make good choices. Remain alert, cautious, and slow when traveling over snow-covered streets.

Beginning at midnight tonight, crews will begin the second night of snow emergency plowing to push snow back to the curb that had been blocked by parked cars and apply sand where needed.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the site or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 19. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

Depending on road conditions, the snow emergency may be extended beyond February 19.

Parking on the Street Sunday Night
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of February 17 into early morning of February 18) must park their vehicles on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators will also likely be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Parking on the Street Monday Night
Vehicles parked on the street tomorrow night (the evening of February 18 into early morning of February 19) must be parked on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the site or by calling (608) 261-9111.

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The snow emergency has been extended for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Friday, February 15. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators will also very likely be towed again tonight. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will continue working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the earlier plowing operations. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.
 
When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
 
Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

SNOW PLOWING UPDATE

Throughout last night's overnight hours, plow trucks circled through neighborhoods pushing snow back to the curb. This effort continues today. Crews will be working to push snow from areas that had been blocked by parked cars and blocked refuse and recycling carts placed in the street. Crews will also plow back areas where the snow has not been adequately pushed to the curb.

As a result of the continuing plow back efforts, driveway aprons, crosswalk ramps, and other gaps along the curb line will become filled with snow again. 

The Streets Division crews are continuing other clean-up duties today as well. Crews are plowing bus stops. They are bucketing away snow from narrow streets and removing piles of snow that cause vision hazards to drivers. They're out re-stocking sand barrels and sand sites, too.

As always, make good choices when on the roads by remaining patient and alert. Some slippery spots may endure in the neighborhood streets following the plowing operations. And if you encounter plowing crews while on your way through the city, please give them the space they need to perform their work safely.

During the overnight hours tonight, crews will performing a third night of alternate side parking plowing within the snow emergency zone and other plow back duties as well. As a reminder, everyone in the city who cannot use an off-street parking option must follow alternate side parking rules again tonight.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the site or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Thursday, February 14. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators will be towed again tonight. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.
 
When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
 
Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

SNOW PLOWING UPDATE

Plowing efforts related from yesterday's significant snow storm continue.

Residents are encouraged to choose off-street parking options and to avoid placing their refuse and recycling carts in the street for collection. Any obstruction in the roadway only results leaving sections of the road unplowed. Also, clean-up plowing operations mean additional snow pushed from the road and into the driveway aprons and crosswalks.

Commuters throughout the day may encounter slippery roads and plow trucks trying to treat them, so remember to make good choices. Be slow, patient, and safe on the potentially slick roads (especially in residential neighborhoods) and give the plow operators plenty of space to do their work.

On Tuesday, February 12, citywide plowing operations began in the afternoon when the snow began to taper off. It is longstanding Streets Division practice to wait until a storm is at or near its end before beginning the 14 to 16 hour process of plowing all of the streets in Madison. However, the snow lingered longer than anticipated and even more fell overnight while crews were focused on the Snow Emergency Zone plowing operation. The extra helping of snow re-covered the plowed areas, including the main routes of Madison.

In response to the snow, on February 13 at 4:00 a.m., the Streets Division 32 dispatched crews to begin plowing and salting the salt routes. The salt routes are the main thoroughfares, Madison Metro routes, and roads around schools and hospitals. Crews will continue looping through their routes throughout the day.

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. today, February 13, the process began for cleaning up after the initial citywide plowing, and plowing the additional that snow that fell. Fifteen Streets Division plow trucks started circling through the neighborhoods this morning, pushing back snow from areas blocked by obstructions last night and also pushing back the extra snow that fell. When the salt routes are in good winter driving condition later today, all 32 of these trucks will rotate into the neighborhood streets to continue plowing. When the salt route vehicles begin plowing neighborhood streets they will not be applying salt.

Additional operators will be brought in during the afternoon as clean-up operations continue through the night.

At midnight this evening, a fresh deployment of operators will be assigned to work the second night of the snow emergency plowing within the snow emergency zone, and plow back other areas.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the site or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 14. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

Depending on road conditions, the snow emergency may be extended beyond February 14.

Parking on the Street Tuesday Night
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of February 12 into early morning of February 13) must park their vehicles on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators will also likely be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Parking on the Street Wednesday Night
Vehicles parked on the street tomorrow night (the evening of February 13 into early morning of February 14) must be parked on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the site or by calling (608) 261-9111.

As you may know, West Wilson Street from South Broom Street to South Henry Street is scheduled for reconstruction in 2019. Water main breaks and deteriorated pavement over the last year have made this project a priority. As part of the approval for the 2018 reconstruction project on West Wilson Street, the Common Council required that the City conduct a more comprehensive transportation study of the Wilson Street corridor--South Broom Street to South Blair Street. A map of the study area is available here.

With another project scheduled, the City is currently studying how the Wilson Street corridor (Broom Street to Blair Street) functions for all modes of transportation. Project public meetings were held in November and December and laid out project background, goals and objectives, existing conditions and possible design alternatives. For this information, see the meeting materials at the project website here.

A third public meeting will be held in order to discuss and get feedback on new alternative designs in development. Materials for the third public meeting will be uploaded to the project website after the meeting.

Wilson Street Corridor Transportation Study Meeting:

Monday, February 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Room 215 (formerly Room 260), Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard

Public comments are encouraged at the meeting. 

In-person absentee voting is underway for City of Madison residents for the February 19 Primary Election. In addition to the City Clerk's Office in the City-County Building, absentee voting and voter registration are available at all Madison Public Library locations. Additional early voting locations will open on February 11 at UW-Madison campus locations. Hours and locations are listed here. To view a sample ballot, look up your voter registration or your street address here.

If you are voting absentee through the mail, remember that Madison's mail is processed in Milwaukee, increasing the amount of time it takes to return your ballot to the City Clerk's Office. Rather than mailing your absentee ballot back to the Clerk's Office, you are welcome to drop it off with the Clerk's Office personnel at an absentee voting site. Otherwise, be sure to mail your ballot back to the Clerk's Office as soon as possible so it can be counted.

BASSETT NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR 616-632 W. WILSON STREET

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 - 7:00 P.M.

J.H. FINDORFF & SON TRAINING CENTER

300 S. BEDFORD STREET

Please join me for a neighborhood meeting about a proposal by Block 600, LLC and Walter Wayne Development, LLC to redevelop 616-632 W. Wilson Street.  The existing buildings would be demolished and a new, five-story, multi-family apartment building would be constructed.  The new building would have 59 units ranging in size from studios to one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, and two-bedroom units.  There would be enclosed parking for 59 vehicles and at least 59 bicycles.  The proposed project would require conditional use approval by the Madison Plan Commission for the demolitions and for the redevelopment.

Alderperson Mike Verveer

THE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY IS CANCELLED AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE.

As you may know, West Wilson Street from South Broom Street to South Henry Street is scheduled for reconstruction in 2019. Water main breaks and deteriorated pavement over the last year have made this project a priority. As part of the approval for the 2018 reconstruction project on West Wilson Street, the Common Council required that the City conduct a more comprehensive transportation study of the Wilson Street corridor--South Broom Street to South Blair Street. A map of the study area is available here.

With another project scheduled, the City is currently studying how the Wilson Street corridor (Broom Street to Blair Street) functions for all modes of transportation. Project public meetings were held in November and December and laid out project background, goals and objectives, existing conditions and possible design alternatives. For this information, see the meeting materials at the project website here.

A third public meeting will be held in order to discuss and get feedback on new alternative designs in development. Materials for the third public meeting will be uploaded to the project website after the meeting.

The Madison Streets Division will perform refuse and recycling collection as scheduled on Thursday, January 31. Residents who have a scheduled refuse and/or recycling collection should have their carts placed for pickup by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow. Collections may be slowed because of the cold affecting the hydraulic arms of trucks.

The Streets Division's large item collection and final round of Christmas tree collection are scheduled to resume next week. The personnel needed to perform these collections was reassigned to the snowstorm response this week.

Residents who have yet to set their trees to the curb for pickup are encouraged to do so by Monday, February 4 so they do not miss their final collection opportunity.

Large items and Christmas trees obstructed by snow or frozen in place cannot be collected when pick up services resume. Large items and Christmas trees left at the curb must be freed from the snow in order for them to be picked up.

Additional information regarding Streets Division collections can be found on the Streets Division website here.

Mayor Paul Soglin and City staff have determined that, due to extremely hazardous weather conditions, the City is taking extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of our employees, residents, and guests the next two days. All non-essential City services will be shut down and closed to the public Wednesday, January 30 and Thursday, January 31.

Madison Metro Transit will be in service with some limitations. Please check mymetrobus.com to determine which routes are in operation. Police and Fire will be working, as will Public Works employees as they keep streets, sidewalks and bike paths cleared and provide residents with safe drinking water. Staff throughout the City will be monitoring phones and returning calls as needed.

Stay warm!

The Madison Streets Division will not extend the snow emergency beyond 7:00 a.m. today. Road conditions will be re-evaluated on Thursday, January 31. If narrow roads persist, especially within the Snow Emergency Zone, a snow emergency may be declared at that time to help with street widening efforts.

Performing snow emergency operations places Parking Enforcement Officers and tow truck drivers in winter weather as they ticket and tow illegally parked vehicles. With the severe cold temperatures for the next two nights, the Streets Division has decided to end the snow emergency for the most recent storm today at 7:00 a.m. rather than expose these workers to the dangerous weather.

Streets Division plow trucks are continuing daytime efforts to widen streets that had been blocked by parked cars and other on-street obstructions. Everyone who parks on the street during the day should follow the daytime parking restrictions for where they leave their vehicles in order to assist with plowing. Parking restrictions vary by area, so be mindful of street signage and other on-street parking regulations.

Individuals who park within the Snow Emergency Zone are not required to follow overnight alternate side parking rules until the next declared snow emergency. Those who park within the Snow Emergency Zone are still required to follow all daytime restrictions for where their vehicles are parked.

If daytime street widening plowing operations are ineffective and streets remain too narrow, especially in the Snow Emergency Zone, a snow emergency may be declared after the severe cold passes in order to facilitate ticketing and towing operations necessary to move vehicles so plow trucks can widen the streets. This decision will be made on Thursday, January 31.

More information about City of Madison winter operations can be found here.

As you may know, West Wilson Street from South Broom Street to South Henry Street is scheduled for reconstruction in 2019. Water main breaks and deteriorated pavement over the last year have made this project a priority. As part of the approval for the 2018 reconstruction project on West Wilson Street, the Common Council required that the City conduct a more comprehensive transportation study of the Wilson Street corridor -- South Broom Street to South Blair Street. A map of the study area is available here.

With another project scheduled, the City is currently studying how the Wilson Street corridor (Broom Street to Blair Street) functions for all modes of transportation. Project public meetings were held in November and December and laid out project background, goals and objectives, existing conditions and possible design alternatives. For this information, see the meeting materials at the project website here.

A third public meeting will be held in order to discuss and get feedback on new alternative designs in development. Materials for the third public meeting will be uploaded to the project website after the meeting.

Wilson Street Corridor Transportation Study Meeting:

Thursday, January 31 at 7:00 p.m.
Room 215 (formerly Room 260), Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard

Public comments are encouraged at the meeting. 

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 29. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators will be towed again tonight. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Streets Division staff will assess road conditions on Tuesday, January 29 to determine if the snow emergency will be extended to a third evening.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.
 
When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
 
Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

SNOW PLOWING UPDATE

Citywide plowing operations in Madison will continue through the afternoon. Once the initial plowing operations are complete, the Streets Division will send plow trucks to maintain the main routes through the evening rush hour.

Since temperatures remain below the salting threshold, the 32 plow trucks assigned to the main routes will only deploy sand as needed.

Roadways users should expect all roads to remain slippery and snow-covered through the evening and overnight hours. Remain alert, slow, and patient on the roads. Plan for additional travel time to arrive at your destinations safely. In general, continue to make good winter commuting choices.

The frigid temperatures will prevent the Streets Division from using salt for a number of days, so expect snow-covered and slick conditions to continue until warmer temperatures return by the week's end.

Tonight, following the crew attending to the roads through evening rush hour, a fresh deployment of operators will come in at midnight to perform a variety of plowing duties. The midnight shift will work on spreading sand on neighborhood streets while also plowing back areas that were blocked by parked cars during the day.

Overnight crews will also plow within the Snow Emergency Zone for the second night of required alternate side parking in these areas of Madison. 

Streets Division snow plowing operations related to this storm will linger through the week as clean-up work continues.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the site or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 29. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

Depending on road conditions, the snow emergency may be extended beyond January 29.

Parking on the Street Sunday Night
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of January 27 into early morning of January 28) must park their vehicles on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators will also very likely be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Parking on the Street Monday Night
Vehicles parked on the street tomorrow night (the evening of January 28 into early morning of January 29) must be parked on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Snow Plowing Update

All roadway users should anticipate extremely difficult conditions through the night and into Monday morning. 

When the storm begins, 32 crews will be deployed the city's main thoroughfares. Streets Division crews will plow the main routes at this time. Crews will loop through these areas for the entirety of the storm. Temperatures are expected to be below salt's effectiveness threshold, which means crews will only apply sand as needed. As the storm wears on, if temperatures rise to where salt can be used, crews will switch to applying salt on the salt routes.

During the alternate side parking time frame overnight this evening, additional plow vehicles will be called in to plow the snow emergency zone. Again, it is crucial that everyone chooses off-street parking options or if no off-street options are available, you must abide by alternate side parking rules.

Due to the temperatures and continuous snowfall, all roads will be snow-covered and slippery through the night and into the morning. Again, using the roads will be extremely difficult and you must make good choices if you elect to be on the roads during this snow event. You must be alert, cautious, and slow.

The Monday morning commute will be exceptionally difficult. Forecasts are predicting around 8 inches of snow to be on the ground by 6:00 a.m. with more yet to fall. Citywide plowing operations will likely begin in the morning, but residents should still expect deep snow on the roads in the morning and throughout much of the day. Winds are expected to increase throughout the day on Monday as well, which will greatly restrict visibility throughout Madison, especially on outlying areas.

Once citywide plowing operations start, the process will take 14 to 16 hours to complete. Significant events like this can make plowing operations slower. The deeper the snow, the heavier it is to push, which means plowing vehicles will go slower.

Residents are reminded to be cautious when removing snow from their driveways and sidewalks so not to overexert themselves. Also, remember to clear snow away from fire hydrants and dryer vents.

Many Streets Division operations will be affected by the weather. Refuse and recycling collection scheduled for Monday, January 28 has been suspended. The drop-off sites will be closed for the entire week of January 28. Large item and Christmas tree collection will also be suspended for the entire week of January 28. Additional information about these collection delays can be found here.

As you may know, North Bassett Street from West Dayton Street to West Washington Avenue is scheduled for reconstruction this summer. A recent history of water main breaks have made this project a priority. This project will also be coordinated with Madison Gas and Electric Company for the installation of a new electrical conduit duct package.

As part of the project planning, the City is conducting a comprehensive transportation study of the entire Bassett Street corridor-- from West Gorham Street to the railroad tracks at the dead-end of South Bassett Street and Brittingham Park. West Wilson Street from South Bassett Street to South Broom Street is also being studied.

The City is using this opportunity to study how the Bassett Street corridor functions for all modes of transportation. Project public meetings were held in November and December and laid out project background, goals and objectives, existing conditions and two broad alternatives. For this information, see the meeting materials at the project website here.

A third public meeting will be held in order to discuss and get feedback on a new alternative design in development. Materials for the third public meeting will be uploaded to the project website after the meeting.

Bassett Street Corridor Transportation Study Meeting:

Monday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin Street

Public comments are encouraged at the meeting.

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The snow emergency has been extended for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Friday, January 25. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators will also very likely be towed again tonight. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will continue working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the earlier plowing operations. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.
 
When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
 
Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the site or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Thursday, January 24. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators will also very likely be towed again tonight. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.
 
When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
 
Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the site or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 24. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

Depending on road conditions, the snow emergency may be extended beyond January 24.

Parking on the Street Tuesday Night
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of January 22 into early morning of January 23) must park their vehicles on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators will also very likely be towed. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Parking on the Street Wednesday Night
Vehicles parked on the street tomorrow night (the evening of January 23 into early morning of January 24) must be parked on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Snow Plowing Update

During the overnight hours this evening, Streets Division crews will continue maintaining the salt routes and also begin plowing the Snow Emergency Zone. The Streets Division crews along with heavy equipment contractors will begin plowing all city streets during the morning of Wednesday, January 23 when the storm is predicted to end. All Madison streets should have their initial plowing 14 to 16 hours after the citywide plowing begins on Wednesday morning. 

The Madison Streets Division will not declare a snow emergency tonight, January 19. Citywide plowing operations will continue throughout tonight and will likely continue until noon Sunday.

The Streets Division requests that all Madison residents choose off-street parking options for their vehicles and trailers tonight and during the overnight hours. Fewer obstacles in the road means the ongoing plowing operations will be safer, faster, and more complete.

Since there will be no declared snow emergency in effect tonight, alternate side parking restrictions will only be enforced outside of the Snow Emergency Zone. As a reminder, the Snow Emergency Zone is located on the isthmus between South Park Street and the Yahara River, plus the Greenbush and Vilas neighborhoods.

Alternate side parking restrictions only apply between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Vehicles outside of the Snow Emergency Zone violating alternate side parking rules may be ticketed and towed.

City of Madison plow trucks will be working during these overnight hours tonight to plow back areas that were blocked by parked cars during daytime plowing operations.

During these overnight hours, residents outside of the Snow Emergency Zone should avoid parking vehicles on the street if possible, and to abide by alternate side parking restrictions if they must park on the street.

Residents within the Snow Emergency Zone are encouraged to remove their vehicles from the street tonight, too, in order to help with plowing operations.

With City of Madison plow trucks working through the day and night, roadway users may encounter a plow truck on the roads. Remember to give the plows plenty of space in order for them to do their work safely.

Additional information about City of Madison winter operations, including parking, can be found here.
 

On Friday, January 4, JP Cullen will reduce East Doty Street to one lane of traffic between Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and South Pinckney Street from 6:00 a.m. until approximately 3:00 p.m.

This lane closure is needed to complete a large concrete pour at the Judge Doyle Square garage construction site. 

In addition, the pedestrian walkway along East Doty Street, adjacent to the worksite will be closed during this time. JP Cullen flaggers will assist pedestrians crossing East Doty Street at South Pinckney Street during the pedestrian walkway closure. 

Two Rounds of Tree Collection

Starting Wednesday, January 2nd the Streets Division will begin Christmas tree collection. As in years past, there will be two rounds of tree collection.
 
The first round of Christmas tree collection will begin on Wednesday, January 2. Christmas trees placed to the curb by 7:00 a.m. on January 2 in accordance to the rules outlined below will be collected prior to January 18, barring any winter weather complications. Placing your tree to the curb after January 2 could result in your tree not being collected during the first round.
 
The second round of Christmas tree collection will begin on Tuesday, January 22. Christmas trees placed to the curb by 7:00 a.m. on January 22 will be collected prior to February 8, barring any winter weather complications. 
 
If you place your tree to the curb after 7:00 a.m. on January 22, you may miss your final collection round. Residents electing to have their trees collected at the curb rather than bringing the tree to a drop-off site are strongly encouraged to have their tree curbside prior to January 22.
 
After the second round of tree collection is complete, crews will transition to other priorities. Trees set to the curb after the second round of collection occurs in your neighborhood will sit on the terrace until crews begin regular brush collection in March.
 
Wreaths, evergreen rope, garlands, and boughs will not be collected with Christmas trees. These items regularly contain wire that can jam equipment by becoming entangled inside the chipper. Please place these into your tan refuse cart or private dumpster.
 
Plowing and other snow and ice control issues take priority over tree collection, and this may cause delays.
 
Collection Rules
Trees are processed with expensive wood chippers. These machines can be easily damaged by metal, wire, and other foreign material. To protect this equipment and the safety of our workers we ask that all residents follow these rules. Failure to follow these rules may result in your tree being left at the curb.

• Remove all tree stands regardless of whether they are metal, plastic or wood.
• Remove all light strings, ornaments and other metal objects.
• Remove any tree bags.
• Place trees at the street edge only.
• If trees become buried under snow residents are asked to dig out trees.

Drop-Off Sites
Residents may also bring Christmas trees to a City drop-off site. The sites are located at 1501 West Badger Road on the southwest side and 4602 Sycamore Avenue on the east side.
 
The drop-off sites are open 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. These hours will remain in effect until expanded hours begin on Saturday, March 30.
 
Happy New Year!

On Friday, December 21, JP Cullen will reduce East Wilson Street to one lane of traffic between South Pinckney Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard from 8:00 a.m. until approximately 3:00 p.m.

This lane closure is needed to complete a large concrete pour at the Judge Doyle Square garage construction site. 

An additional pour is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 4. That concrete pour will reduce East Doty Street to one lane of traffic. 

It is that time of year again to expect your City of Madison property tax bill. 2018 property tax bill calculation and preparation is now complete. The City of Madison Treasurer's Office is now accepting 2018 property tax payments. 2018 property tax bills have been mailed and are now available online here.

There are a couple of methods of payment that will make the process easier. Consider Enrolled Payments. Using this method, you may pay online using your checking/savings account. You can view activity, edit your profile, or add/delete accounts. Select from a variety of email notifications to help manage your payments. There is not a fee for using eBilling. Residents who pay their bills in installments using the enrolled payments can easily set up their accounts to get the added benefit of electronic reminders as a due date approaches.

