Reminder: Meet and Greet local elected officials 4/30, Public information meeting Midvale Blvd safety 5/3, West Area Plan open house 5/10, events and announcements

Reminder: Meet and Greet With Your Local Representatives
Sunday, April 30, noon-1:30pm

Join County Board Supervisor Richelle Andrae (District 11), Madison Alders Regina Vidaver (District 5) and Bill Tishler (District 11), and Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway on April 30 from noon-1:30pm at the Rennebohm Park shelter. Representatives of the Madison Police Department have also been invited, and will attend if feasible.

Donuts, Bagels, and Coffee available!

This is an open community gathering without an agenda. Please come to socialize with your neighbors, ask questions, and provide feedback on issues important to you. Dress warmly!

Midvale Blvd Safe Streets Improvements – Neighborhood Meeting May 3, 6pm

Midvale Blvd from University Ave to Mineral Point Rd has been identified for review with the goal of improving overall traffic safety and improving walking and biking connections. To gather more information and discuss potential improvements, Traffic Engineering will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, May 3 at 6pm. Can’t attend but still want to provide feedback? Please fill out the online feedback form for this issue.

West Area Open House - May 10

The West Area Plan team will host an Open House on May 10, 6:30-8:00pm at Lussier Community Education Center, 55 S. Gammon Road. City agencies will give short presentations on projects spanning land use planning, transportation, stormwater management, water quality protection, parks and open space and more. Residents will also have the chance to talk with staff to learn more including how these projects may affect them and how they can be involved. Visit the West Area Plan webpage to learn more, and to sign up for the email list to receive regular West Area Plan updates.

Postcards regarding Certificates of Appropriateness

Those of you within the University Heights Historic District or residing at a historic landmark may have received a postcard from the City regarding Certificates of Appropriateness. This was a proactive mailing, not in response to any actions you may be planning, or actions of your neighbors. The goal of this mailing was to let people know about the current process and where to find information on the City’s website for exterior work on your property.

Pile-driving on University Ave to start this week

Please note that to build the multi-use path over University Bay Drive, there will be pile-driving beginning this week. Those noises are likely to be heard from a significant distance from the site.

Events

• Wright Design Series: People Are My Medium, Wednesday, May 3, 7pm: Joe Dreher considers himself a social artist, producing work mainly described as installation art. He uses a number of tools and mediums to create his work including photography, murals, street art, wheat paste, painting, sculpture, architecture, and poetry. This free lecture is presented in partnership with American Institute of Architects Wisconsin. This is a virtual event - Register in advance for the live webinar.

• Strategies to Prevent Basement Flooding, Thursday, May 4, 6-7:30pm, New Glarus library: Ever had water in your basement? Whether it’s a recurring issue or has only happened during extreme weather conditions, in most cases, it can be avoided. With some planning, a few rules