Another payment option is payment by phone. This service offers the option of payment via an automated service operating 24 hours per day. You will be able to enter your checking/savings account or credit/debit card privately by phone by calling 877-899-4281. Individuals using this service are asked to have their parcel and bill numbers ready. There is a fee for using a credit/debit card. There is not a fee for using a checking or savings account.

In addition, property owners are able to make a onetime payment by credit or debit card or accessing a checking or savings account. There is a fee for using a credit or debit card but none for using a checking or savings account. Residents are still able to submit their payments by mail to the City Treasurer's office. All mailing information is included in the tax bill. You may also pay in person at the City Treasurer's office in Room 107, City-County Building.

All tax payments postmarked on or before December 31, 2018 will be processed as having been paid in 2018.

North Bassett Street from West Dayton Street to West Washington Avenue is scheduled for reconstruction in the summer of 2019. A recent history of water main breaks have made this project a priority. This project will also be coordinated with Madison Gas and Electric Company for the installation of a new electrical conduit duct package.

As part of the project planning, the City will conduct a comprehensive study of the entire Bassett Street corridor-- from West Gorham Street to the railroad tracks at the dead-end of South Bassett Street and Brittingham Park. West Wilson Street from South Bassett Street to South Broom Street will also be studied.

The City will use this opportunity to study how the Bassett Street corridor functions for all modes of transportation. A public meeting was held on November 26 to present existing conditions as well as goals and objective for the corridor. The presentation shared at the first meeting is available here. The second public meeting on December 11 will review design alternatives for the corridor. 

Bassett Street Corridor Study Public Involvement Meeting:

Tuesday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. – Design Alternatives
Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin Street

Public comments are encouraged at the meeting.

Join Mayor Paul Soglin, dozens of City employees and hundreds of your friend and neighbors for Municipal Restored, the grand opening celebration for the historically renovated Madison Municipal Building to be held on Saturday, December 8.

The celebration begins at 11:00 a.m. and runs until 4:00 p.m. From 12:00 to 12:30 p.m., Mayor Soglin will be joined by Madison Poet Laureate Oscar Mireles for a building dedication ceremony.

Throughout the day, free musical performances, events and displays are scheduled to take place. Behind-the-scenes-tours include a walk through a space that was originally part of a private passageway for judges from the Judge's Chambers to the Jury Deliberation Room now reconfigured as a catering kitchen. Enjoy tiny bites from a variety of local caterers beginning at 11:00 a.m. and changing every 45 minutes.

Performances and exhibits throughout the day include:

Performances by:

•  Liz Sexe, fall up stairs 1:45; 2:45; 3:45
•  Rob Dz – DJ 11:00-12:00
•  Corey Matthew Hart – Songwriter 12:30-1:15
•  Homemade – Hip Hop 1:15-1:45
•  Zander Anim - Songwriter 1:45-2:30
•  Soood and The Pro – Hip Hop 2:30-3:00
•  Craig Baumann – Songwriter 3:00-3:30
•  Eli Blakely – Hip Hop 3:30-4:00

Artists work displayed throughout the building:

•  Zane Williams
•  Derrick Buisch
•  Pranav Sood
•  Daniella Willet-Rabin
•  Katherine Rosing
•  Kelly Parks Snider
•  Faisal Abdu' Allah
•  Romano Johnson
•  Craig Wilson
•  Tom Jones
•  Pete Hodapp
•  Michael Duffy
•  Marian Kane
•  Aris Georgiades

Video Art in conference rooms throughout the building by:

•  Emma Pryde, Sleepercells 1, 2, & 3
•  Rebecca Kautz, Throwing My Weight Around
•  Max & Simone's, Loving you to Death Video Art
•  Erin Granat / Elizabeth Wadium, Elemental, Video Art looped in w/animation by Erik Nelson, Forest Products
•  Eric Gunnison, Short Films
•  Teen Academy videos from the Bubbler
•  Crestwood Students / Reneé Earley - Stop Animations

Screen Printing by the Bubbler

Food Carts in front of MMB on MLK Jr. Blvd.:

•  Caracas Empanadas
•  Caracas Arepas

Local Caterers offering tiny bites out of the MMB Catering Kitchen:

• Little John's 11:00-11:45
• Bunky's Catering 12:00-12:45
• Slide Food Cart & Beyond Catering 1:00-1:45
• Melly Mel's Deli & Catering 2:00-2:45
• The Looking Glass Bakery and Catering 3:00-3:45

West Wilson Street from South Broom Street to South Henry Street is scheduled for reconstruction in 2019. Water main breaks and deteriorated pavement over the last year have made this project a priority. As part of the approval for the recent reconstruction project on West Wilson Street, the Common Council required that the City conduct a more comprehensive study of the Wilson Street corridor--South Broom Street to South Blair Street. A map of the study area is available here.

With another project scheduled, the City will use this opportunity to study how the Wilson Street corridor (Broom Street to Blair Street) functions for all modes of transportation. A public meeting was held on November 8 to present existing conditions as well as goals and objectives for the corridor. The second public meeting on December 6 will review design alternatives for the corridor. 

Wilson Street Corridor Study Public Involvement Meeting:

Thursday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. – Design Alternatives
Room 260, Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard

Public comments are encouraged at the meeting. 

On Saturday, December 1, starting at 3:00 p.m. the annual Run Santa Run 5K will take place. Runners will start on the Capitol Square, head east on East Mifflin Street to North Baldwin Street and return on East Dayton Street and East Mifflin Street to the Square. A map of the route is available here. 

Traffic will not be allowed to cross the route when runners are going through. Police will be stationed along the route to assist in directing traffic. Police will keep North Webster Street open during the run. 

The last runners will be finished around 4:30 p.m.  

The streets of the Capitol Square (Mifflin Street, Carroll Street, Main Street and Pinckney Street) will be closed from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Metro Transit buses will not serve the Capitol Square all day on Saturday. The Capitol Loop Detour will be utilized one block off the Square.

There will be no recycling, refuse or large item collection by the City Streets Division on Thursday, November 22 or Friday, November 23 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. If your material is normally collected on Thursday, it will instead be collected on Wednesday, November 21. Recycling and refuse collection in the core downtown will occur on Wednesday. Please place recycling and refuse carts to the curb for pickup by 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Streets Division drop-off sites will be closed on Thursday and Friday. They will reopen on Saturday, November 24.

Happy Thanksgiving!

North Bassett Street from West Dayton Street to West Washington Avenue is scheduled for reconstruction in the summer of 2019. A recent history of water main breaks have made this project a priority. This project will also be coordinated with Madison Gas and Electric Company for the installation of a new electrical conduit duct package.

As part of the project planning, the City will conduct a comprehensive study of the entire Bassett Street corridor-- from West Dayton Street to the railroad tracks at the dead-end of South Bassett Street and Brittingham Park. West Wilson Street from South Bassett Street to South Broom Street will also be studied.

The City will use this opportunity to study how the Bassett Street corridor functions for all modes of transportation. The first public meeting on November 26 will present existing conditions as well as goals and objective for the corridor. The second public meeting on December 11 will review design alternatives for the corridor. 

Bassett Street Corridor Study Public Involvement Meetings:

Monday, November 26 at 7:00 p.m. – Goals and Objectives
Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin Street

Tuesday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. – Design Alternatives
Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin Street

Public comments are encouraged at both meetings. 

Madison's Central Business Improvement District's (BID) new, unified Downtown Holiday Celebration called "Shine On Madison" continues in 2018.

This six-week community event, started last year to increase visibility and traffic to businesses downtown, includes a seasonal lighting ceremony, a winter market, a special focus on downtown retailers, enjoyment of the arts and a strong sense of community. Information on all the shopping options, dining locations and special events taking place from November 17 – January 6 may be found at ShineOnMadison.com.

SEASONAL LIGHTS (November 17 - January 6)

With 7 community light displays, 13 specially decorated areas, fantastic restaurants and the region's best shopping options, Downtown Madison is the perfect place to celebrate the season with friends and family.

Last year as part of their 75th anniversary, the Madison Community Foundation helped the BID add new lighted activity areas and community partner light displays to the downtown. These new lights along with over 100 snowflake pole lights and seasonal planters will create a fun festive reason to come visit. Many area property and business owners are participating too. The new displays will be turned on at 6:08 p.m. on November 17 and stay up through January 6.

LIGHTING CEREMONY (November 17)

Join Santa & Mrs. Claus, and more for a special ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 17 where the Capitol Square meets State Street. At 6:08 p.m. (a nod to our 608 area code) in partnership with WOLX 94.9 we will turn on all the lights. Many special surprises are in store for this very special event. More than 40 downtown businesses will be open late with shopping specials. The complete list is available at ShineOnMadison.com.

WINTER NIGHT MARKET (November 17)

The Madison Night Market – Winter Market will include 40 vendors showcasing handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods, games and special visiting food carts. This winter event will be held on the 100 block of State Street on November 17 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Attendees will also want to make sure to visit the MMOCA Art & Gift Fair open that day! Retailers and restaurants in the area will feature warm drinks and delicious food. More details are available at madisonnightmarket.com.

WINDOW DISPLAY COMPETITION (November 17 – December 18)

Businesses in the BID are competing for bragging rights. A Window Display Competition will run from Saturday, November 17 through Tuesday, December 18. Guests can pick up and drop off a ballot at the Downtown Visitors Center (452 State Street) near Lisa Link Peace Park or at participating businesses. Online balloting is also available here.

DOWNTOWN MADISON HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE (November 23-25)

The Holiday Open House offers great holiday fun over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. With more than 80 retail shops there is no better place to shop than Downtown Madison. The Open House includes family shows and activities, Santa Claus, trolley rides and special welcome bags, plus special offers and refreshments from participating merchants. The complete schedule and other information is available at ShineOnMadison.com.

DOWNTOWN MADISON COOKIE WALK (December 16)

The Downtown Madison Cookie Walk is an excellent way to celebrate the season, enjoy your city and finish your holiday shopping. With more 20 sampling stops and several activity areas, downtown businesses are excited to host this new event. Tickets are $8 per person and $25 for a family 4-pack. Proceeds will benefit the Madison Ballet. Ticket sales and information will be available online beginning next week at visitdowntownmadison.com.

Happy Holidays!

The Madison Marathon half marathon and full marathon will take place this Sunday, November 11, starting at 7:00 a.m. on the Capitol Square. The runners will run through the UW Arboretum, UW Campus, Warner Park, and back to the Capitol Square, with the last runners finishing around 1:30 p.m.  

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead if traveling around the race routes, as crossing the route will only be permitted when there are sufficient gaps in the runners. Police officers will be located throughout the course assisting traffic.
 
The route map (with times of street closures) is available here.
 
Metro Transit buses will detour throughout the downtown and UW Campus. Detailed Metro Transit detour information is available here.

The 2018 Neighborhood Conference is just around the corner! Join the growing list of people who have already signed up... 200 and counting.

REGISTER today for this dynamic city-wide event scheduled for Saturday, November 17 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. There will be childcare onsite and language interpretation (ASL, Hmong, and Spanish). Other languages upon request.

Schedule (workshop titles and speakers)

Workshop Descriptions

Conference at a Glance

Check-in opens at 8:00 a.m. You will receive a conference packet upon arrival. Updated details on the conference and other valuable information will be tucked inside. 

8-9 am | Registration, Networking, Exhibits

9-9:30 am | Mayor's Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:30 -10 am | Summer Flooding 2018 – Community Impacts

10:15-noon | Workshops and Neighborhood Conversations

12-1:15 pm | Keynote, Lunch, Awards, & Networking

1:30-3:15 pm | Workshops and Neighborhood Conversations

3:15-4:30 pm | Tour of the RENOVATED Madison Municipal Building and Reception

EXTRA EXTRA| Walk to the Top of State Street for the Holiday Lighting of State Street at 6:08 pm

Thanks to sponsors Madison Gas and Electric and City of Madison. Questions? Contact Madison Planning Division at 608-267-8727 or neighborhoods@cityofmadison.com. 

West Wilson Street from South Broom Street to South Henry Street is scheduled for reconstruction in 2019. As part of the approval for the recent reconstruction project on West Wilson Street, the Common Council required that the City conduct a more comprehensive study of the Wilson Street corridor--South Broom Street to South Blair Street. A map of the study area is available here.

With another project scheduled, the City will use this opportunity to study how the Wilson Street corridor (Broom Street to Blair Street) functions for all modes of transportation. The first public meeting on November 8 will present existing conditions as well as goals and objective for the corridor. The second public meeting on December 6 will review design alternatives for the corridor. 

Wilson Street Corridor Study Public Involvement Meetings:

Thursday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m. – Goals and Objectives
Room 260, Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard

Thursday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. – Design Alternatives
Room 260, Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard

Public comments are encouraged at both meetings. 

City crews will be removing the "Big Bags" of sand located along on the Capital City Trail at Monona Terrace starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 30. This will require closing the bike path during working hours, and path users will be required to walk their bikes around the work zone.   

Work involves heavy equipment to lift the filled bags of sand onto trailers pulled by large trucks. The filled bags will be re-used to construct a temporary berm required for another City project.

Work will be completed in two phases--the south end will be completed first, then the north end. City crews anticipate the work to take two weeks to complete.

Please visit cityofmadison.com/flooding for updates.

Multiple streets around State Street will be closed on Saturday, October 27 for the 13th annual Freakfest event. Streets crossing State Street will begin closing at 5:00 p.m. Streets will be closed until approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 28.

West Dayton Street, West Johnson Street and North Lake Street will close at 5:00 p.m. West Gorham Street will stay open until 6:00 p.m.

Two earlier closures are required for the construction of concert stages. West Gilman Street will be closed between State Street and North Henry Street starting at 8:00 a.m. West Mifflin Street will be closed at Wisconsin Avenue starting at 2:00 p.m.

A map of the street closures (with times) is available here.         

Metro Transit detours affecting several routes will begin on Friday, October 26 at 6:00 p.m. Specific details and maps are available here.   

State Street event gates will be enforced from 7:00 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. During this time, an event ticket will be needed to cross or enter State Street.

All parked bicycles will be removed from the entire length of State Street and some side streets on Saturday.  

Happy Halloween!

In-person absentee voting is underway for City of Madison residents for the November 6 General Election. In addition to the City Clerk's Office in the City-County Building, absentee voting and voter registration are available at all Madison Public Library locations. Additional early voting locations opened today at Edgewood College and UW-Madison campus locations. Hours and locations are listed here. To view a sample ballot, look up your voter registration or your street address here.

If you are voting absentee through the mail, remember that Madison's mail is processed in Milwaukee, increasing the amount of time it takes to return your ballot to the City Clerk's Office. Rather than mailing your absentee ballot back to the Clerk's Office, you are welcome to drop it off with the Clerk's Office personnel at an absentee voting site. Otherwise, be sure to mail your ballot back to the Clerk's Office as soon as possible so it can be counted.

The West Washington - West Mifflin Area Plan will analyze opportunities within a small area centered upon the 400-500 blocks of West Mifflin Street and West Washington Avenue. The Downtown Plan (adopted in 2012) established a vision for the future transformation of this area, and recommended a more detailed plan for the future.

To accomplish this, City Planning Staff is utilizing a public engagement strategy called "Mifflandia" to interact with students, residents, businesses, property owners and other stakeholders. "Mifflandia" uses a light hearted name to engage people who may not normally be interested in City Planning, and will use social practice art and other techniques reach a wide audience.

The result of this engagement will be the development of plan recommendations for more detailed design standards and implementation strategies for the planning areas. This plan will also address land use, preservation, redevelopment opportunities, building and streetscape design, open space, activity nodes and connectivity to the abutting neighborhoods.

First Public Meeting - Plan Kickoff

Monday, October 29, 2018
Madison Senior Center - 330 West Mifflin Street

Meeting Itinerary:

6-7:00 p.m. Open House & Social Practice Art Experience
7-8:00 p.m. Plan Introduction & Community Engagement Exercise

Multiple streets around Langdon Street and State Street will be closed on Friday afternoon and evening, October 19, for the UW Homecoming Parade and Block Party. The parade starts at 6:00 p.m., with the block party immediately following the parade in and around Alumni Park and Memorial Union. The annual homecoming fireworks display will start at approximately 8:30 p.m. The display will last approximately 15 minutes and will be fired from a pontoon boat on Lake Mendota adjacent to the Memorial Union.

The following streets will be closed:

• Langdon Street (North Lake Street to Wisconsin Avenue) 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Wisconsin Avenue (Langdon Street to West Gilman Street) 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A driving lane will be kept open to the Edgewater Hotel.
• West Gilman Street (State Street to Wisconsin Avenue) 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• North Lake Street (University Avenue to Langdon Street) 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Access will be maintained to the State Street Campus Garage
• Langdon Street (North Park Street to North Lake Street) 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

A map of the street closures (with times) is available here.

Metro Transit detours affecting several routes will begin at 4:00 p.m. Specific details and maps are available here. The intercity bus stop will relocate from Langdon Street to University Avenue at East Campus Mall.

Happy Homecoming!

The City of Madison needs your help facilitating the right to vote on Tuesday, November 6.

The City Clerk's Office needs to fill over 3,000 poll worker shifts for Election Day. Hundreds of vacancies remain unfilled.

Poll workers are paid an hourly living wage of $13.01. There are three shifts available: 6:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m. to approximately 9:30 p.m., or 6:00 a.m. to approximately 9:30 p.m. Poll workers will also be paid to attend one hour of training.

Poll workers must be eligible to vote in Dane County: at least 18 years old, a United States citizen, a resident of the county for at least 10 days, and not disqualified from voting.

You may sign up online at www.cityofmadison.com/EO.

Working at the polls is a rewarding way to give back to the community. Please consider becoming a poll worker!

The City of Madison is selling community bonds October 3 – October 9, 2018. By buying community bonds, residents can invest in the future of our city, and earn interest that is exempt from federal taxes at the same time.

The City will use the funds from the community bond program for the expansion of Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The new learning center at the Gardens will welcome learners of all ages, interests, abilities, and backgrounds. An energy-efficient greenhouse will grow even more flowers and plants for the gardens. Working alongside the capital campaign overseen by the Olbrich Botanical Society, this bond offering is another way to support a facility that will serve the community for years to come.

Community bonds will be sold in denominations of $500. This is significantly lower than typical bonds offered by the City, making this program more accessible to community investors.

Through Neighborly Securities, the City will sell up to $2.1 million in community bonds during the 7-day purchase period, October 3 – October 9.

Residents interested in buying community bonds can register an account at cityofmadison.com/community-bonds.

Community bonds are exempt from federal taxes only. Under state law, interest on community bonds is not exempt from state taxation. City of Madison community bonds will not be subject to redemption prior to maturity. The interest rate will be determined at the opening of the order period.

To learn more about setting up an account or buying community bonds, please visit cityofmadison.com/community-bonds.

Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 22, InterCon Construction will close the right lane of West Gorham Street at State Street for concrete pavement repairs. 

West Gorham Street will be down to one lane of traffic for the weekenduntil 7:00 a.m. Monday, September 24. 

Drivers should expect delays on Gorham Street mid-day on Saturday and Sunday. 

All Madison Public Library locations will be closed Thursday, September 13 for a Staff In-Service Day. Normal operating hours will resume on Friday, September 14.

Sunday hours (1:00-5:00 p.m.) resumed for Central Library, 201 West Mifflin Street, on September 9. They will continue through May 26, 2019.

The annual in-service day of engagement and organizational development affords library staff an opportunity to connect, share experiences and engage in important discussions that ultimately help the library better serve the community. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.

While the libraries are closed, you can still use book drops to return items, or LINKcat to place holds, check your record, or renew items you've checked out. This is the perfect time to check out the always-accessible online collections, OverDrive eBooks and downloadable audiobooks and Yahara Music Library. You may learn more about checking out eBooks and audiobooks with your library card here.

Several streets in and around downtown will be closed for the 2018 Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon on Sunday, September 9. The race consists of swimming in Lake Monona, bicycling in Dane County and running in the downtown/campus area. The race starts at 6:40 a.m. at Monona Terrace with the swim start. City of Madison road closures for the bicycling portion last from approximately 7:30 a.m. until approximately 5:30 p.m. Road closures for the run portion last from 11:00 a.m. until approximately midnight. All Metro Transit routes will experience significant detouring downtown. Please expect delays.
 
Ironman course maps are available here.
 
A map of downtown street closures and suggested alternate traffic routes is available here.
 
Metro Transit detours can be found here.

 

The Capital City Trail is now open where it passes Monona Terrace between South Broom Street and South Blair Street. The City has installed sandbags and pumps in order to open the path. The area may experience flooding again during intense rainstorms.

The Brittingham Park path is also open along North Shore Drive between South Bedford Street and John Nolen Drive. The critical construction work there has been completed.

Brittingham Park and Law Park may have flooding in low areas of the paths.

As lake levels change over the next several days, paths near Lake Monona may periodically be underwater. Please exercise caution and do not ride or walk through flood waters.

Please continue to visit cityofmadison.com/flooding for updates.

The Brittingham Park bike path is being closed immediately along North Shore Drive between South Bedford Street and John Nolen Drive near Brittingham Park because of critical construction work. The closure will continue until the work is completed. While this will cause an inconvenience for local bicyclists and pedestrians, this work needs to be done in a safe manner.

Eastbound bicyclists are encouraged to use the Southwest Commuter path and local streets. Westbound cyclists can use Broom Street and other local streets.

The Capital City Trail has standing water where it passes Monona Terrace. The path remains closed. If you choose to use it, use extreme caution as the path is down to one lane for all traffic in some locations. Go slow, and look for other path users.

Please continue to visit cityofmadison.com/flooding for updates.

City of Madison crews will be working on the shoreline of Lake Monona Wednesday through Friday because of flooding erosion. One of the inbound lanes of John Nolen Drive will be closed during non-peak hours, 9:00-3:00 p.m. on those days.

Crews will be installing rocks, known as rip-rap, to stabilize the shoreline and will need to stage equipment in the lane closest to the lake. Crews will work to maintain a portion of the bike path for pedestrians and bikes, but bicyclists will be asked to walk their bikes.

Full flooding updates can continue to be found at cityofmadison.com/flooding.

The City recently updated the risk area map for potential flash flooding. The updated map shows new risk areas for flash flooding during an intense rainstorm. Approximately 1,200 homes, including some Bassett Neighborhood apartment buildings, have been added to the flash flood risk areas. Flyers will be distributed to these properties on Monday, August 27, by City staff and volunteers. The additional areas are not as vulnerable as those already identified, however it is best for these residents and property owners to be prepared should a severe rain event occur in the coming days.

The updated map also now includes streets in the core downtown that are vulnerable to flash flooding. The streets are all in low-lying areas near the Lake Monona shoreline. Those streets are: John Nolen Drive, North Shore Drive, Proudfit Street and South Bedford Street.

As a reminder, the Capital City Trail remains closed between South Broom Street and South Blair Street at Monona Terrace.

The updated map is available on the City's Flooding website, cityofmadison.com/flooding, on the Flood Map page.

As you may know, the City established sandbag operations over the weekend at the Brittingham Beach Parking Lot, 701 West Brittingham Place, primarily to serve the vulnerable Monona Bay Neighborhood. Sandbags will be available there for the foreseeable future. Please visit the City's Flooding website for assistance getting sandbags or to volunteer to fill and/or distribute sandbags. Those needing help will be matched by the City with those who are offering help.

The City's Flooding website is continuously updated with important information.

Stay safe!

The Capital City Trail is now closed at Monona Terrace due to Lake Monona flooding concerns. Monona Terrace sandbagging operations began early this morning. The bike elevator is still accessible for now from the Monona Terrace dock access road.

Law Park and Brittingham Park has flooded along the trail in other areas as well.

Please exercise caution and do not ride or walk through flood waters.

View current bike path conditions on a map available here. Current bike path conditions is an open map curated by local bicyclists. Information may not be complete.

The City has created a website dedicated to information and updates about local flooding. The website is regularly updated with bike path and road closures, maps and other important information.

The OutReach Pride Parade and Rally will close several downtown streets on Sunday, August 19. 

The Capitol Square will be closed from 11:00 a.m. until approximately 2:00 p.m.

All streets crossing State Street, with the exception of North Lake Street, will be closed from 12:45 p.m. until approximately 1:45 p.m. for the parade. The parade will start at the intersection of State and West Gilman Streets and continue up to and around the Capitol Square. During the parade, there will be no traffic allowed across State Street, including West Gorham and West Johnson Streets, except at North Lake Street. 

The 10 blocks of North Carroll and West Mifflin Streets and the 100 block of State Street will be closed until approximately 4:00 p.m. for a rally at the top of State Street after the parade. 

A map of the street closures and suggested alternate routes is available here. Metro Transit detours can be found here.

Several downtown streets will be closed Saturday morning, August 18, due to the Madison Mini-Marathon. The race starts on Langdon Street, continues to the Capitol Square, through the UW Arboretum and back to the UW campus. 

Traffic will not be allowed to cross the route when runners are present. All street closures will end by 12:30 p.m. 

A map of the route is available here. A list of street closures and specific closure times is available here.

Metro Transit detours are available here.

On Wednesday, August 15, the Streets Division will begin collecting curbside items in the downtown area beginning at 4:00 a.m. 

Crews will be emptying the refuse and recycling carts, and collecting items large items, such as furniture.

Residents moving out of and into apartments downtown are strongly encouraged to follow the collection guidelines outlined on the Streets Division's moving days website. Following collection guidelines keeps our workers safe and makes our collections faster.

Streets Division staff will continue monitoring the volume of material set to the curb in the downtown area. On Thursday, August 16, crews will start collections of refuse and recycling carts, and large items at their regularly scheduled start time of 7:00 a.m. On Friday, August 17, depending on the volume to the curb, crews will be assigned downtown again starting at 7:00 a.m. to continue collection of refuse and recycling carts, and large items.

For more information, visit the moving days website or call the Streets Division office at (608) 246-4532.

Welcome to our new neighbors!

The Madison Streets Division is conducting special pick-ups in the downtown area in advance of the annual mass turnover of apartment leases downtown over the next several days ("Hippie Christmas"). Crews will be collecting refuse, recycling, and large items throughout each weekday until Friday, August 17. Collection service will be suspended this Friday at 3:00 p.m. for the weekend. Special refuse and recycling services will resume downtown on Monday, August 13. Crews will be emptying refuse and recycling carts downtown each weekday between now and Friday, August 17.

Please fill up your carts according to the guidelines below and roll them to the curb anytime through August 17. Crews will empty your carts so you can fill them up again. You may fill up your refuse and recycling carts and roll them out as often as you like until the morning of Friday, August 18. Using your carts for refuse and recycling is easier than lugging lots of bags or loose material to the curb. It will keep our neighborhood cleaner.

Guidelines

Hundreds of tons of trash and recyclables will make its way to the curb during this period. The Streets Division needs your help to make this year's move out as orderly as possible. Please follow these guidelines when placing trash and recycling at the curb during the move out:

• Do not put trash in cardboard boxes. Boxes must be flattened and bundled for recycling.
• Keep refuse and large items separate when placed at the curb.
• Put nothing but recycling in green recycling carts. Do not put recycling in tan refuse carts.
• Put all recycling at the curb in the green recycling carts or clear plastic bags. No loose piles of recycling.
• Do not pile bagged trash or large items around recycling or refuse carts.
• Put all refuse at the curb in tan refuse carts or trash bags. No loose piles of trash/garbage.
• Do not pile bagged trash or recyclables on top of furniture or appliances.
• Keep larger metal items separate from other material so that it can be recycled.
• Most appliances, including microwave ovens, require a fee for collection.
• Do not place computers, monitors or televisions at the curb. They should be brought to a drop-off site for recycling.
• Do not take recycling or refuse carts. The carts belong to the City and must remain behind when you move.

Questions?

Additional information is available on the City Moving Days website and informational video. Otherwise, please call the Streets Division at (608) 246-4532.

Welcome to our new neighbors!

In-person absentee voting is underway for City of Madison residents for the August 14 Partisan Primary Election. In addition to the City Clerk's Office in the City-County Building, absentee voting and voter registration are available at all Madison Public Library locations and at UW-Madison campus locations. Hours and locations are listed here. To view a sample ballot, look up your voter registration or your street address here.

If you are voting absentee through the mail, remember that Madison's mail is processed in Milwaukee, increasing the amount of time it takes to return your ballot to the City Clerk's Office. Rather than mailing your absentee ballot back to the Clerk's Office, you are welcome to drop it off with the Clerk's Office personnel at an absentee voting site. Otherwise, be sure to mail your ballot back to the Clerk's Office as soon as possible so it can be counted.

The August Primary falls on Move Out Day for many downtown Madison apartments.

It takes ten days to establish residency for voting purposes, but moving on Election Day does not make you ineligible to vote.

Generally, voters who move on Election Day or within ten days of the election will need to vote at their old polling place. At the poll book, they will announce their name and the address from which they just moved. These voters remain eligible to vote from their former address until they establish residency at their new address by residing there for ten days.

Students attending UW-Madison or Edgewood College choose between registering to vote at their campus address or at their parents' home address. This is an individual decision.

Students who choose Madison as their voting residence are not likely to be in their housing for the 2018-2019 school year ten days before the August Primary. Generally, if the student lived here last semester, their voting address for August would be where they lived for the 2018 spring semester.

If you are unsure if you should vote from your old or new address, Clerk's Office personnel can assist you at any in-person absentee voting site.

Freshmen are unlikely to move to campus early enough to establish residency for the August Primary. If they are 18 years old by August 14, they would be eligible to register and vote from their parents' address.

Voters with questions about establishing residency are encouraged to contact the City Clerk's Office at voting@cityofmadison.com or 608-266-4601.

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 27, both directions of through traffic on West Washington Avenue will be fully closed at the railroad crossing between Proudfit Street/Regent Street and Bedford Street.

This closure is needed to replace the existing railroad crossing, install underground utilities and replace pavement at the railroad crossing.

The closure will last 10 days, until 7:00 a.m. on Monday, August 6.

Access to all business and residential driveways located on West Washington Avenue will be maintained.

This closure is part of the West Washington Avenue resurfacing project. More information about the project is available here.

A contractor working for Madison Gas and Electric hit a water main on West Washington Avenue near Broom Street this morning. Many Madison Water Utility customers have experienced discolored water, low water pressure or no water in the downtown area. Water Utility crews have recently been able to isolate the water main break and pressure should be restored for most of downtown.

Discolored water is still occurring for some downtown customers. Main breaks often cause pressure changes, stirring up mineral sediment in mains and causing discolored water. If you have discolored water after the break has been isolated, run a cold water tap in the lowest level of the building for a few minutes until the water clears. If it doesn't clear, avoid using water, wait an hour and try again. While drinking discolored water isn't recommended, the minerals are not considered harmful.

Service for customers in the 400 block of West Washington Avenue area will remain off until repairs are complete. Repairs could take 3 to 6 hours. In addition, Water Utility maintenance work (for a valve relocation) that was scheduled for tomorrow, July 18, is being completed today instead. This will avoid the necessity of the outage scheduled in this area for tomorrow.

At 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 6, the outbound thru lanes of West Washington Avenue at Regent Street will be closed for concrete paving. This will last until 7:00 a.m. on Monday, July 9. 

All westbound West Washington Avenue traffic will be forced to make a right turn onto Regent Street. Left turns will be restricted from eastbound Regent Street to West Washington Avenue and from inbound West Washington Avenue to westbound Regent Street. A map of the closure is available here.

These lane closures are needed to replace the concrete within the intersection as part of the West Washington Avenue resurfacing project. More information about the project is available here. This is the final phase of paving within the intersection. 

At 7:00 a.m. on Friday, July 6, KS Energy Services will close the east leg of West Mifflin Street at North Broom Street (see map here). This closure is expected to last approximately three weeks--until Friday, July 27.

The current closure of West Dayton Street at North Broom Street will reopen prior to the start of the West Mifflin Street closure. 

This is a continuation of the work for Madison Gas and Electric on North Broom Street to install an underground electrical duct package.

MGE expects KS Energy Services will complete the overall North Broom Street project in late-July. 

BASSETT NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING:

REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR 222 S. HAMILTON STREET

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2018 - 7:00 P.M.

CAPITOL LAKES RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

333 W. MAIN STREET

Please join me for a neighborhood meeting about a proposal by Henry Hamilton Partners and Populance to redevelop 222 S. Hamilton Street. The existing three-story office building would be demolished with a six-story, mixed-use building proposed to replace it. There would be approximately 1,000 square feet of office space, 19 owner-occupied housing units, 21 structured parking stalls and approximately 35 bicycle parking stalls. The primary pedestrian entrance to the building would be on S. Henry Street and vehicular access would be from an existing curb cut and drive aisle on S. Hamilton Street and a new curb cut on S. Henry Street.

Alderperson Mike Verveer

Multiple lanes will be closed at the West Washington Avenue and Proudfit Street/Regent Street intersection starting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 29, and continuing through the weekend until 7:00 a.m., Monday, July 2. A map of the closure is available here.

Eastbound (inbound) West Washington Avenue traffic will not be able to travel straight through the Proudfit Street and Regent Street intersection. All inbound West Washington Avenue traffic will be forced to turn right onto Proudfit Street.

Westbound Proudfit Street and westbound West Washington Avenue will be reduced to one lane of traffic. 

These lane closures are needed to replace the concrete within the intersection as part of the West Washington Avenue resurfacing project. More information about the project is available here.  

The first performance of the 2018 Concerts on the Square series will take place on Wednesday, June 27. There are six concerts this year - each Wednesday through August 1. For each concert, the following streets will close at 3:00 p.m. and reopen at midnight:

• Main Street between South Carroll Street and South Pinckney Street
• Pinckney Street between East Main Street and East Mifflin Street
• East Washington Avenue between Pinckney Street and Webster Street

In addition to the street closures for the concert, South Pinckney Street is currently closed between East Doty Street and East Wilson Street for the Judge Doyle Square project construction. West Wilson Street is reduced to one lane of traffic for street reconstruction through mid-July. A map of the street closures is available here.

Metro Transit buses will be detoured to the Capitol Loop (Outer Ring) on each Wednesday afternoon, starting at 3:00 p.m. Additional transit detour information is available here.

Each concert begins at 7:00 p.m. and ends at approximately 8:45 p.m.

If any concert is rained out on Wednesday, it will occur the following day with the same schedule. The rain determination will be made at 3:00 p.m. on the day of each concert.

Due to the combination of the added Concerts on the Square traffic and street closures, please plan for travel delays in the core downtown area on Wednesday afternoons.

JP Cullen will close North Lake Street between State Street and University Avenue from 7:00 a.m. on Monday, June 25, until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, in order to remove the tower crane at the UW Music Performance Center construction site.

The State Street Campus Parking Garage entrance on North Lake Street will remain open. Access to and from the garage will be available via Langdon Street.

A map of the closure is available here. 

Metro Transit will have several detours, which can be found here.

The sidewalk on the east side of North Lake Street will remain open.

As you likely know, Festival Foods Shake the Lake, produced by the Madison Mallards, will take place downtown again on Saturday, June 23. As in previous years, this major event will bring several thousand attendees downtown. John Nolen Drive will be closed between South Broom Street and South Blair Street for the festival that starts at 5:00 p.m., and for viewing the fireworks to be staged over Lake Monona starting at 10:00 p.m. Live music stages will be located at the east and west sides of the Monona Terrace tunnel on John Nolen Drive. Stage performances will occur from 5:00 p.m. until the 10:00 p.m. fireworks show. Performers include the Jayhawks, the Verve Pipe, Locash, Michael Ray, Devin Dawson and more. The fireworks show is expected to last up to 35 minutes, and a choreographed soundtrack will be available on Madison iHeart Media radio stations. A "Human Cannonball" launch into Lake Monona is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. A full Festival Foods Shake the Lake schedule and additional information is available at shakethelake.org. Admission is free. Tickets are available for purchase to a viewing area on the Monona Terrace Rooftop.

John Nolen Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic between South Broom and South Blair Streets from 6:00 a.m. Saturday until 6:00 a.m. Sunday. South Broom Street will remain open to and from John Nolen Drive. Wilson Street and Williamson Street will also remain open. Additionally, starting at 9:45 p.m., John Nolen Drive will be closed between Olin Avenue and South Broom Street. This section of John Nolen Drive will only be closed during the fireworks show to keep drivers from parking on John Nolen Drive--until approximately 10:45 p.m. In the event of the fireworks being postponed due to rain or other conditions, the event would take place on Sunday, the 24th, and road closures would be similar to the above. The music and entertainment portions are rain or shine and would not be re-scheduled to Sunday. In addition, the Capital City Trail (bike path) between Broom Street and Blair Street will be closed from 4:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. for safety reasons. Bicycles will be allowed in the event zone, but need to be walked in the event zone. Bicycle parking will be available under both ends of Monona Terrace.

The Madison Police Department and numerous other public agencies have been planning for this event for many months. Downtown neighborhoods will benefit from an increased police presence to keep people and property safe. In addition, event organizers will have staff direct pedestrians and traffic in and around the event area. Event access will only be permitted from Broom Street, Blair Street and via the Monona Terrace parking helixes. A security fence is being erected the length of the railroad corridor and will be secured during the event. "No event access" barricades and signage will be posted along the Wilson Street corridor to direct people from entering the dead-end streets unless they have final destinations on those streets. The intersection of South Hamilton, South Henry and West Wilson Streets will be staffed by the Mallards to properly direct motorists and pedestrians at that busy location.

The Madison Streets Division will be providing additional services to the neighborhoods surrounding the event area on Monday, June 25. All residences and businesses in the Bassett and First Settlement Neighborhoods (the area between East and West Washington Avenues and John Nolen Drive) will receive refuse and recycling pick-up on Monday morning. This is in addition to the regular service to be provided on Thursday, June 28. Downtown residents are welcome to leave their refuse and recycling carts out on the street terrace Saturday to be used by pedestrians. Downtown streets will be swept as needed on Monday. The Madison Parks Division will provide additional cleaning of Brittingham Park and Crowley Station, and supply extra refuse/recycling containers in those areas. Event organizers are responsible for clean-up effort in the event area on Saturday night and Sunday.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Enjoy the weekend!

Runners participating in the 39th annual Isthmus Paddle & Portage race will cross the isthmus between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 16. Participants will start at James Madison Park, run on North Hamilton Street to Pinckney Street to King Street, to East Wilson Street, across South Blair Street to Law Park. A route map is available here.

Police officers will direct traffic at streets that intersect the route. 

Drivers should expect travel delays downtown during this time.

Multiple lanes will be closed at the West Washington Avenue and Regent Street/Proudfit Street intersection starting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 15, and continuing through the weekend until 7:00 a.m., Monday, June 18. The traffic control plan may be viewed here.

Westbound (outbound) West Washington Avenue traffic will not be able to travel straight through the Proudfit Street and Regent Street intersection. 

These lane closures are needed to replace the concrete within the intersection. 

No lane closures will occur the weekend of June 23 due to the "Shake the Lake" event.

The second of four scheduled Madison Night Market's is Thursday, June 14. A special 60's themed event ties this new and exciting downtown project with the fun of the past. Unique merchandise, special musical guests, a pop-up dance performance, a DJ spinning 60's favorites and an incredible tye-dye project make this event something for every generation.

Madison is famous for great shopping, amazing food and a talented art scene. These three community assets come together for the ultimate urban experience - the Madison Night Market. This Thursday from 5:00-11:00 p.m. Madison's Central Business Improvement District invites the community to come check out the 2nd year of this event.

The Madison Night Market is a celebration of Madison's unique and inspiring creative culture. Vendors showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods and fresh produce. The event includes live music, special visiting food carts and pop-up restaurant experiences. The Market is presented by Madison's Central Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the City of Madison.

With more than 100 business participating in the first May Market, this event has grown significantly from the first year. The main market, with 80 vendors is located in the heart of the city where State Street meets Gilman Street. The main market opens at 6:00 p.m. with 80+ vendors, performances from Overture Center's Rising Stars, headliner Sweet Delta Dawn and a dance party with Kanopy Dance.

West Gilman Street will be closed between University Avenue and North Henry Street starting at 2:00 p.m. The street will reopen at 1:00 a.m. on Friday, June 15.

The market begins early with a Pop-Up Shop at the bottom of State Street at Library Mall. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. and running until 9:00 p.m. this pop-up market features 25+ vendors, DJ M White spinning 60s favorites and conceptual artist Evan Gruzis presents "Put A Twist On It: A Tie-Dye Buffet and Strange Shanty". Attendees can bring items to dye or purchase pre-purchased items.

The Market is hosted by the downtown property and business owners. Many businesses within the Central District are staying open later and offering a wide variety of special events and sales. Visit the website at www.madisonnightmarket.com to find out more on these participating retailers and their special offers.

The Market, located along Gilman Street in the heart of downtown Madison will be held the second Thursday of the months of May, June and August, September. The market will vary from month to month with different vendors and entertainment.

At 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 13, KS Energy Services will close the west leg of West Dayton Street at North Broom Street (see map here). This closure is expected to last approximately three weeks--until Friday, July 6.

This is a continuation of the work for Madison Gas and Electric on North Broom Street to install an underground electrical duct package.

MGE expects KS Energy Services will complete the overall North Broom Street project in mid-July. 

Multiple lanes will be closed at the West Washington Avenue and Proudfit Street intersection starting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 8, and continuing through the weekend until 7:00 a.m., Monday, June 11. The lane closures are needed to replace the concrete within the intersection. The traffic control plan may be viewed here. The specific lane closures are:

• Inbound (eastbound) West Washington Avenue traffic will not be permitted straight thru the intersection
• Eastbound Regent Street traffic will not be permitted to turn left onto West Washington Avenue
• Westbound Proudfit Street traffic will be reduced to one lane

This is the first of several construction phases that will be needed using the same timeframe (9:00 a.m. Friday to 7:00 a.m. Monday) over the next four to five weekends to complete all the concrete replacement within the intersection. Updates will be sent each week, describing the upcoming weekend's lane closures. 

Stroll, roll, pedal or glide your way at Ride the Drive on Sunday, June 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The 10th Annual Ride the Drive, presented by City of Madison Parks, is more than just a bike ride. It is a route of four miles of John Nolen and North Shore Drives closed to motor vehicles. The route provides activities, entertainment, food, restrooms and more at the three adjacent parks: Brittingham, Law and Olin.

Streets on the route will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. John Nolen Drive will be closed from Olin Avenue to the South Blair Street and East Wilson/Williamson Streets intersection. North Shore Drive will be closed from Proudfit Street to John Nolen Drive.

For those not familiar, Ride the Drive is an annual celebration of Madison's commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle. Since 2009, this car-free event has opened streets to bicycles and other forms of transportation, and provided activities and entertainment along the way. For a complete listing of activities, entertainment and food options, visit Ride the Drive.

From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29 and Wednesday, May 30, Fahrner Asphalt will close lanes of West Gorham Street/University Avenue and West Johnson Street at North Bassett Street to install colored crosswalks. 

During this time, the block of North Bassett Street between West Gorham Street/University Avenue and West Johnson Street will also be closed. 

Drivers should expect travel delays, especially on West Gorham Street, during this time and use an alternate route, if possible. 

Madison Water Utility crews are flushing water mains downtown this week during the late evening and early morning hours. When flushing crews are working close to your residence, you may experience periods of discolored water or very low water pressure. The flushing will occur Monday, May 28 - Thursday, May 31, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. It is advised that you avoid doing laundry or other activities for which discolored water could cause problems during flushing operations.  The crews will begin at Blair Street Monday evening and work their way west to Randall Avenue over the next few evenings. The largest impact on core downtown residential properties will be Tuesday overnight.

What is the Water Main (Hydrant) Flushing Program?
To improve water quality and minimize discoloration, City of Madison water mains are comprehensively flushed by a technique known as unidirectional flushing. The procedure is performed in warm-weather months and involves the systematic opening and closing of hydrants, one section of main at a time, to force the water through the pipes at high velocity, removing accumulated mineral sediment until the water is clear. The operation can take from a few minutes to over an hour, although most last about 30 minutes.

Unidirectional flushing differs from conventional flushing in that it involves the closing of adjacent valves and the use of a single hydrant per flush so as to isolate individual sections of main. Conventional flushing also removes accumulated sediment from pipes, but it involves the flushing of multiple hydrants at a time and does not include the valving off of individual sections of main, thereby diminishing the "scouring" efficiency. Conventional flushing is used in areas of the city where fewer minerals build up in the mains, including the downtown.

How Will Flushing Affect Water Service?
When flushing crews are working close to your residence or business, you may experience periods of very low pressure or even a complete stoppage of service. We attempt to notify customers in advance if flushing is expected to result in a complete water outage, but such outages are rare.

Flushing operations may also lead to discolored water, which can be drawn into homes and businesses if the water is being used during or immediately following the flushing. Such events should affect customers for a few hours at most. The discoloration is caused by iron (red color) or manganese (black color) particles being dislodged from the water main which can stain porcelain and laundry. If discoloration occurs, open the cold tap nearest the water meter--usually a basement sink--to full flow until the water runs clear. In some situations this may take 5 to 10 minutes. It is also advised that you make sure your water is clear before doing laundry or other projects for which discolored water could cause problems.

A precise schedule of flushing operations is difficult to determine more than a day in advance. If you wish to be notified before work will be done in your block, please call Shayne Santi at 261-9128 or email water@madisonwater.org.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this annual main cleaning process.

BASSETT NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING: REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR 555 W. WASHINGTON AVENUE

MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2018 - 7:00 P.M.

CAPITOL LAKES RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

333 W. MAIN STREET

Please join me for a neighborhood meeting about a proposal to redevelop 555 West Washington Avenue, located on the corner of West Washington Avenue and South Bedford Street.  The existing two-story credit union/office structure would be deconstructed with a five-story multifamily apartment building proposed to replace it.  The new building would have a total of 44 units comprised of efficiency, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units and enclosed parking for approximately 44 to 46 stalls.

I look forward to seeing you on the 4th.

Alderperson Mike Verveer         

Several Madison streets will be closed this weekend for three Run Madtown races held by Madison Festivals. All race routes start and end on the Capitol Square.

The Twilight 5K and 10K races will start at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 26. The route map for these two races is available here.

The Madtown Half Marathon race starts at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 27. The route map is available here.  

Volunteers and police will be at intersections along the routes. Traffic will be allowed to cross the routes only when there are sufficient gaps in the runners. Drivers should plan to use alternate routes to avoid the race courses.       

There are several Metro Transit detours. Information about those detours is located here.

Starting at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, until approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 24, Edgerton Contractors will close the 10 block of East Doty Street to erect a crane to lift heavy equipment out of the Judge Doyle Square construction site.

East Doty Street will be completely closed between the Block 89 parking garage driveway and South Pinckney Street. A map of detour routes is available here. 

East Doty Street will be converted to two-way traffic from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the Block 89 parking garage to maintain access to and from the garage. The Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Doty Street intersection will be converted to an all-way stop-controlled intersection to allow vehicles to safely exit the Block 89 parking garage.

UPDATE

The contractor has canceled this planned closure and crane set up. It will take place at a later time, yet to be determined. 

From 11:00 a.m. until approximately 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, Edgerton Contractors will close the 10 block of East Doty Street to erect a crane to lift heavy equipment out of the Judge Doyle Square construction site.

East Doty Street will be completely closed between the Block 89 parking garage driveway and South Pinckney Street. A map of detour routes is available here. 

East Doty Street will be converted to two-way traffic from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the Block 89 parking garage to maintain access to and from the garage. The Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Doty Street intersection will be converted to an all-way stop-controlled intersection to allow vehicles to safely exit the Block 89 parking garage.

The Dane County Farmers' Market will take place as usual on the Capitol Square. All streets of the Capitol Square will remain open to public traffic as usual for the Dane County Farmers' Market.    

Metro Transit detours are located here.

From 11:00 a.m. until approximately 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, Edgerton Contractors will close the 10 block of East Doty Street to erect a crane to lift heavy equipment out of the Judge Doyle Square construction site.

East Doty Street will be completely closed between the Block 89 parking garage driveway and South Pinckney Street. A map of detour routes is available here. 

East Doty Street will be converted to two-way traffic from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the Block 89 parking garage to maintain access to and from the garage. The Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Doty Street intersection will be converted to an all-way stop-controlled intersection to allow vehicles to safely exit the Block 89 parking garage.

The Dane County Farmers' Market will take place as usual on the Capitol Square. All streets of the Capitol Square will remain open to public traffic as usual for the Dane County Farmers' Market.    

Metro Transit detours are located here.

Public Input Meeting

Brittingham Dog Park Improvements

The City of Madison Parks Division invites you to attend the second public meeting on the Brittingham Dog Park Improvements. At this meeting, City staff will discuss the project and seek input from the neighborhood. The meeting will be held at the below time and location:

Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

Capitol Lakes Retirement Community - Health Center Auditorium

333 West Main Street

If you have questions or comments but are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Sarah Lerner at (608) 261-4281 or at slerner@cityofmadison.com.

For additional information please visit the project website here.

Great Shopping, Local Makers, Amazing Artisans & MORE!
Its YEAR 2 of the Madison Night Market!!!

 
Madison is famous for great shopping, amazing food and a talented art scene. These three community assets come together for the ultimate urban experience - the Madison Night Market!
 
Thursday, May 10 from 6 pm – 11 pm, Madison's Central Business Improvement District invites the community to come check out the second year of this event!
 
The Madison Night Market is a celebration of Madison's unique and inspiring creative culture. Vendors showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods and fresh produce. The event includes live music, special visiting food carts and pop-up restaurant experiences. The Market is presented by Madison's Central Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the City of Madison.
 
With more than 100 business participating in the first May Market, this event has grown significantly from the first year. The main market, with 80 vendors is located in the heart of the city where State Street meets Gilman Street and NEW THIS YEAR two smaller pop-up markets add to the fun.

The Top of State Street will feature a small selection of vendors from the Monroe Street Merchant Association, an Artist Meet & Greet with "Flamingo Wings" Artist Gabrielle Javier-Cerulli and local buskers.
 
The Bottom of State Street features an overflow of 20+ Madison Night Market Vendors, beats by DJ M. White and FREE graduation cap decorating at University Book Store. The first 50 attendees to attend this pop-up will receive a complimentary Madison Night Market tote.
 
The Market is hosted by the downtown property and business owners. Many businesses within the Central District are staying open later and offering a wide variety of special events and sales. Visit the website at www.madisonnightmarket.com to find out more on these participating retailers and their special offers.
 
The Market, located along Gilman Street in the heart of downtown Madison will be held the second Thursday of the months of May, June and August, September. The market will vary from month to month with different vendors and entertainment. From 6 pm – 11 pm visitors and downtown residents are invited to come celebrate all things Madison.

Regent Street to Bedford Street:

MGE Project:

On Monday, May 7, INTREN Construction will close lanes to construct underground electrical MGE utilities on West Washington Avenue between Regent Street and Bedford Street. One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction. The Southwest Commuter Path will remain open at all times. This project will continue until the start of the City of Madison street reconstruction project.

City of Madison Project:

The City of Madison project will reconstruct West Washington Avenue between Regent Street and Bedford Street. The City contract will start on Tuesday, May 29, with a completion date of mid-August. Included in the City project is pavement replacement within the Regent Street & West Washington Avenue intersection, which will require additional lane closures.

Railroad Crossing Replacement:

Wisconsin and Southern Railroad will replace the railroad track crossing, which will require a full closure of West Washington Avenue (both directions of traffic) for 10 days. This closure is scheduled to take place from 9:00 a.m. Friday, July 27 to 7:00 a.m. Monday, August 6. 

Bedford Street to Broom Street:

INTREN continues work on the MGE project that is on West Washington Avenue between Bedford Street and Broom Street. One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction, at all times. This project will be completed in mid-June. 

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED HOTEL DEVELOPMENT: 118-126 STATE STREET

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2018 - 7:00 P.M.

MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE - ROOM D240

211 N. CARROLL STREET

Please join us for a neighborhood meeting about a proposal to redevelop 118-126 State Street. Ascendant Holdings is proposing to construct a new hotel, with four stories facing State Street and nine stories facing Dayton and Carroll Streets, including approximately 130 guest rooms, a first-floor restaurant and a rooftop lounge and terrace. The project team will present the design progression since the last neighborhood meeting, which includes expanding the footprint of the project from 118-122 State Street to 118-126 State Street.

We look forward to seeing you on the 10th.

Alderpersons Mike Verveer and Ledell Zellers                         

City of Madison Conversation about Street Events on the Isthmus

Thursday, May 3, 2018

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Madison Area Technical College - Room D240

211 N. Carroll Street

WHY: The City is at maximum capacity for events downtown. We want to hear from you.

• How do special events impact you?
• Should the process for approving events be changed?  
• More or less events?

WHO should attend?

• People who live downtown, downtown businesses, bus riders, people who attend events, community organizers, people with fresh ideas. 

The City of Madison is fortunate to have an abundance of festivals, runs, concerts, marches, and other outdoor activities planned on the isthmus each year.  However, that also brings challenges for City staff, budgets, Metro bus riders, neighbors, area businesses, and visitors.  The City of Madison is engaged in an analysis of special events in the downtown area and your feedback is requested.

Who should attend?  Anyone who attends or is impacted by City Street Use Events, Festivals, and Marches – especially those downtown on the isthmus.  City staff will give an overview of concerns about events reaching a "maximum capacity" and facilitate a discussion to learn your concerns and ideas for the future of events downtown. This includes festivals, races, parades, marches, and demonstrations that close down a City street  in the downtown area.  (Note: This meeting is not focused on events that are held in City Parks.)  This is part of a Racial Equity and Social Justice Analyses of the permitting process for special events on City streets.

We look forward to a continued collaborative effort as we plan for the future of outdoor activities in downtown Madison.  You are an important voice in this process and we want to hear from you.  Our discussion will consider issues such as the number, location, size, and length (time and number of days) of events, particularly those on the isthmus, and the impact this has on residents, businesses and city services, staff, and resources. We look forward to your insights.

Please email madisonevents@cityofmadison.com if you have questions or comments.

Hope to see you May 3! 

As many of you are already aware, this Saturday, April 28th, will see large gatherings of people and active house parties on and around Mifflin St.  Activities associated in the Mifflin St. area are unsanctioned.

While Mifflin St. varies from year to year, it is routine to see large numbers (1000's) of people congregating in the 400 and 500 blocks of Mifflin St. and the surrounds, and mass quantities of alcohol are consumed.  In addition, disturbances, fights, and other similar issues are not uncommon.  Given the density of people and the presence of alcohol, Mifflin St. has a significant potential to impact public safety and peace.

In the weeks leading up to this coming weekend, MPD has made a number of contacts in the Mifflin St. area, educating the students, residents, and landlords about what is (and is not) appropriate conduct.  As always, MPD is committed to educate.

MPD is also committed to public safety and good order; as such, MPD will be robustly staffing the Mifflin Street Block Party.  In addition to MPD personnel, including our Special Events Team (SET), the Dane County Sheriff's Office will also be providing a contingent to assist with maintaining order and safety.

MPD discourages attendance of the party; if you decide to participate, please be aware of the following:

• There is a glass ban in effect; no glass containers are allowed
• Intoxicants are not allowed on public space including sidewalks, terraces, and the roadway
• MPD will be paying special attention to alcohol related concerns including underage persons in possession of intoxicants
• MPD's operating philosophy combines education and enforcement; people attending the event should expect to be held accountable for their behavior
• There are no amplification permits and any equipment being set up will be removed
• It is a violation of Madison ordinances to sell merchandise, alcohol, or food even on private property without a permit
• There will be no closure of streets, and traffic and pedestrian laws are still in place
• Ordinances and criminal statutes will be enforced

Thank you and be safe!

Madison Police Captain Jason Freedman

Several downtown streets will be closed on Saturday morning, April 28 for the Crazylegs Classic run/walk. 

Traffic will not be able to cross State Street from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Major streets affected include Gorham Street, Johnson Street and Dayton Street. Through traffic should follow the traffic routes shown on this map. 

Several Metro Transit bus routes will be detoured. Detour details are available here. 

Please allow extra travel time if traveling downtown during this time. 

On Monday, April 23, KS Energy Services will close the west leg of the West Mifflin Street and North Broom Street intersection (see the traffic control plan here). This closure is expected to last three weeks--until Monday, May 14.

This is a continuation of the work for Madison Gas and Electric on North Broom Street to install an underground electrical duct package.

Work is currently taking place in the 10 block of North Broom Street and proceeding toward West Dayton Street. 

Parking will be removed from the block under construction. One traffic lane and a bike lane will remain open on North Broom Street at all times. The sidewalk on the east side of North Broom Street will remain open.

MGE expects the overall project to be completed in mid-June.

Mansion Hill Neighborhood Meeting

Madison Area Technical College Site Redevelopment

Monday, April 30, 2018 - 7:00 p.m.

Madison Area Technical College - Room D240

211 N. Carroll Street

Please join us for a neighborhood meeting about the proposal to redevelop the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) site at 211 N. Carroll Street.  Drury Southwest, Inc. proposes to renovate the existing historic MATC building into 197 hotel rooms.  They would also construct an eight-story building with 12,500 square feet of retail/restaurant space on the first floor and 115 hotel rooms on the upper floors on the site of what is currently MATC's parking structure and plaza on Wisconsin Avenue.  The proposal includes parking for 256 motor vehicles.  Construction would commence mid-2019.

We look forward to seeing you on the 30th.

Alderpersons Mike Verveer and Ledell Zellers

Starting at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18, JP Cullen will close the 10 block of East Doty Street to erect a tower crane at the Judge Doyle Square project.

East Doty Street will be completely closed between the Block 89 parking garage driveway and South Pinckney Street. A map is available here. The closure is expected to last until midday on Sunday, April 22. 

East Doty Street will be converted to two-way traffic from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the Block 89 parking garage to maintain access to and from the garage. The Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Doty Street intersection will be converted to an all-way stop-controlled intersection to allow vehicles to safely exit the Block 89 parking garage.

Wednesday, April 18 is also the first Wednesday Farmers' Market on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The 200 block will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Dane County Farmers' Market will take place as usual on the Capitol Square on Saturday, April 21. All streets of the Capitol Square will remain open to public traffic as usual for the Dane County Farmers' Market.    

Drivers should prepare for traffic delays during morning and afternoon peak traffic times. 

Metro Transit detours are available here.                              

The 2018 property assessments are now available on the City website at cityofmadison.com/assessor. Assessment notices were mailed today to all property owners whether or not their assessment has changed from the previous year's value. Property values increased 6.7% overall from the 2017 assessments. Assessment increases totaled 76.7% of all parcels, decreases totaled 1.1% of parcels and 22.2% of parcels did not change from their 2017 values.

Property owners may view the 2018 preliminary assessments at the Office of the City Assessor on business days between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday, April 16 through Wednesday, May 2. This "Open Book" period is set aside for property owners to discuss their assessments with Assessor's Office staff prior to completion of the assessment roll. Property owners who wish to compare assessments may also view assessment data posted on the Assessor's website. Available information includes owner's name, property address, legal description, sale information and property characteristics.

Owners who disagree with their assessment are encouraged to speak with the appraiser who established the value. If an error was made or if a property owner has evidence that the assessment does not reflect the actual fair market value of the property, the appraiser will take this information into consideration in setting the final assessed value. Appraisers welcome the opportunity to review any and all information provided. The best evidence of value is the recent sale price of the property or the sale prices of comparable properties.

After talking with the Assessor's Office, owners who still feel the assessed value of their property is incorrect may file a formal objection. The Assessor's Office must be notified, either orally or in writing, of intent to object at least 48 hours before the first meeting of the Board of Review. The Board's first scheduled meeting is Wednesday, May 9 at 1:30 p.m. Owners must notify the Assessor's Office of their intent to object no later than 1:30 p.m., Monday, May 7. In addition, an objection form obtained from the Assessor's Office must be completed and filed with the Assessor's Office prior to or within the first two hours of the first meeting of the Board of Review.

The Board of Assessors will review all properly filed objections and make any necessary corrections or changes. The Board will inform owners of its decisions by mail. Owners who disagree with these decisions may proceed to a formal hearing before the Board of Review. Similar to a court, the Board of Review has the responsibility for resolving differences of opinion of valuation. Its function is to decide if the assessment is correct based upon oral testimony and evidence presented by the property owner and the Assessor's staff. After hearing the evidence, the Board will decide whether to lower, raise or sustain the assessment. Board of Review decisions may be appealed to Dane County Circuit Court.

If you have questions concerning your assessment, please contact the Assessor's Office at assessor@cityofmadison.com or (608) 266-4531.

MIFFLIN STREET BLOCK PARTY MEETING

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018

7:00 P.M.

MADISON SENIOR CENTER

330 W. MIFFLIN STREET

As you may know, the Mifflin Street Block Party is fast approaching on Saturday, April 28. The annual event had no cases of serious injuries or property damage last year. As your City alderperson, I need your help again to make the day safe for everyone.

You are invited to attend a neighborhood meeting to discuss this year's event. At the meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the upcoming event with City officials and your neighbors. Representatives of the Madison Police and Fire Departments, Building Inspection Division and I will explain our expectations for the day and will answer all questions. Please help me and your neighbors by joining together to ensure a safe event. I look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

What:   City of Madison Listening Session about Street Use Events with Neighborhoods & Residents

When:   Thursday, April 5, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Where:  Goodman Parks Facilities Building, 1402 Wingra Creek Parkway (off Olin Avenue), First floor meeting room. 

Bus line: This facility is served by Metro Transit Route 13

The City of Madison is fortunate to have an abundance of festivals, runs, concerts, marches, and other outdoor activities planned on the isthmus each year. However, that also brings challenges for City staff, budgets, Metro bus riders, neighbors, and visitors. The City of Madison is engaged in an analysis of special events in the downtown area and your feedback is requested. City staff will give an overview of concerns about events reaching a "maximum capacity" and facilitate a discussion to learn your concerns and ideas for the future of events downtown. This includes any event that closes down a City street in the downtown area. This is part of a Racial Equity and Social Justice Analyses of the permitting process for special events on City streets.

Metro riders are an important voice in this process and we want to hear from you. Our discussion will consider issues such as the number, location, size, and length (time and number of days) of events, particularly those on the isthmus, and the impact this has on residents, businesses and City services, staff, and resources. We look forward to your insights.

Interested persons are encouraged to attend to learn and provide feedback, however written questions and comments can be sent to: madisonevents@cityofmadison.com.

Please also take the Metro Special Events Online Survey.

In addition to the Madison Gas and Electric construction that began on West Washington Avenue today, KS Energy Services began work for MGE today on North Broom Street between West Washington Avenue and West Mifflin Street to install underground electrical duct facilities.

The work began in the 10 block of North Broom Street and will proceed toward, and including, the West Dayton Street intersection. Work will only take place in one block of North Broom Street at a time. 

Parking will be removed from the block under construction. One traffic lane and a bike lane will remain open at all times. The sidewalk on the east side of North Broom Street will remain open.

MGE expects the project to be completed by mid-June. 

On Monday, April 2 at 9:00 a.m., MGE and its subcontractors will be restricting the 400 and 500 blocks of West Washington Avenue to a single traffic lane in each direction. Two way traffic will be maintained at all times within the work zone as construction phasing progresses between Bedford Street and Broom Street. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes as the lane restrictions are expected to cause travel delays. Construction will begin at the Bedford Street intersection and head east toward the Capitol.

MGE plans to start work on April 30 on the portion of West Washington Avenue between Bedford Street and the railroad crossing to finish the majority of MGE's work before the City street reconstruction project starts on approximately June 1. The lane closures are needed for MGE to install underground electrical duct work. The project is anticipated to be completed by mid-June. The sidewalks on the north and south sides of West Washington Avenue will remain open.

In-person absentee voting is underway for City of Madison residents for the April 3 spring election. In addition to the City Clerk's Office in the City-County Building, absentee voting and voter registration are available at all Madison Public Library locations and at other locations. Hours and locations are listed here. To view a sample ballot, look up your voter registration or your street address here.

If you are voting absentee through the mail, remember that Madison's mail is processed in Milwaukee, increasing the amount of time it takes to return your ballot to the City Clerk's Office. Rather than mailing your absentee ballot back to the Clerk's Office, you are welcome to drop it off with the Clerk's Office personnel at an absentee voting site. Otherwise, be sure to mail your ballot back to the Clerk's Office as soon as possible so it can be counted.

The Beacon is a homeless day shelter and services provider that opened at 615 E. Washington Ave. on October 16, 2017.  Since opening, the Beacon has generated excitement and provided services to hundreds of people every week.  The opening of the Beacon has also generated a lot of calls for service and impacted the neighborhood and surrounds in which it resides.

At recent community meetings and forums, I have heard a number of questions and concerns regarding the Beacon; with a community meeting scheduled for April 4 (5:30 PM at the Beacon), I thought now might be an opportune time to reflect on the Beacon from the perspective of Central Police District (CPD).

To begin, there are three over-arching factors to consider about the Beacon:

First, the Beacon helps to serve a very vulnerable and in-need population, and Madison needs places like the Beacon.  As a law enforcement professional and a human being, I support the mission and intent of the Beacon.

Second, the Beacon's location was determined through a long and deliberate process that is concluded; regardless of how some may feel about the current location, it is not going anywherethe challenge is to adapt to this new reality and mitigate the negative impacts while providing critically needed services.

Third, the population the Beacon serves is vulnerable and encumberedhomelessness, AODA issues, mental health challenges and etc.and given the challenges this population faces, we should expect 1) calls for service (CFS) inside the Beacon; 2) more calls for service in the area around the Beacon; and 3) greater pedestrian traffic in the area.  These calls will predominantly be quality of life type callsdisorderly behavior, alcohol violations, trespassing, and noise.  There will also be calls (albeit fewer in number) that are more impactful to safetypedestrian safety, batteries, and other behaviors that area residents find disturbing and threatening. While I am very empathetic to the struggles and needs of this population, it is my joband the job of my officersto ensure that negative behaviors, particularly those that impact safety and quality of life, are addressed and people are held accountable for their actions.  Citations and physical arrests will be employed as appropriate, but accountability does not automatically equal arrest.

I will not provide you a substantive update about services the Beacon is currently providing or other matters not related to interactions and partnership between MPD and the Beacon.  Rather, I will highlight MPD's efforts at addressing the increased activity in and around the Beacon. 

Let's start with a little history.  Approximately one year ago, MPD began meeting with Beacon leadership to discuss a host of potential issues and concerns that might arise with the creation of an ambitious day-services provider.  Immediately I was impressed with the earnestness and passion of Beacon staff, and their dedication to their mission.  The Beacon gave MPD the opportunity to provide input across a spectrum of security/police related issues.   Throughout the spring and summer of 2017, we met with the Beacon and provided advice on their policies and procedures concerning safety and quality of life related matters.  While we may not have agreed on every point, I was (and remain) convinced that the Beacon was always willing to listen and discuss the salient issues.  It was my belief that the focus of the Beacon was (and remains) providing services to those in need, and it is that laudable perspective which drives their decision-making.

Since opening, there have been issues at the Beacon.  But no one should be surprised about the challenges of working with such a vulnerable population.  Significantly, there were 40 CFS to the Beacon in January (making it the second most responded to location in the City that month) and 45 CFS in February (making it the number one call generator for February).  The volume of calls was unsustainable for my team and represented safety and security concerns for Beacon staff and their clientele whose ability to receive necessary services was negatively impacted.

MPD continued to meet with Beacon staff, as well as other stakeholders, to discuss concerns and adopt changes to address issues.  While some progress was made, it became clear to all involved that more impactful changes needed consideration.

In late February, Lt. Brian Chaney-Austin and Neighborhood Resource Officer Ken Brown had an urgent meeting with the Beacon; from that meeting, a clear and transparent code of conduct policy was adopted by the Beacon, akin to what the Madison Public Library uses.  The policy was effected on February 27.  As of March 20, there have been 12 CFS, several of which represented follow-up by MPDa significant reduction (thus far) over the previous two months.  Some of these calls involved the Beacon requesting MPD to handle a small problem before it became larger.  Importantly for me, my officers who respond to the Beacon agree that things are much improved.  Further, as the 'culture of conduct' becomes the norm at the Beacon, I expect further overall reductions in calls.

I am now confident that given all of the new and improved systems and processes that the Beacon has implemented, that the volume and intensity of the problematic activity will curtail significantly.  I am also confident that by reducing negative behaviors, not only will staff, clientele, and officers be safer, but it will also be easier to provide services to those most in need.  However, should current processes not prove sufficient, MPD will continue to work collaboratively with the Beacon and others, as needed, to mitigate the problems.

However, given the inherent challenges of the clientele, we should be under no illusions that there will not continue to be calls in and around the Beacon.  In fact, MPD expects that while inside the Beacon will remain a calmer, more productive space, we will see more issues and calls for service in areas around the Beacon including but not limited to nearby parks, public spaces, and even into private spaces.

Because of these expectations, CPD identified the area around the Beacon as a district priority for 2018.  In order to mitigate concerning behaviors, CPD is using a number of different strategies.  We have requested a problem solving initiative for the area (essentially a pool of overtime funds to allow us to provide extra patrol and enforcement in identified hotspots).  We are examining alcohol sales and retailers in the area to see if we can identify practices that will reduce alcohol related issues.  We provide extra routine patrol, and we continue to have our NRO be our lead for all Beacon related matters.  We have worked with surrounding properties to post no-trespassing signs, consider lighting improvements, and examine other environmental changes that would foster safety and security.

As with many of the challenges we face, MPD cannot effectively address these problems alone.  In addition to our ongoing relationship with the Beacon, we need YOU to assist us.  Please call when you observe or experience an incident or issueand your willingness to pursue a complaint is also important.  We will provide additional resources, but knowing when and where to put those resources is determined often by calls for service and other dataif you don't call, it is much more difficult to identify where we need to be. 

The Beacon represents a great opportunity for Madison and, more importantly, for those struggling in life.  MPD fully supports the Beacon's mission.  We also understand that great opportunities often come with great challenges.  MPD is committed to working with the Beacon and others to address those challenges.  While we may not eliminate deep societal problems, we can work together to provide necessary services while holding people accountable for their behaviors.

Jason Freedman

Central District Police Captain

Starting on Thursday, March 22 at 7:00 a.m., R.G. Huston Company will close the 200 block of South Hamilton Street between West Doty Street and West Wilson Street to reconstruct the street. A traffic detour will be signed to use South Broom Street, West Washington Avenue, and South Fairchild Street. A map of the closure and detour route is available here.

The closure is expected to last approximately nine weeks--until May 25.

Metro Transit bus route detours can be found here.

Additional information can be found on the project webpage here.
 

The annual Madison Shamrock Shuffle run and St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place on Saturday, March 17.

Shamrock Shuffle runners start on State Street and head east toward West Gilman Street. State Street will be closed between North Lake Street and West Gilman Street from 6:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The 5k and 10k races start at 10:00 a.m., and the last runners will cross the finish line around 11:30 a.m. Streets on the course will be temporarily closed as runners go through.

The St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place at 1:30 p.m. on the Capitol Square. The Capitol Square will be closed to traffic from 11:00 a.m. until about 3:00 p.m.

Metro Transit route detours may be found here.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

As you likely know, a national school walkout on gun violence will take place on Wednesday, March 14. 

In Madison, students and others are expected to meet at Madison East High School around 11:00 a.m. and begin walking to the Capitol at noon to attend a rally. Due to the large expected crowd size, multiple lanes of westbound East Washington Avenue will likely need to be closed. Severe westbound East Washington Avenue traffic impacts are expected from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Drivers should use alternate routes at that time.

In addition, UW students are planning to stage at Library Mall and walk on State Street, to the rally at the Capitol at noon. Traffic delays on West Gorham Street and West Johnson Street are expected due to this protest.   

The rally is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the State Street entrance to the Capitol. The size of the crowd at the Capitol may necessitate closing the streets of the Capitol Square. 

Metro Transit delays and detours can be expected. The event is expected to end and streets opened by 3:00 p.m.

Starting on Monday, March 12 at 7:00 a.m., R.G. Huston Company will close one westbound traffic lane of West Wilson Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and South Hamilton Street. This closure is required for the reconstruction of West Wilson Street, which will involve the replacement of pavement, city utilities, curb and gutter and sidewalk.

The closure is expected to last until mid-July.

More information can be found on the project webpage here.

The City of Madison Streets Division will plow all City of Madison Streets today. There is no declared snow emergency.

Streets Division crews along with heavy equipment contractors began plowing all city streets at 7:00 a.m. today. All Madison streets should have their initial plowing 12 to 14 hours after the citywide operation commenced. The combined plow force of the Streets Division and heavy equipment contractors will be approximately 150 pieces of equipment. 

While there is no snow emergency, the Streets Division requests that all Madison residents remove vehicles and trailers from the street if possible. Residents who receive refuse and recycling today are encouraged to place their carts on their terrace or driveway apron rather than placing them in the street. Fewer obstacles in the road means plowing operations will be safer, faster, and more complete.  

Parking Information
There is no declared snow emergency in effect tonight. This means that alternate side parking restrictions will only be enforced outside of the downtown snow emergency zone.

Residents within the snow emergency zone are still encouraged to remove their vehicles from the street in order to help with plowing operations. Since plowing will be occurring during the daylight hours, it is important to abide by all daytime parking restrictions. Adhering to those rules will also assist with plowing operations as crews work to push snow from the street.

Residents outside of the snow emergency should also remove vehicles from the street if possible. Also, please note that alternate side parking restrictions will be enforced in the areas outside of the snow emergency zone from 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Vehicles violating alternate side parking rules may be ticketed and towed.  

Additional Information on Plowing Operations
Since the Streets Division will be plowing during the day, it is probable travelers will encounter snowplows working to clear the roads. Be sure to give the operators plenty of space as they work to make the roads safe. Also, since this will be a daytime plowing operation, crews may also be slowed by the regular daytime traffic, and combing that with the dense wet snow could result in a slower than usual citywide plowing operation.

When you are on the roads during the plowing operations, it is common to encounter temporary windrows blocking side streets as crews loop through neighborhoods plowing the snow back to the curb.  

Since plowing operations are happening during the day, many residents will return to their home after work to find their street plowed and driveway apron blocked with snow. Snow in the driveway apron is a regular occurrence during plowing. Plow trucks follow the curb line, and their plow blades are angled toward the curb as well in order to push snow out of the street. Snow builds on the plow blade as they drive forward since the curb does not allow snow to fall off the blade. Gaps in the curb created by driveway aprons means snow falls off the blade and into the apron gap.

Yesterday's snow was a very heavy and wet snowfall. Residents are reminded to take care when clearing their sidewalks and driveways. Clearing driveway aprons after the street has been plowed may be particularly taxing as the heavy wet snow may be difficult to remove. Be sure not to overexert yourself, and take breaks as needed.

For those commuting through the city, everyone should make good choices when on the roads. Roadway users should be slow, patient, and safe. Crews worked through the night on the salt routes, which are the main thoroughfares of Madison. Therefore, these main streets are in good winter driving conditions, but those using these roadways should still be prepared to encounter some slippery patches. Residential streets are covered with wet heavy snow, meaning conditions will be quite slippery. Residential streets will remain snow covered until plow trucks can service these streets, which again, will take some time.

Starting today, JP Cullen will close the southbound traffic lanes of North Lake Street between State Street and University Avenue. The closure will last until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 9, barring weather delays. 

This closure is to allow a crane to be placed in the street as part of the construction of the UW Music Performance Building. 

During the closure, northbound traffic will be allowed as normal. A pedestrian walkway will be in place next to the crane on the west side of the street, and the sidewalk on the east side of the street will remain open. 

Access to the State Street Campus parking garage will remain open. However, vehicles existing the parking garage on North Lake Street will need to turn north to Langdon Street. 

Metro Transit will have several detours, which can be found here.

Intercity buses will relocate from their current location on the 800 block of Langdon Street to University Avenue between North Park Street and East Campus Mall.

Madison Police Chief Mike Koval is hosting a series of annual community forums throughout the city. These are opportunities for you to listen to Chief Koval and his colleagues discuss crime trends and MPD initiatives, ask questions and discuss issues of concern. You will also hear from local police district staff and some MPD specialty units. The Central Police District forum to discuss issues of particular concern to downtown and isthmus neighborhoods will be held on Monday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the Madison Central Library, 201 West Mifflin Street, in a meeting room on the third floor.

A complete list of community forums is available here.

Madison Fire Department and Madison Police Department arson investigators are seeking the assistance of the community in identifying a person of interest in the recent fire of two vehicles parked at the intersection of West Main Street and South Bedford Street. The fire occurred at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 15. Two video clips of the person of interest are available here. Anyone with information should contact Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014. Callers may remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward.

The City of Madison is proposing to resurface and replace utilities on the 600 block of West Washington Avenue this year. Perhaps most importantly, replacement of the deteriorated West Washington Avenue railroad crossing will occur. Work on West Washington Avenue between Bedford Street and Proudfit and Regent Streets will include replacement of sanitary sewer and storm sewer, and replacement of the pavement with asphalt pavement being installed between the railroad crossing and Bedford Street, and replacement of sections of concrete pavement as needed between Proudfit and Regent Streets and the railroad crossing. Curb and sidewalk will be replaced as needed throughout the project.

The City Engineering Division will be hosting a public informational meeting on the proposed project on:

Monday, February 19 at 6:00 p.m.

Delta Properties

612 West Main Street

This project is being coordinated with Wisconsin & Southern Railroad so that they can replace the railroad crossing at West Washington Avenue during the City's project. Madison Gas and Electric Company will also be doing work on West Washington Avenue, which will include the installation of a new electrical conduit package. This is a continuation of their work from last fall. This proposed project will include assessments to the adjacent properties, so information regarding the assessments and the schedule of public hearings will be presented at this meeting. Additionally, general information regarding expectations during construction will be provided.

If you have any questions or would like to provide additional comments regarding this project, please contact the Project Engineer, Jim Wolfe, at 608-266-4099 or at jwolfe@cityofmadison.com.

The Chinese Students and Scholars Association at UW-Madison is again this year celebrating the arrival of Chinese Lunar New Year by producing a fireworks display tonight, Sunday, February 11, at Memorial Union. The fireworks are scheduled to begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. and last for approximately 15 minutes following the conclusion of their annual Spring Festival Gala at Memorial Union. The fireworks will be launched from the Lake Mendota ice cover. Many downtown residents in prior years have been surprised by the intensity of the volume of this annual display. In part, because the event traditionally receives little publicity outside of the campus community.

Happy Year of the Dog!

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Sunday, February 11. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine. Violators will also very likely be towed again tonight. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.
 
When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
 
Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the site or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 11. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

Parking on the Street Friday Night
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of February 9 into early morning of February 10) must park their vehicles on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators will also very likely be towed this weekend. If a vehicle is towed, an additional $65 towing fee is added to the parking citation.

Parking on the Street Saturday Night
Vehicles parked on the street tomorrow night (the evening of February 10 into early morning of February 11) must be parked on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Snow Plowing Update

The Streets Division along with contractors began plowing all city streets at approximately 7:00 a.m. today. It will take 12 to 14 hours for all streets to be cleared. The combined plow force of the Streets Division and contractors will be approximately 150 pieces of equipment.

Residential streets will be slick due to the accumulated snow. Plan on continuing to need extra travel time to get to your destination. While plowing operations occurred throughout the day and into the evening, it is still very important to abide by alternate side parking rules during the 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. window. Crews will be working through the night after the initial plowing is over in order to clear areas blocked by cars during the initial plowing phase.

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, Febuary 6. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.
 
When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
 
Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the site or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6. Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

Parking on the Street Sunday Night
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of February 4 into early morning of February 5) must park their vehicles on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators could also be towed.

Parking on the Street Monday Night
Vehicles parked on the street tomorrow night (the evening of February 5 into early morning of February 6) must be parked on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Snow Plowing Update

The Streets Division along with contractors began plowing all city streets at approximately 11:00 a.m. today. It will take 12 to 14 hours for all streets to be cleared. The combined plow force of the Streets Division and contractors will be approximately 150 pieces of equipment.

As temperatures drop, the salt applied to the salt routes will become less effective, and slippery areas may develop. Residential streets will also be slick due to the accumulated snow. Plan on needing extra travel time to get to your destination. While plowing operations will occur during the afternoon and into the evening, it is still very important to abide by alternate side parking rules during the 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. window. Crews will be working through the night after the initial plowing is over in order to clear areas blocked by cars during the initial plowing phase.

The City of Madison is redesigning Brittingham Dog Park! 

This project is to redesign the dog park to not only make it more usable and inviting for dog park users, but to also develop a design reflective of the aesthetics of Madison's downtown. This project will look at different options for the dog park, including possible synthetic dog turf. 

Madison Parks will hold two public input meetings on this project. The first public meeting will be at the below date and location. At this meeting, City staff will discuss the project and seek input from the neighborhood.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Capitol Lakes Retirement Community - Grand Hall
333 West Main Street

Free parking is available in the ramp across the street and will be validated by Capitol Lakes Retirement Community.

If you have questions or concerns but cannot attend the meeting, please contact Sarah Lerner at slerner@cityofmadison.com or (608) 266-4711. 

Additional information is available here.

PARK ON THE ODD SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

A snow emergency remains in effect for the entire City of Madison until 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 17. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street tonight if possible. If you must park on the street this evening you should park on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Details on winter parking restrictions are available at cityofmadison.com/winter. Violations of the alternate side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine.

Crews will be working throughout the night to plow back areas that had been blocked by parked cars during the initial plowing operation. Snow that cannot be plowed from the street due to parked vehicles may freeze solid and impede traffic and parking all winter long.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned parking garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.
 
When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in City garages longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and garages are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
 
Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Residents can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts whenever a snow emergency is declared at cityofmadison.com/winter. You will also get storm and plowing updates at the site or by calling (608) 261-9111. 

PARK ON THE EVEN SIDE OF THE STREET TONIGHT

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 17.

The Streets Division along with contractors will begin plowing all city streets starting around 8:00 p.m. this evening when most of the snow has stopped. Currently, Streets Division crews are maintaining the City salt routes and will remain on the salt routes until switching to plowing operations around 8:00 p.m. Our combined plow force will be approximately 150 pieces of equipment. Even though this has been a powdery, dry snow, there are over four inches of snow on the ground, so it will take crews 12 to 14 hours to clear all residential streets curb to curb.

Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Residents are also encouraged not to place their refuse and recycling carts in the street. Fewer obstacles in the road means the plowing operations will be safer, faster and more complete.

Parking on the Street Monday Night
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of January 15 into early morning of January 16) must park their vehicles on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators could also be towed.

Parking on the Street Tuesday Night
Vehicles parked on the street tomorrow night (the evening of January 16 into early morning of January 17) must be parked on the ODD house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs. Parking is available in the cashiered sections of City-owned garages in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City garages from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. If you enter before 9:00 p.m. or leave after 7:00 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the garages overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in City garages and lots are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Free parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of West Washington Avenue.

Tuesday's Commute
For the Tuesday morning commute, residents should give themselves additional time to get to work or school. The pre-storm brining operations combined with salt routes being maintained during the storm means the major thoroughfares in Madison will likely be in fair winter driving conditions come Tuesday morning, but some slick spots may persist. Also, residential plowing could still be ongoing, so be sure to give the plows plenty of room to perform their work safely. Overnight plowing operations may push snow from the street and block some driveway aprons, so residents may need to get up earlier than usual to be sure they have time to clear a path for their vehicles.

Two Rounds of Tree Collection

Starting Tuesday, January 2nd the Streets Division will begin Christmas tree collection. As in years past, there will be two rounds of tree collection.
 
The first round of Christmas tree collection will begin on Tuesday, January 2. Christmas trees placed to the curb by 7:00 a.m. on January 2 in accordance to the rules outlined below will be collected prior to January 16, barring any winter weather complications. Placing your tree to the curb after January 2 could result in your tree not being collected during the first round.
 
The second round of Christmas tree collection will begin on Tuesday, January 16. Christmas trees placed to the curb by 7:00 a.m. on January 16 will be collected prior to February 1, barring any winter weather complications. 
 
If you place your tree to the curb after 7:00 a.m. on January 16, you may miss your final collection round. Residents electing to have their trees collected at the curb rather than bringing the tree to a drop-off site are strongly encouraged to have their tree curbside prior to January 16.
 
After the second round of tree collection is complete, crews will transition to other priorities. Trees set to the curb after the second round of collection occurs in your neighborhood will sit on the terrace until crews begin regular brush collection in March.
 
Wreaths, evergreen rope, garlands, and boughs will not be collected with Christmas trees. These items regularly contain wire that can jam equipment by becoming entangled inside the chipper. Please place these into your tan refuse cart or private dumpster.
 
Plowing and other snow and ice control issues take priority over tree collection, and this may cause delays.
 
Collection Rules
Trees are processed with expensive wood chippers. These machines can be easily damaged by metal, wire, and other foreign material. To protect this equipment and the safety of our workers we ask that all residents follow these rules. Failure to follow these rules may result in your tree being left at the curb.

• Remove all tree stands regardless of whether they are metal or wood.
• Remove all light strings, ornaments and other metal objects.
• Remove any tree bags.
• Place trees at the street edge only.
• If trees become buried under snow residents are asked to dig out trees.

Drop-Off Sites
Residents may also bring Christmas trees to a City drop-off site. The sites are located at 1501 West Badger Road on the southwest side and 4602 Sycamore Avenue on the east side.
 
The drop-off sites are open 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. These hours will remain in effect until expanded hours begin on Saturday, March 31.
 
Happy New Year!

LAST CHANCE – TAKE THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION SURVEY

To help in creating Madison's first ever Historic Preservation Plan, the City is conducting a survey about the places that matter to ALL Madisonians. To date, over 675 surveys have been completed. Thank you!

Please take this survey about important places in Madison and tell us what is important to you.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CityofMadisonHPPSurvey1

The survey results will be used at upcoming public meetings and the survey will be open until December 31, 2017.

Visit our website www.cityofmadison.com/historicpreservationplan, email historicpreservation@cityofmadison.com, or call 608-266-6552 or 608-267-8649 (se habla espanol) for more information.

Thank you for your interest in the Historic Preservation Plan.

It is that time of year again, it is time to expect your City of Madison property tax bill. Property tax bill calculation and preparation was delayed this year by approximately one week. My apologies for any inconvenience that this may have caused.

Beginning today, the City of Madison Treasurer's Office is now accepting 2017 property tax payments. 2017 property tax bills were mailed today and are now available online here. There are a couple of methods of payment that will make the process easier.

Consider Enrolled Payments. Using this method, you may pay online using your checking/savings account. You can view activity, edit your profile, or add/delete accounts. Select from a variety of email notifications to help manage your payments. There is not a fee for using eBilling. Residents who pay their bills in installments using the enrolled payments can easily set up their accounts to get the added benefit of electronic reminders as a due date approaches.

Another payment option is payment by phone. This service offers both the option of English and Spanish via an automated service operating 24 hours per day. You will be able to enter your checking/savings account or credit/debit card privately by phone by calling 877-899-4281. Individuals using this service are asked to have their parcel and bill numbers ready. There is a fee for using a credit/debit card. There is not a fee for using a checking or savings account.

In addition, as always, property owners are able to make a onetime payment by credit or debit card or accessing a checking or savings account. There is a fee for using a credit or debit card but none for using a checking or savings account. Residents are still able to submit their payments by mail to the City Treasurer's office. All mailing information is included in the tax bill. You may also pay in person at the City Treasurer's office in the City-County Building.

All tax payments postmarked on or before December 31, 2017 will be processed as having been paid in 2017.

Earlier this year, I blogged about a host of concerns occurring in the area of 600 University Ave.  Since that time, there have been a number of incidents, stories, and efforts made to address the myriad of challenges that face this very important part of our city. I wanted to take a moment and refresh the situation and provide you with an update detailing many of our efforts at addressing the concerns.

For many years, the area of 600 University Ave (including Frances St, Gilman St, Hawthorne Ct, Lake St, and the 600 block of State St) has generated many issues for the public and policecalls for service (CFS), disturbances, batteries, damage to property, and a variety of safety and quality of life concerns, usually related to the (over)consumption of alcohol.

The Central Police District (and all of MPD!) is aware of a number of areas of concernsome of which are historic and recurring; and others of which have emerged more recently.  Issues include the behaviors and demeanor of the bar-time crowd, late night food carts, parking ramp concerns, the taxi stands, and parking on the streets.  The growing violence and safety issues were, of course, preeminent. CPD began working on these various concerns, devoting significant amounts of time to comprehensively tackle the situation.

Most urgently, this area experienced what became a pattern or routine of very violent incidents, one of the first being a savage knock-out battery in Hawthorne Ct in February.  Mid-year a fight in the area seemed to directly lead to a homicide on the east side of Madison.  Later in the Fall, large disturbances took place on 3 consecutive Saturday nights at bar-time, requiring the use of OC (and sometimes horses) to disperse the crowds. Even with the onset of colder weather, we continue to have concerns and, just this last weekend, another large disturbance required OC spray to disperse (and two individuals were arrested).

(Intoxicated) crowd densityparticularly after bar-timeis a driving factor impacting many of the issues.  However, the 600 University area is also becoming more reflective of the broader challenges of violence and behavior faced by the entire community.  These challenges may or may not be temporary.

The below is a summary of CPD's problem solving efforts in the area.  I cannot emphasize enough the collaborative work done between a number of different agencies including the Mayor's Office, City Attorney's Office, Building Inspection, Streets, Traffic Engineering, the Parking Utility, and our downtown Alders.

Actions Taken:

Late night food carts

• Cart hours and locations were contributing to density concerns, especially after bars closed
• CPD Command met numerous times with the Alders (Verveer and Wood), the City Attorney's Office, Vending, and the Vending Oversight Committee; we also organized a meeting with businesses being impacted by the carts who strongly supported changes in location and hours
• Ultimately (after significant debate) the carts were moved effective 9/14
• The VOC denied any changes in food cart hours
• Officers report that, anecdotally at least, the move has been a positive step
• Work remains to solidify and build on improvements for the next season (which begins next spring)
• Following a significant event at one of the food carts over the summer, CPD worked with the City Attorney's Office and the Vending Oversight Committee to successfully revoke the late night vending license of that cart
• CPD posits that late night vending on 600 University (and after bar time in general) is counter-productive to our mission of addressing the safety concerns downtown.

Taxi Stand

• The location of the stand on the 600 block contributed to both density issues as well as pedestrian and traffic safety
• CPD Command met with Alder Verveer, Traffic Engineering, and other stakeholders and eventually moved the stand to the Gilman St area which presents fewer safety concerns and gets people moved off of the 600 block
• We will continue to assess the current location; the optimal location is most likely west of 600 University but was not currently viable due to construction

Parking

• Parking along 600 University and Hawthorne contributes to density in the area
• Parking negatively impacts traffic flow and creates pedestrian hazards
• Working with T&E and Alder Verveer, no stopping, standing, or parking signs were erected throughout the area for the overnight hours

Parking Ramp

• The Lake/Frances ramp generates three concerns:

1. Pedestrian Safety: at the end of the evening, cars back up waiting to exit. Drivers get frustrated and there is a steady stream of vehicles exited the area simultaneously with a lot of pedestrian traffic
2. Criminal behavior taking place in the rampsdrug activity, batteries and etc. This was facilitated by having a 20-minute grace period upon entering the ramp
3. Parking staff often had to deal with people making poor choices after bar-time (including making change for people without credit cards)

• To address these issues, CPD Command met with parking staff, Alder Verveer, Parking Utility and T&E to discuss pay on entry; on October 11th a resolution was passed allowing for pay on entry on some weekend nights and this feature has been utilized on a number of weekend nights
• As resources/circumstances have allowed, DSI also started to patrol the ramps

Lighting

• We recognize that there are lighting issues in both public and private areas of 600 University (and surrounds)
• Inadequate lighting is not only a safety issue but can also impact the quality of video evidence from City cameras (and therefore our ability to solve crimes)
• Our City partners worked to increase City lighting in some of our area over 25% and we continue to explore additional ways to add illumination
• We've also required some of the bars to install additional lighting

Downtown Safety Initiative

• Lt Austin of CPD has done an outstanding job seeing DSI staffed at a very high level in 2017
• Average Staffing level for 2017 has been in the 12-15 officer range; staffing costs in 2017 are significantly greater than in 2016, largely reflecting the increased number of people working on weekend nights and the increased number of weekends that fielded DSI contingents
• Horses have been utilized with great success; horses provide both an excellent vantage point as well as ability to move into a crowd and move a crowd; horses are routinely asked to join DSI (and often present)
• In response to a series of very violent batteries in February of 2017 near Hawthorne Ct, DSI resources were also utilized during a traditionally non DSI timeframe
• MPD Command has worked multiple DSI initiatives to observe and experience the issues first hand
• Staffing DSI at this very robust level is very challenging given the number of other demands on our officers

Special Events Team

• In an effort to address the large fights and disturbances that have broken out on several occasions, CPD requested the utilization of SET personnel to assist with bar-time incidents particularly on Saturday nights
• On Saturday October 7th, approximately 12 SET personnel worked downtown supplementing the DSI contingent
• SET provided approximately 15 additional personnel to work 12/2/17 for the Big 10 Championship game
• CPD Command is also working with SET to incorporate SET presence on a semi-regular basis for the warmer months of 2018

Bar Meetings

• Central CPT has led the effort regarding the downtown bars
• Including walk-throughs, capacity checks, and enforcement
• In the early summer, CPD Command reached out to a cadre of bar owners in the 600 block of University Ave in order to work collaboratively
• There have been 3 fully attended group meetings where issues, information, concerns, and solutions were shared
• Alder Verveer and the City Attorney's Office actively participate in these meetings
• CPT established liaisons to work 1-on-1 with each establishment

Bar-Specific Issues/Meetings

• When concerns or patterns are observed, we notify and work with the establishment in question to remedy, or at least mitigate, the concerns
• CPT liaisons
• Notification of issues/concerns
• ALRC remains an option should compliance not be forthcoming

Cameras

• Working with Alder Zellers, additional cameras were brought into the downtown area in 2017
• We are currently working with City IT to make the camera system more user friendly and responsive to MPD's needs
• CPD continues to identify areas where additional cameras may be needed

ALRC

• CPD Commandalong with Alders and the CA Officewill continue to address concerns (as appropriate) with the ALRC

Violence Suppression Initiative

• CPD identified the area of 600 University as an appropriate location to utilize additional resources provided by the VSI
• In addition to DSI, we fielded additional platoons of LE on several dates
• Including ATF, P&P, Gang Unit, and TEST resources

Partnerships

• CPD Command is currently working with UW POLD researches, UW Madison PD, and Public Health to look at trends related to alcohol, violence, calls for service, and how these patterns do or do not correlate with particular areas or establishments

I am very proud of the work that MPD and our various partners have done in 2017 to mitigate the issues on 600 University Ave; I also recognize that we have hard work still to do.  We are continuing to work with the Mayor's Office, the ALRC, Alders, City Agencies, and other partners, and are establishing new relationships and partnerships to work towards additional progress and safety.

Captain Jason Freedman

On Saturday, December 2, starting at 2:00 p.m. the Run Santa Run 5K will take place. Runners will start on the Capitol Square, head east on East Mifflin Street to North Baldwin Street and return on East Dayton Street. A map of the route is available here. 

Police will keep North Webster Street open during the run. 

The last runners will be finished around 3:15 p.m.  

The streets of the Capitol Square (Mifflin Street, Carroll Street, Main Street and Pinckney Street) will be closed from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Metro Transit buses will not serve the Capitol Square all day on Saturday. The Capitol Loop Detour will be utilized one block off the Square.

There will be no recycling, refuse or large item collection by the City Streets Division on Thursday, November 23 or Friday, November 24 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. If your material is normally collected on Thursday, it will instead be collected on Wednesday, November 22. Recycling and refuse collection in the core downtown will occur on Wednesday. Please place recycling and refuse carts to the curb for pickup by 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Streets Division drop-off sites will be closed on Thursday and Friday. They will reopen on Saturday, November 25.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Madison's Central Business Improvement District (BID) new, unified Downtown Holiday Celebration called "Shine On Madison" begins today, Saturday, November 18, with a special lighting ceremony at the top of State Street.

This six-week community event will include a holiday lighting ceremony, a celebration of the history of the Capitol, a special focus on downtown retailers, enjoyment of the arts and a strong sense of community.

With 7 community light displays, 13 specially decorated areas, fantastic restaurants and the region's best shopping options, Downtown Madison is the perfect place to celebrate the season with friends and family.

SEASONAL LIGHTS: In partnership with Madison Community Foundation, the BID has added 13 new lighted activity areas and 7 community partner light displays. These new lights along with over 100 snowflake pole lights and seasonal planters will create a fun festive reason to come visit. Many area property and business owners are participating too. The new displays will be turned on for the first time on November 18 and stay up through January 7. An interactive map is available here.

COMMUNITY DISPLAYS: Seven special community partners have designed creative and innovated planter displays. These displays will be up all season. Community partners include: Clean Lakes Alliance, OutReach, B-Cycle, Madison Reading Project, Grace Food Pantry, Theatre Lila, and Make-a-Wish.

LIGHTING CEREMONY: At 6:00 p.m. tonight (November 18) join Santa & Mrs. Claus, Bucky Badger, City officials and more for a special ceremony where the Capitol Square meets State Street. At 6:08 p.m. (a nod to our 608 area code) in partnership with WOLX 94.9 we will turn on all the lights. Many special surprises are in store for this very special event. Area arts groups and non-profits are also participating with special events like a "Petting Zoo" at the Madison Public Library from 2–5:00 p.m. The complete list is available at ShineOnMadison.com.

WINDOW DISPLAY COMPETITION: Businesses in the BID are competing for bragging rights! The Window Display Competition will run from Saturday, November 18 through Sunday, November 26. Guests can pick up and drop off a ballot at the Downtown Visitors Center (452 State Street) near Lisa Link Peace Park or at participating businesses.

WINTER NIGHT MARKET: A new Madison Night Market – Winter Carnival will include 40–50 vendors showcasing handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods, games and special visiting food carts. This winter event will be held on the 100 block of State Street today (November 18) from 2–8:00 p.m. Attendees will want to make sure to visit the MMOCA Art & Gift Fair open today until 8:00 p.m. Retailers and restaurants in the area will feature warm drinks and delicious food.

Happy Holidays!

The Madison Marathon half marathon and full marathon will take place this Sunday, November 12, starting at 7:00 a.m. at the Capitol Square. The runners will run through the UW Arboretum, UW Campus, Warner Park, and back to the Capitol Square, with the last runners finishing around 1:30 p.m. Metro Transit buses will detour throughout the downtown and UW Campus. Police officers will be located throughout the course assisting traffic. 
 
Inbound East Washington Avenue will be closed at Blair Street from approximately 8:00 a.m. until approximately noon. 
 
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead if traveling around the race routes, as crossing the route will only be permitted when there are sufficient gaps in the runners. 
 
The route map (with times of closures) is available here.
 
Detailed Metro Transit detour information is available here.

 

Thursday, November 9, 2017

6:00 p.m.

Madison Concourse Hotel

1 West Dayton Street

We will be hosting a listening session on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at the Madison Concourse Hotel at 6:00 p.m. We are specifically inviting downtown businesses, property owners, residents and workers to share their opinions on safety in the downtown business district and downtown neighborhoods. All are welcome and invited to share their thoughts, opinions and suggestions about public safety in the City of Madison. The purpose of the meeting is to listen to you, not for us to give you our recommendations. The Madison Police Chief and members of the MPD Central District command staff, Madison Fire Chief, Dane County Sheriff and elected officials will be present to listen to you. There will be no presentations (we may ask questions to clarify). Our goal is to gain understanding of what is important to our constituents, so we can make informed decisions to improve public safety and support our public safety officers (Police and Fire).

We will allow all attendees the opportunity to make a statement. You can also bring written testimony or email it to us as well. We will be recording your statements, and collecting your testimony. We plan to share this information with our colleagues on the Council.

Here are some of the key public safety topics that the Madison Common Council, the Madison Police Department Policy and Procedure Review Ad Hoc Committee and the consultant who has been retained by the City to Study MPD are considering:

1. The need for more police resources (i.e. more officers on the street).
2. The desire to review use of force policies and procedures by officers.
3. The need for body worn cameras to increase accountability and transparency.
4. The need for additional surveillance equipment and technologies.
5. The need for more Neighborhood Based Policing in key neighborhoods.
6. The need to control alcohol fueled unacceptable behavior in the lower State Street/West Gilman Street/University Avenue area.

Thank you for your interest in public safety. We hope that you can attend.

Alder Ledell Zellers, 2nd District

Alder Mike Verveer, 4th District

Alder Zach Wood, 8th District

Alder Paul Skidmore, 9th District

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

PROPOSED HOTEL DEVELOPMENT: 118-122 STATE STREET

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 - 7:00 P.M.

MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE - ROOM D240

211 N. CARROLL STREET

Please join us for a neighborhood meeting about a proposal to redevelop 118-122 State Street, replacing the existing six-story and two-story buildings on the site. Ascendant Holdings, in partnership with Central Properties and Provenance Hotels, is proposing to construct a new hotel, with four stories facing State Street and nine stories facing West Dayton and North Carroll Streets, including approximately 110-120 guest rooms, a first-floor restaurant, a fifth-floor terrace, and a rooftop lounge and terrace. The project team will present the design progression since the first neighborhood meeting in March.

We look forward to seeing you on the 7th. 

Alderpersons Mike Verveer and Ledell Zellers

North Bassett Street permanently reopened between West Gorham Street/University Avenue and West Dayton Street this afternoon following the several month street reconstruction project.

Metro Transit buses will return to previous service beginning tomorrow, Saturday, October 28.

There will still be work completed the week of October 30 such as setting light poles, etc., but the street will remain open to through traffic.

Most State Street cross streets will close to vehicular traffic at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 28 for the 12th annual Freakfest event. Streets will be closed until approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 29. West Dayton, West Johnson and North Lake Streets will close at 5:00 p.m. West Gorham Street will stay open until 6:00 p.m. West Gilman Street will be closed between North Henry Street and State Street, and West Mifflin Street will be closed at Wisconsin Avenue starting at 2:00 p.m. for construction of performance stages. A map of the closures is located here.  
 
East Gorham Street will be detoured onto Blair Street. West Johnson Street will be detoured onto Bassett Street. North Bassett Street, which has been closed for reconstruction, will be open for vehicular traffic between West Johnson Street and West Dayton Street on Saturday. 
 
State Street event gates will be enforced from 7:00 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. During this time, an event ticket will be needed to cross or enter State Street.
 
All parked bicycles will be removed from the entire length of State Street and some side streets on Saturday. 
 
Freakfest Traffic Map

Metro Transit Detours
 
Real-time parking availability in City garages
 
Real-time parking availability in UW-Madison parking garages
 
Freakfest website

Happy Halloween!

Wednesday, October 25
3 to 6 p.m.
Downtown Madison

Downtown Madison Family Halloween is an afternoon of family-friendly, spooky fun in Downtown Madison!

From 3 to 6 pm various downtown businesses will be trick-or-treat stops and activity locations. Unless otherwise noted, all activities are free! Check out the fun on Facebook.

Trick-or-Treat at 80 Downtown Locations and spend time visiting YOUR City. This event is present by Madison's Central Business Improvement District, GSSBA and is sponsored by MGE, American Family DreamBank and The University Book Store. Our candy partner is It'Sugar located downtown at 542 State Street.

2017 Halloween Activities Include:

* Capitol Kids [ ] 8 S. Carroll St. - On The Capitol Square
It's creepy, it's crawly at Capitol Kids. Visit the store, play some games and make your own creepy crawly thingy. Before you come try to guess what our mascot bear Webster will be dressed as this year... He LOVES Halloween. (Free)

* Downtown Madison Visitors Center [ ] 452 State St.
Special appearance by Bucky Badger from 3-4 pm. (Free)
Halloween balloons 4-6 pm. (Free)

* DreamBank American Family Insurance [ ] 1 N. Pinckney St.
DreamBank is all decked out and ready for Downtown Madison Family Halloween! Gather the little ones, don your costumes, and get in the spirit of trick-or-treating by designing your very own candy bag at our crafting workshop. (Free)

* Grace Episcopal Church [ ] 1 N. Pinckney St. Grace Episcopal Church invites you to stop by to hear spine-chilling organ music while trick or treating. Mark Brampton Smith, the Grace Church organist, along with Greg Zelek, the brand new organist for the Madison Symphony Orchestra and the Curator of the Overture Concert Organ Series will each be performing during the event. (Free)

* Madison Children's Museum [ ] 100 N. Hamilton St.
Pick up a treat and create your own Halloween buttons! (Outdoor and lobby activities are free; regular museum admission applies to indoor exhibits.)

* Madison Parks Hayrides Pickup [ ] 8 S. Carroll St. – Outside Capitol Kids
Enjoy tractor hayrides around the Capitol Square. Rides leave approximately every 20 minutes. ($3.00/person, Children 2 and under are free, no reservations required.)

* Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) [ ] 227 State St.
Create a frame-worthy work of art inspired by nature and the artwork on view at the museum! Children and families are invited to view Chele Isaac: the understory, an eerie yet beautiful exhibition that combines moving images and sound to help get creative ideas flowing. Visitors will also enjoy treats, storytelling, button-making, and more from 3:00-6:00 pm. (Admission to MMoCA is free.)

* Madison Police Department [ ] Outside at "The Forum"
Meet our Downtown Neighborhood officers team and get your own police badge from 3 – 5 pm. (Free)

* Madison Public Library's Central Library [ ] 201 W. Mifflin St. 
Visit the Children's Room for a spooky (or silly!) story and craft activity, along with a trick or treat station. Kids can get a free book at the Friends' Book Store. Stick around 6-8 pm for Open Studio with Artist-in-Residence: Lovey Town at The Bubbler. (Free)

* Overture Center for the Arts [ ] 201 State St. (608) 258-4141
Halloween Science Shows for kids of all ages will enjoy spooky science and super audience participation! Rotunda Stage at 3:00, 4:00 and 5:00 pm. (Free)
Get your photo taken in costume and grab some Halloween treats in the Rotunda Lobby. (Free)

* Revel Madison [ ] 107 N. Hamilton St.
Drop by Revel's underground pumpkin patch for candy treats (+ cocktails for the adults ;) and a little DIY fun! Make a mini pompom pumpkin or choose another Halloween-themed project off the Craft Bar menu. (Pom pom pumpkins free, drinks/other crafts for purchase.)

* Wisconsin Historical Museum [ ] 30 N. Carroll St.
Join the Wisconsin Historical Museum for Downtown Madison Family Halloween! Learn about some of Wisconsin's spooky creatures, explore a haunted cabin, and create fun and silly crafts! (Free)

* Wisconsin Science Museum [ ] Outside at "The Grove"
Touch gooey slime, see spooky smoke, and make other creepy experiments with folks from the Wisconsin Science Museum 3-5 pm. (FREE)

All activities are from 3:00 - 6:00 pm, free, and include trick-or-treating unless otherwise noted.

A huge thanks to our sponsors for this year!

Dream Bank American Family Insurance
Isthmus
Madison Gas and Electric
The University Book Store

For more information:
visitdowntownmadison.com/FamilyHalloween

Multiple streets around Langdon Street and State Street will be closed on Friday afternoon and evening, October 20, for the UW Homecoming Parade and Block Party. The parade starts at 6:00 p.m., with the block party immediately following the parade in and around Alumni Park and Memorial Union. The annual homecoming fireworks display will start at 8:30 p.m. The display will last approximately 15 minutes and will be fired from a pontoon boat on Lake Mendota adjacent to the Memorial Union.

The following streets will be closed:

• Langdon Street (North Lake Street to Wisconsin Avenue) 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Wisconsin Avenue (Langdon Street to West Gilman Street) 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. A driving lane will be kept open to the Edgewater Hotel. 
• West Gilman Street (University Avenue to Wisconsin Avenue) 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• North Lake Street (University Avenue to Langdon Street) 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Access will be maintained to the State Street Campus Garage
• Langdon Street (North Park Street to North Lake Street) 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

A map of the street closures (with times) is available here.

Metro Transit detours affecting several routes will begin at 4:00 p.m. Specific details and maps are available here.

Happy Homecoming!

Starting today, Thursday, October 19, JP Cullen will close South Pinckney Street at East Wilson Street. East Wilson Street will be reduced to one lane of traffic. This work is to install underground utilities associated with the Judge Doyle Square project. During this time, the Government East Parking Garage entrance/exit on South Pinckney Street will remain open via East Doty Street. A map of the street closure is available here.

This setup will last until Monday, October 30. At that time, the entire 200 block of South Pinckney Street will close until the completion of the first phase of the Judge Doyle Square project in 2019. Drivers parking at the Government East Parking Garage will need to use the East Wilson Street entrance/exit. A walkway along the closed block will remain open at all times. A map of the long-term street closure is available here.

The full closure of the 200 block of South Pinckney Street is needed in order to build the replacement Government East Parking Garage, which will extend under the street. 

Please join us for a neighborhood meeting where we will hear about Sandra Alamilla Lopez and Jose Mata's plan to open Blue Agave, a restaurant and lounge, at 117 S. Butler Street, formerly The Bayou.

Monday, October 16, 2017

6:30 p.m.

117 S. Butler Street

Blue Agave will open at 11:00 a.m. daily and close at 10:00 p.m., Sunday through Tuesday; 1:00 a.m. on Wednesdays; and 1:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.  The owners' applications for a Class B Liquor License and an Entertainment License (21+) will be considered at the October 18 Alcohol License Review Committee meeting.

We look forward to seeing you on the 16th.

Alderpersons Marsha Rummel and Mike Verveer

Starting on Thursday, October 12, INTREN Construction will begin transitioning their West Washington Avenue work zone from Broom Street to Bassett Street. The center traffic lanes of West Washington Avenue will be closed in both directions at Bassett Street in order to install underground electric utilities for Madison Gas and Electric. 

The work on West Washington Avenue is part of a project that will install underground MGE electric utilities along the centerline of West Washington Avenue from Regent Street to Broom Street. Work this fall will include installing manholes at Bedford Street (already completed), Broom Street (already completed) and Bassett Street. A map is available here. Mainline utility work to connect the manholes will occur at a later time. 

The remaining construction schedule is as follows:

• Bassett Street intersection--Thursday, October 12 to Friday, November 3

Left turning movements will be restricted from West Washington Avenue to Bassett Street.

Parking will be removed on West Washington Avenue within the work zone. 

Sidewalks will remain open on West Washington Avenue. One crosswalk will remain open at all times across West Washington Avenue within the work zone. 

For many years, MPD has utilized surveys as an additional way to gather information and feedback from our Community. We want to know what are your concerns, what is going on in your neighborhood, and how well the MPD is addressing your concerns; surveys are an opportunity for us to better understand what is important to you.

We strive to distribute these surveys broadly and deeply within and across the various districts in order to best capture a full spectrum of feedback. 

At the bottom of this page is a link to our survey (there is also a link on our Central District page of the MPD website).

Also, links to this survey are being distributed to various community groups, our downtown alders, and others to capture the diversity of thought and concerns of the district. Paper copies will be made available at various downtown locations including the public library, and we will also conduct door to door surveys.

If you know anyone who would be willing to participate please direct them to a link.

The survey takes approximately 5 minutes or less to complete and is anonymous!

Thank you for your time and thoughts!        

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MPDCENTRAL2017

Jason Freedman

Central District Captain

Madison Police Department

Starting on Wednesday, September 27, INTREN Construction will begin transitioning their West Washington Avenue work zone from Bedford Street to Broom Street. The center traffic lanes of West Washington Avenue will be closed in both directions at Broom Street in order to install underground electric utilities for Madison Gas and Electric. 

The work on West Washington Avenue is part of a project that will install underground MGE electric utilities along the centerline of West Washington Avenue from Regent Street to Broom Street. Work this fall will include installing manholes at Bedford Street (already completed), Broom Street and Bassett Street. A map is available here. Mainline utility work to connect the manholes will occur at a later time. 

The remaining construction schedule is as follows:

• Broom Street intersection -- Wednesday, September 27 to Monday, October 23
• Bassett Street intersection -- Tuesday, October 24 to Wednesday, November 15

Left turning movements will be restricted from West Washington Avenue to Bassett Street and Broom Street when work takes place at those intersections. 

Parking will be removed on West Washington Avenue within the work zone. 

Sidewalks will remain open on West Washington Avenue. One crosswalk will remain open at all times across West Washington Avenue within the work zone. 

What Does A 100% Renewable Energy Madison Look Like To You?

Is the future of Madison completely powered by wind and solar? On Wednesday, September 27, you are invited to meet with the consultants hired by the City to design a renewable future. Come to the Central Library located at 201 W. Mifflin Street, Room 302, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., ready to share your unique perspectives and ideas and ask questions.

Bob Lindmeier, Chief Meteorologist at WKOW-TV in Madison, will join the conversation to share his expertise as an atmospheric scientist who has closely followed the issue of climate change. With over 37 years of experience, Mr. Lindmeier speaks on how humans are causing climate change, the many impacts from climate change locally, nationally and globally and the need to put a price on carbon.

Come join the community conversation and find out how you can be part of a renewable energy solution! 

For more information about the event, translation or childcare, please contact Jeanne Hoffman, by email, jhoffman@cityofmadison.com, or call (608) 266-4091.   

Starting on Monday, September 11, the center traffic lanes of West Washington Avenue will be closed in both directions at Bedford Street by INTREN Construction in order to install underground electric utilities for Madison Gas and Electric. 

The work on West Washington Avenue at Bedford Street is part of a larger project that will install underground MGE electric utilities along the centerline of West Washington Avenue from Regent Street to Broom Street. Work will include installing manholes at Bedford Street, Bassett Street and Broom Street. A map is available here. Mainline utility work to connect the manholes will occur at a later time. 

The tentative construction schedule is as follows:

• Bedford Street intersection -- Monday, September 11 to Friday, September 29
• Broom Street intersection -- Monday, October 2 to Monday, October 23
• Bassett Street intersection -- Tuesday, October 24 to Wednesday, November 15

Work and lane closures will only take place at one intersection at a time. Left turning movements will be restricted from West Washington Avenue to Bassett Street and Broom Street when work takes place at those intersections. 

Parking will be removed on West Washington Avenue within the work zone. 

Sidewalks will remain open on West Washington Avenue. One crosswalk will remain open at all times across West Washington Avenue within the work zone. 

Several streets in and around downtown will be closed for the 2017 Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon on Sunday, September 10. The race consists of swimming in Lake Monona, bicycling in Dane County and running in the downtown/campus area. The race starts at 6:40 a.m. at Monona Terrace with the swim start. City of Madison road closures for the bicycling portion last from approximately 7:30 a.m. until approximately 5:30 p.m. Road closures for the run portion last from 11:00 a.m. until approximately midnight. All Metro Transit routes will experience significant detouring downtown. Please expect delays.
 
Ironman course maps are available here.
 
A map of downtown street closures and suggested alternate traffic routes is available here.
 
Metro Transit detours can be found here.


 

West Dayton Street and North Lake Street will be closed from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26 and Tuesday, August 29 thru Thursday, August 31 for UW student move-in.

West Dayton Street will be closed between North Frances Street and North Park Street. During those times, West Dayton Street will operate as a one-way, westbound street exclusively for student move-in. 
 
North Lake Street will be one-way northbound between West Dayton Street and West Johnson Street exclusively for student move-in.
 
Two Metro Transit routes, Routes 80 and 82, will be affected. The detour can be found here.
 

The OutReach Pride Parade and Rally will close several downtown streets on Sunday, August 20. 

• The Capitol Square will be closed from 11:00 a.m. until approximately 2:00 p.m.
• All streets crossing State Street, with the exception of North Lake Street, will be closed from 12:45 p.m. until approximately 1:45 p.m. for the parade. The parade will start at the intersection of State and West Gilman Streets and continue up to and around the Capitol Square. During the parade, there will be no traffic allowed across State Street, including West Gorham and West Johnson Streets, except at North Lake Street. 
• The 10 blocks of North Carroll and West Mifflin Streets and the 100 block of State Street will be closed until approximately 4:00 p.m. for a rally at the top of State Street after the parade. 

A map of the street closures and suggested alternate routes is available here. Metro Transit detours can be found here.

Several downtown streets will be closed Saturday morning, August 19, due to the Madison Mini-Marathon. The race starts on Langdon Street, continues to the Capitol Square, through the UW Arboretum and back to the UW campus. 

Traffic will not be allowed to cross the route when runners are present. All street closures will end by noon. 

A map of the route with first runner and last runner times can be found here. Metro Transit detours can be found here.

On Saturday, August 12 at 7:00 a.m. the 100 block of West Wilson Street will be closed between South Carroll Street and South Hamilton Street. Two-way traffic will be maintained to all residences and businesses on this block. The full closure is needed for crane work at 131 West Wilson Street. The street is expected to be reopened at approximately 3:00 p.m.

The sidewalk on the north side of West Wilson Street will remain open.

The Madison Streets Division is conducting special pick-ups in the downtown area in advance of the annual mass turnover of apartment leases downtown over the next several days ("Hippie Christmas"). Crews will be collecting refuse, recycling, and large items throughout each weekday until Friday, August 18. Collection service will be suspended this Friday at 3:00 p.m. for the weekend. Special refuse and recycling services will resume downtown on Monday, August 14 at 4:00 a.m. Crews will be emptying refuse and recycling carts downtown each weekday between now and Friday, August 18.

Please fill up your carts according to the guidelines below and roll them to the curb anytime next week. Crews will empty your carts so you can fill them up again. You may fill up your refuse and recycling carts and roll them out as often as you like until the morning of Friday, August 18. Using your carts for refuse and recycling is easier than lugging lots of bags or loose material to the curb. It will keep our neighborhood cleaner.

GUIDELINES

Hundreds of tons of trash and recyclables will make its way to the curb during this period. The Streets Division needs your help to make this year's move out as orderly as possible. Please follow these guidelines when placing trash and recycling at the curb during the move out:

• Do not put trash in cardboard boxes. Boxes must be flattened and bundled for recycling.
• Keep refuse and large items separate when placed at the curb.
• Put nothing but recycling in green recycling carts. Do not put recycling in tan refuse carts.
• Put all recycling at the curb in the green recycling carts or clear plastic bags. No loose piles of recycling.
• Do not pile bagged trash or large items around recycling or refuse carts.
• Put all refuse at the curb in tan refuse carts or trash bags. No loose piles of trash/garbage.
• Do not pile bagged trash or recyclables on top of furniture or appliances.
• Keep larger metal items separate from other material so that it can be recycled.
• Most appliances, including microwave ovens, require a fee for collection.
• Do not place computers, monitors or televisions at the curb. They should be brought to a drop-off site for recycling.
• Do not take recycling or refuse carts. The carts belong to the City and must remain behind when you move.

QUESTIONS?

Please call the Streets Division at (608) 246-4532.

Welcome to our new neighbors!

Mansion Hill Neighborhood Meeting

Madison Area Technical College Site Redevelopment

Tuesday, August 15, 2017 - 7:00 p.m.

Madison Area Technical College - Room D240

211 N. Carroll Street

Please join us for a neighborhood meeting about a proposal to redevelop the Madison Area Technical College site at 211 N. Carroll Street in two phases over several years. The first phase is Hovde Properties' proposal to construct a ten-story mixed-use building with approximately 200,000 square feet of office space and 20,000 square feet of ground floor retail along Wisconsin Avenue. The second phase is Drury Southwest's proposal to redevelop the historic existing structures into a hotel with approximately 200 rooms. The first phase would include construction of a four-level underground parking structure under the mixed-use building, which would be available for lease to the hotel. Construction on the first phase would commence in 2018 and on the second phase in 2019.

We look forward to seeing you on the 15th.

Alderpersons Mike Verveer and Ledell Zellers

JOHN NOLEN DRIVE CORRIDOR STUDY MEETING

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9 - 7:00 P.M.

MONONA TERRACE - ONE JOHN NOLEN DRIVE

The City of Madison is conducting a corridor study of John Nolen Drive and Blair Street from North Shore Drive to East Washington Avenue, including portions of Wilson Street and Williamson Street. Primary goals of the study are to identify better pedestrian and bicycle access concepts to Law Park throughout the corridor, as well as determine a preferred alternative for reconstruction of Blair Street from the East Wilson Street and Williamson Street intersection to East Washington Avenue.  
 
Previous public meetings were held in November and April. The third (and final) public meeting will include a presentation at 7:00 p.m. City staff and engineering consultant representatives will be available to discuss the corridor study and address questions.
 
Information regarding the study can be found on the study website.
 
If you have comments or questions that may assist in the development of this study, we encourage you to attend the meeting. If you cannot attend the meeting and would like additional information or to provide feedback, please feel free to contact the study staff listed below:
 
Chris Petykowski, P.E.
Principal Engineer, City of Madison
City-County Building, Room 115
210 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 267-8678
cpetykowski@cityofmadison.com
 
Jeff Held, P.E., PTOE
Consultant Project Manager
Strand Associates, Inc.
910 West Wingra Street
Madison, WI 53715
(608) 251-4843
jeff.held@strand.com

Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 2, the intersection of North Bassett Street and West Dayton Street will be closed to traffic in order for the City's general contractor, R.G. Huston Company, to install sanitary sewer as part of the North Bassett Street reconstruction project. This closure will last until approximately 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 4.

Additional information about the North Bassett Street reconstruction project can be found here.

Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19, the City's general contractor, R.G. Huston Company, will close North Bassett Street between West Johnson Street and West Dayton Street. 

Two thru lanes will remain open on West Johnson Street, while intersection work is taking place. At 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, all three lanes will be open.

Only two lanes will be open on West Johnson Street from 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 20 until 7:00 a.m. on Monday, July 24. Afternoon peak hour travel delays are expected on West Johnson Street on these days.  

North Bassett Street remains closed between West Gorham Street/University Avenue and West Johnson Street. This closure will last until late October.  

The intersection of North Bassett Street and West Dayton Street may be closed during off-peak travel times (9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). This will occur at a later date, yet to be scheduled.    

Lane closures will also be needed on West Gorham Street and University Avenue at North Bassett Street in order to install sanitary sewer and traffic signals at the intersection. This work has also not yet been scheduled.      

Metro Transit bus detours in the area began this week. Information about those detours is available here.

Additional information about the North Bassett Street reconstruction project can be found here.

The Capitol Square reconstruction project is now complete. The project was completed two weeks ahead of schedule. Some minor work in terraces may be ongoing but access has been restored in all areas.

All parking has been restored, and Metro Transit buses returned to normal routes on the Square yesterday.

Thank you for your patience!

Stroll, roll, pedal or glide your way at Ride the Drive on Sunday, July 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The 9th Annual Ride the Drive, presented by City of Madison Parks, is more than just a bike ride. It is a new route of four miles of John Nolen and North Shore Drives closed to motor vehicles. The new route provides activities, entertainment, food and more at the three adjacent parks: Brittingham, Law and Olin.

Streets on the route will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. John Nolen Drive will be closed from Olin Avenue to the South Blair Street and East Wilson/Williamson Streets intersection. North Shore Drive will be closed from Proudfit Street to John Nolen Drive.

The new route, which is more park-focused with fewer street closures, was created as a result of several factors: construction around the Capitol Square, event expenses and loss of funding and a desire to heighten the event's connection to parks.

For those not familiar, Ride the Drive is a celebration of Madison's commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle. This car-free event has opened streets to bicycles and provided activities and entertainment along the way. For eight years, from inception through 2016, Trek Bicycle has generously sponsored this event. The City of Madison and Madison Parks graciously thanks Trek for their years of support in this Madison tradition.

For a complete listing of activities, entertainment and food options, visit Ride the Drive.

The third and final Madison Night Market of the year is this Thursday. This new event is designed to draw special attention to the unique creative businesses downtown and in the Madison area. The Market is open on Thursday, July 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and runs along West Gilman Street where Gilman Street meets State Street. More than 5,000 people attended the inaugural event in May.

Madison Night Market is a celebration of Madison's unique and inspiring creative culture. Vendors showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods and fresh produce. The event includes live music, giant board games, special visiting food carts and pop-up restaurant experiences. The Market is presented by Madison's Central Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the City of Madison. Partnerships with the Dane County Farmer's Market, Overture Center for the Arts, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and more ensure this event is a citywide representation of our community's talent.

Many downtown businesses are also participating in the Night Market and/or holding a special event or sale in their own place of business. The Night Market website lists the participating businesses and vendors and their respective specials. The Market, located along West Gilman Street in the heart of downtown is held the second Thursday of the months of May, June and July in 2017. From 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. downtown residents and visitors are invited to come celebrate all things Madison.

Work begins this week on the reconstruction of North Bassett Street between West Gorham Street/University Avenue and West Dayton Street. On Monday, July 3, InterCon Construction will begin installing underground Madison Gas and Electric utilities in the 300 block of North Bassett Street between West Gorham Street/University Avenue and West Johnson Street. One lane of traffic will be maintained on North Bassett Street until Monday, July 10.

On Monday, July 10, R.G. Huston Company will close the 300 block of North Bassett Street between West Gorham Street/University Avenue and West Johnson Street. This closure will last until the project completion, expected in late October.

Also, starting at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, July 10, InterCon Construction will close lanes on West Johnson Street at North Bassett Street to continue underground utility construction. One lane will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Two lanes will be open from 3:30 p.m. thru overnight. Traffic delays on West Johnson Street are expected from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Starting Monday, July 17, R.G. Huston Company will close the 200 block of North Bassett Street between West Johnson Street and West Dayton Street. This closure will last until late October.

The intersection of North Bassett Street and West Dayton Street may be closed during off-peak travel times between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Lane closures will also be needed later this month on West Gorham Street and University Avenue at North Bassett Street in order to install sanitary sewer and traffic signals at the intersection.

A map depicting these closures is available here.

Additional information about the North Bassett Street reconstruction project can be found here.

The Capital City Trail adjacent to Monona Terrace will be temporarily closed for epoxy coating starting on Monday, June 26. The project is expected to last two weeks. A path detour will utilize John Nolen Drive. One lane of John Nolen Drive will be barricaded under Monona Terrace to allow for the safe use of the path during construction. A detailed plan of the detour can be found here.

As you likely know, Festival Foods Shake the Lake, produced by the Madison Mallards, will take place downtown again on Saturday, June 24th. As in previous years, this is a major event that will bring several thousand attendees downtown. John Nolen Drive will be closed between South Broom and South Blair Streets for the festival that starts at 4:00 p.m. and for viewing the fireworks to be staged over Lake Monona starting at 10:00 p.m. Live music stages will be located at the east and west sides of the Monona Terrace tunnel on John Nolen Drive. Stage performances will occur from 4:00 p.m. until the 10:00 p.m. fireworks show. Performers include Saint Motel, The Record Company, Parmalee, and more. The fireworks show is expected to last for 35 minutes and a choreographed soundtrack will be available on Madison iHeart Media radio stations. A "Human Cannonball" launch into Lake Monona is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. A full Festival Foods Shake the Lake schedule and additional information is available at shakethelake.org. Admission is free. Tickets are available for purchase to a viewing area on the Monona Terrace Rooftop.

John Nolen Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic between South Broom and South Blair Streets from 6:00 a.m. Saturday until 6:00 a.m. Sunday. South Broom Street will remain open to and from John Nolen Drive. Wilson Street and Williamson Street will also remain open. Additionally, starting at 9:45 p.m., John Nolen Drive will be closed between Olin Avenue and South Broom Street. This section of John Nolen Drive will only be closed during the fireworks show to keep drivers from parking on John Nolen Drive--until approximately 10:45 p.m. A map of the street closures is available here. In the event of the fireworks being postponed due to rain or other conditions, the event would take place on Sunday, the 25th, and road closures would be similar to the above. The music and entertainment portions are rain or shine and would not be re-scheduled to Sunday. Bicycle parking will be available under Monona Terrace.

The Madison Police Department and numerous other public agencies have been planning for this event for many months. Downtown neighborhoods will benefit from an increased police presence to keep people and property safe. In addition, event organizers will have staff direct pedestrians and traffic in and around the event area. Event access will only be permitted from Broom and Blair Streets and via the Monona Terrace parking helixes.  A security fence is being erected the length of the railroad corridor and will be secured during the event. "No event access" barricades and signage will be posted along the Wilson Street corridor to direct people from entering the dead-end streets unless they have final destinations on those streets. The intersection of South Hamilton, South Henry and West Wilson Streets will be staffed by the Mallards to properly direct motorists and pedestrians at that busy location.

The Madison Streets Division will be providing additional services to the neighborhoods surrounding the event area on Monday, June 26th. All residences and businesses in the Bassett and First Settlement Neighborhoods (the area between East and West Washington Avenues and John Nolen Drive) will receive refuse and recycling pick-up on Monday morning. This is in addition to the regular service to be provided on Thursday, June 29th. Downtown residents are welcome to leave their refuse and recycling carts out on the street terrace Saturday to be used by pedestrians. Downtown streets will be swept as needed on Monday. The Madison Parks Division will provide additional cleaning of Brittingham Park and Crowley Station and supply extra refuse/recycling containers in those areas. Event organizers are responsible for clean-up effort in the event area on Saturday night and Sunday.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Enjoy the weekend!

Madison Water Utility crews are repairing a 12-inch water main break in the 400 block of West Johnson Street near North Bassett Street. Vehicular traffic is reduced to one lane of West Johnson Street. Drivers should avoid the area. It's unclear how long the repair work will last.

The water main break has caused the temporary loss of water service to some apartment buildings in the immediate area. Main breaks often cause pressure changes, stirring up mineral sediment in mains and causing discolored water. If you have discolored water, run a cold water tap in the lowest level of the building for a few minutes until the water clears. If it doesn't clear, avoid using water, wait an hour and try again. While drinking discolored water isn't recommended, the minerals are not considered harmful.

On Saturday, June 17, a storm sewer located underneath the Olin Terrace walkway connecting Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Monona Terrace failed and created a large sinkhole. Emergency repairs are being coordinated and will occur this week. The hole has been fenced off and fencing has been installed to identify allowable walk routes. Please take extra caution when walking through this area.

Monona Terrace security staff is assisting with visitor movement to assure safe passage into and out of the facility as it hosts a national conference this week. Shake the Lake activities on Saturday will not be affected by the sinkhole as access to Monona Terrace will be maintained at all times.

The Wednesday Dane County Farmers' Market normally located on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard will need to be relocated this week to allow for repair equipment staging. The June 21 market will be held in the Madison Municipal Building parking lot behind 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Starting tonight, Sunday, June 11, South Carroll Street between West Washington Avenue and South Hamilton Street will be closed to thru traffic. Also, West Main Street will be closed between South Hamilton Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. This closure is expected to last until 7:00 a.m. on Monday, July 3. 

During this closure, an access lane to the Park Hotel will be maintained from West Washington Avenue with an exit onto South Hamilton Street.   

East Main Street and South Pinckney Street, which had been closed for the past three weeks, will be opened. 

King Street will remain closed at the East Main Street and South Pinckney Street intersection until the completion of the project.   

See the map here, which shows these closures.   

All Capitol Square streets will be closed to general traffic each Saturday during the Dane County Farmers' Market to ensure pedestrian safety. This will last until the reconstruction project is complete. 

Additional information about the Capitol Square reconstruction project can be found on the City of Madison website.

Metro Transit buses are detoured onto the Outer Loop for all sides of the Capitol Square. See a map of the detour here. 

The Capitol Square project is expected to last until the end of July. 

Additional information will be announced during the project as traffic patterns change.

Safety Saturday returns to the Capitol Square this Saturday, June 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Join the City of Madison Fire Department and its community partners along Mifflin Street and Wisconsin Avenue for safety demonstrations, exhibits, interactive displays, and more.

Each year, this free, family-friendly event offers opportunities to learn how to live, work, and play safely in our community. Get tips on proper bike helmet and car seat use. Learn about electrical, gas, and carbon monoxide safety. Tour an ambulance, fire truck, the Madison Fire Department Hazardous Incident Team trailer, and much, much more.

Safety Saturday is a cooperative effort between the City of Madison Fire Department and more than 25 public and private organizations throughout Dane County aimed at educating people of all ages.

The second Madison Night Market is tomorrow. This new event is designed to draw special attention to the unique creative businesses downtown and in the Madison area. The Market is open on Thursday, June 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and runs along West Gilman Street where Gilman Street meets State Street. Last month more than 5,000 people attended the inaugural event.

Madison Night Market is a celebration of Madison's unique and inspiring creative culture. Vendors showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods and fresh produce. The event includes live music, giant board games, special visiting food carts and pop-up restaurant experiences. The Market is presented by Madison's Central Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the City of Madison. Partnerships with the Dane County Farmer's Market, Overture Center for the Arts, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and more ensure this event is a citywide representation of our community's talent.

Many downtown businesses are also participating in the Night Market and/or holding a special event or sale in their own place of business. The Night Market website lists the participating businesses and vendors and their respective specials. The Market, located along West Gilman Street in the heart of downtown Madison is held the second Thursday of the months of May, June and July in 2017. From 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. downtown residents and visitors are invited to come celebrate all things Madison.

JP Cullen will close the 400 block of North Lake Street from 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6 until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7 in order to install a tower crane at the UW Music Performance Center construction site. 

The State Street Campus Parking Garage entrance on North Lake Street will remain open. Access to and from the garage will be available via Langdon Street.

The closure is depicted on a map available here. 

Metro Transit detours can be found here.

The sidewalk on the east side of North Lake Street will remain open.

Madison Water Utility crews are flushing water mains downtown this week during the late evening and early morning hours. When flushing crews are working close to your residence, you may experience periods of discolored water or very low water pressure. The flushing will occur Tuesday, May 30 - Thursday, June 1, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. It is advised that you avoid doing laundry or other activities for which discolored water could cause problems during flushing operations.  The crews will begin at Blair Street Tuesday evening and work their way west to Randall Avenue over the next few evenings.

What is the Water Main (Hydrant) Flushing Program?
To improve water quality and minimize discoloration, City of Madison water mains are comprehensively flushed by a technique known as unidirectional flushing. The procedure is performed in warm-weather months and involves the systematic opening and closing of hydrants, one section of main at a time, to force the water through the pipes at high velocity, removing accumulated mineral sediment until the water is clear. The operation can take from a few minutes to over an hour, although most last about 30 minutes.

Unidirectional flushing differs from conventional flushing in that it involves the closing of adjacent valves and the use of a single hydrant per flush so as to isolate individual sections of main. Conventional flushing also removes accumulated sediment from pipes, but it involves the flushing of multiple hydrants at a time and does not include the valving off of individual sections of main, thereby diminishing the "scouring" efficiency. Conventional flushing is used in areas of the city where fewer minerals build up in the mains, including the downtown.

How Will Flushing Affect Water Service?                                                          
When flushing crews are working close to your residence or business, you may experience periods of very low pressure or even a complete stoppage of service. We attempt to notify customers in advance if flushing is expected to result in a complete water outage, but such outages are rare.

Flushing operations may also lead to discolored water, which can be drawn into homes and businesses if the water is being used during or immediately following the flushing. Such events should affect customers for a few hours at most. The discoloration is caused by iron (red color) or manganese (black color) particles being dislodged from the water main which can stain porcelain and laundry. If discoloration occurs, open the cold tap nearest the water meter--usually a basement sink--to full flow until the water runs clear. In some situations this may take 5 to 10 minutes. It is also advised that you make sure your water is clear before doing laundry or other projects for which discolored water could cause problems.

A precise schedule of flushing operations is difficult to determine more than a day in advance. If you wish to be notified before work will be done in your neighborhood, please call Shayne Santi at 261-9128 or email water@madisonwater.org.

We ask for your patience and understanding during this critical main cleaning process.

Several Madison streets will be closed this weekend for three Run Madtown races held by Madison Festivals.

The Twilight 5K and 10K races will start at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 27. The 5K route starts and ends on the Capitol Square and uses Johnson Street, Dayton Street, Mifflin Street and West Washington Avenue. The 10K route starts on the Capitol Square, goes through the UW Campus area and back to the Capitol Square via Dayton Street. A route map for the 5K and 10K is located here.

The Madtown Half Marathon race starts on the Capitol Square at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 28. The route goes through the UW Campus, down Monroe Street, through the UW Arboretum and back on the Southwest Commuter Bike Path to Dayton Street and back to the Capitol Square. The course will be fully open to traffic by 11:00 a.m. A route map for the Half Marathon is located here.

Volunteers and city police will be at intersections along the routes. Traffic will be allowed to cross the routes only when there are sufficient gaps in the runners. Drivers should plan on using alternate routes to avoid the race courses.

There are several Metro Transit detours. Information about those detours is located here.

Starting 7:00 a.m. on Monday, May 22, East Main Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and King Street will be closed. Also, South Pinckney Street between King Street and East Washington Avenue will be closed. These closures are needed to pour concrete pavement and will last until Sunday, June 11. 

West Washington Avenue is inbound-only at Carroll Street. This is expected to last several weeks. 

South Hamilton Street will remain closed at the South Carroll Street and East Main Street intersection. This closure is expected to last until the end of the project in July.  

King Street remains closed at the East Main Street & South Pinckney Street intersection. This closure is expected to last until the end of the project. 

See the map here, which shows these closures.   

All Capitol Square streets will be closed to general traffic each Saturday during the Dane County Farmers' Market to ensure pedestrian safety. This will last until the reconstruction project is complete. 

Additional information about the Capitol Square reconstruction project can be found on the City of Madison website.

Metro Transit buses are detoured onto the Outer Loop for all sides of the Capitol Square. See a map of the detour here. 

The Capitol Square project is expected to last until the end of July. 

Additional information will be announced during the project as traffic patterns change.

On Saturday, May 20, East and West Gorham Street will be completely closed from North Blair Street to State Street. Traffic will be detoured at North Blair Street starting at 7:00 a.m. The full closure is needed for completion of street resurfacing with asphalt paving. The street is expected to reopen around 3:00 p.m. Detours are shown on a map here.

Intersection cross traffic will be maintained when possible, but there will be extended periods when cross traffic will not be possible, especially during paving as traffic cannot drive on the new asphalt until it has properly cooled. Driveway access will be maintained except for short periods of time until the new asphalt has properly cooled.

Based on the current weather forecast, there is a good chance rain postpones paving. If so, no work will take place on Saturday. Instead, Gorham Street will be closed starting at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 21and reopened around 4:00 p.m.

Metro Transit detours can be found here.

Starting at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, West Gilman Street will be closed between University Avenue and North Henry Street, and North Broom Street will be closed between West Gorham Street and State Street for the new Madison Night Market. The closures will last until 1:00 a.m. on Friday, May 12. 

These closures are shown on the map here. 

More information about the Madison Night Market can be found here.

Starting on Saturday, May 6, UW Housing will close North Lake Street between West Dayton Street and West Johnson Street to facilitate student move-out. This closure will last one week, until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 13.

Sidewalks will remain open, and traffic on West Johnson Street and West Dayton Street will not be affected. 

Metro Transit will detour Route 82. 

West Washington Avenue is now inbound-only at Carroll Street. This is expected to last several weeks.

South Hamilton Street will remain closed at the South Carroll Street and West Main Street intersection. This closure is expected to last until the end of the project in July.

King Street remains closed at the East Main Street & South Pinckney Street intersection. This closure is expected to last until the end of the project.

See the map here, which shows these closures.

Also, all Capitol Square streets will be closed to general traffic each Saturday during the Dane County Farmers' Market to ensure pedestrian safety. This will last until the reconstruction project is complete.

Additional information about the Capitol Square reconstruction project can be found on the City of Madison website.

Also, all Metro Transit buses are now detoured onto the Outer Loop for all sides of the Capitol Square. See a map of the detour here.

The Capitol Square project is expected to last until the end of July.

Additional information will be announced during the project as traffic patterns change.

A May Day march will take place on Monday, May 1. Protesters will march from Brittingham Park, up West Washington Avenue, to the State Capitol starting around 11:30 a.m. Madison police will close streets for the safety of those marching. Streets affected include the entire inbound side of West Washington Avenue and its cross streets. 

An additional rally will start at UW Library Mall and march on State Street to the Capitol at the same time. Streets crossing State Street, including West Gorham and West Johnson Streets, will be affected as the protesters move through at approximately 11:30 a.m. A main rally will be held at Noon at the State Street entrance to the Capitol.

Traffic delays are expected between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Please plan accordingly.

Imagine Madison, the process to update the City of Madison's Comprehensive Plan will hold a public community meeting to gather community input on strategies to achieve community goals and discuss how Madison should develop.

The downtown public community meeting will be held on:

Monday, May 1, at Central Library, 201 West Mifflin Street

The event will start with an open house from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. An interactive presentation and small group activities will take place from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Community members will be asked to identify the strategies the City should pursue to accomplish the community goals identified in Phase 1 of Imagine Madison. Meeting participants will also be able to see recommendations for an updated Future Land Use Map and offer input on how the city should grow and develop. Refreshments and childcare will be provided, as will Spanish and Hmong interpretation services.

Visit imaginemadisonwi.com for more information and to participate in the Imagine Madison process.

For more information:
Contact Colin Punt at (608) 243-0455, Kirstie Laatsch at (608) 243-0470, or Brian Grady at (608) 261-9980 at the City of Madison Planning Division or email imaginemadison@cityofmadison.com.

About Imagine Madison:
Imagine Madison is a public-listening campaign designed to reach, listen to, and record the ideas of a broad and diverse cross section of the public, on topics including housing, transportation, racial equity, sustainability and others. The input collected by the City of Madison's Planning Division through Imagine Madison will be used to update Madison's Comprehensive Plan, the City's action plan for the future.

As many of you are already aware, this Saturday, April 29th, will see large gatherings of people and active house parties on and around Mifflin St.  Activities associated in the Mifflin St area are unsanctioned.

While Mifflin St varies from year to year, it is routine to see large numbers (1000's) of people congregating in the 400 and 500 blocks of Mifflin St and the surrounds, and mass quantities of alcohol are consumed.  In addition, disturbances, fights, and other similar issues are not uncommon.  Given the density of people and the presence of alcohol, Mifflin St has a significant potential to impact public safety and peace.

In the weeks leading up to this coming weekend, MPD has made a number of contacts in the Mifflin St area, educating the students, residents, and landlords about what is (and is not) appropriate conduct.  As always, MPD is committed to educate.

MPD is also committed to public safety and good order; as such, MPD will be robustly staffing the Mifflin St Block Party.  In addition to MPD personnel, including our Special Events Team (SET), DCSO will also be providing a contingent to assist with maintaining order and safety.

MPD discourages attendance of the party; if you decide to participate, please be aware of the following:

• There is a glass ban in effect; no glass containers are allowed
• Intoxicants are not allowed on public space including sidewalks, terraces, and the roadway
• MPD will be paying special attention to alcohol related concerns including underage persons in possession of intoxicants
• MPD's operating philosophy combines education and enforcement; people attending the event should expect to be held accountable for their behavior
• There are no amplification permits and any equipment being set up will be removed
• It is a violation of Madison ordinances to sell merchandise, alcohol, or food even on private property without a permit
• There will be no closure of streets, and traffic and pedestrian laws are still in place
• Ordinances and criminal statutes will be enforced

Thank you and be safe!

Madison Police Department Captain Jason Freedman

Many downtown streets will be closed on Saturday morning, April 29th for the Annual Crazylegs Classic run/walk.

Traffic will not be permitted to cross Wisconsin Avenue or State Street from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Major streets affected include Gorham Street, Johnson Street and Dayton Street. Through traffic should follow the traffic routes shown on this map.

Several Metro Transit bus routes will be detoured. Complete Metro detour information may be found here.

Please allow extra travel time on Saturday morning. 

South Hamilton Street will be closed at the South Carroll Street and West Main Street intersection for approximately the next eight weeks.  

Right turns from South Pinckney Street to East Washington Avenue are currently not allowed. This closure is expected to be opened on Monday morning, April 24. 

King Street remains closed at the East Main Street and South Pinckney Street intersection. This closure is expected to last approximately eight weeks. 

See the map here, which shows these closures.   

As always, road construction schedules may be delayed due to rain.

Additional information about the Capitol Square reconstruction project can be found on the City of Madison website.

Metro Transit buses are currently detoured onto the Outer Loop. See a map of the detour here.

The Capitol Square project is expected to last until the end of July. 

Additional information will be announced during the project as traffic patterns change. 

The 2017 property assessments are now available on the City website at cityofmadison.com/assessor. Assessment notices were recently mailed to all property owners whether or not their assessment has changed from the previous year's value. Property values increased 10% overall from the 2016 assessments – 6.6% in residential property and 16.6% in commercial property. Of the 75,099 parcels in the city, 81% of the assessments are being changed (60,090 increases and 847 decreases). 14,162 parcels did not change from their 2016 values.

Property owners may view the 2017 preliminary assessments at the Office of the City Assessor on business days between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday, April 17 through Friday, May 5. This "Open Book" period is set aside for property owners to discuss their assessments with Assessor's Office staff prior to completion of the assessment roll. Property owners who wish to compare assessments may also view assessment data posted on the Assessor's website. Available information includes owner's name, property address, legal description, sale information and property characteristics.

Owners who disagree with their assessment are encouraged to speak with the appraiser who established the value. If an error was made or if a property owner has evidence that the assessment does not reflect the actual fair market value of the property, the appraiser will take this information into consideration in setting the final assessed value. Appraisers welcome the opportunity to review any and all information provided. The best evidence of value is the recent sale price of the property or the sale prices of comparable properties.

After talking with the Assessor's Office, owners who still feel the assessed value of their property is incorrect may file a formal objection. The Assessor's Office must be notified, either orally or in writing, of intent to object at least 48 hours before the first meeting of the Board of Review. The Board's first scheduled meeting is Wednesday, May 10 at 1:30 p.m. Owners must notify the Assessor's Office of their intent to object no later than 1:30 p.m., Monday, May 8. In addition, an objection form obtained from the Assessor's Office must be completed and filed with the Assessor's Office prior to or within the first two hours of the first meeting of the Board of Review.

The Board of Assessors will review all properly filed objections and make any necessary corrections or changes. The Board will inform owners of its decisions by mail. Owners who disagree with these decisions may proceed to a formal hearing before the Board of Review. Similar to a court, the Board of Review has the responsibility for resolving differences of opinion of valuation. Its function is to decide if the assessment is correct based upon oral testimony and evidence presented by the property owner and the Assessor's staff. After hearing the evidence, the Board will decide whether to lower, raise or sustain the assessment. Board of Review decisions may be appealed to the Circuit Court of Dane County.

If you have questions concerning your assessment, please contact the Assessor's office at assessor@cityofmadison.com or (608) 266-4531.

JOHN NOLEN DRIVE CORRIDOR STUDY MEETING

MONDAY, APRIL 17 - 7:00 P.M.

MONONA TERRACE - ONE JOHN NOLEN DRIVE

The City of Madison is conducting a corridor study of John Nolen Drive and Blair Street from North Shore Drive to East Washington Avenue including portions of Wilson Street and Williamson Street. Primary goals of the study is to identify better pedestrian and bicycle access concepts to Law Park throughout the corridor, as well as determine a preferred alternative for reconstruction of Blair Street from the East Wilson Street and Williamson Street intersection to East Washington Avenue.

The first public meeting was held last November. The second public meeting will include a presentation at 7:00 p.m. City staff and engineering consultant representatives will be available to discuss the corridor study and address questions.

Information regarding the study can be found on the study website.

If you have questions or concerns that may assist in the development of this study, we encourage you to attend the meeting. If you cannot attend this meeting or would like additional information, feel free to contact the study staff listed below:
 
Chris Petykowski, P.E.
Principal Engineer, City of Madison
City-County Building, Room 115
210 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 267-8678
E-mail: cpetykowski@cityofmadison.com
 
Jeff Held, P.E., PTOE
Consultant Project Manager
Strand Associates, Inc.
910 West Wingra Street
Madison, WI 53715
Phone: (608) 251-4843
E-mail: jeff.held@strand.com

At 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, inbound and outbound West Washington Avenue will be closed at Carroll Street. This closure will last until 7:00 a.m. Monday, April 3 when the in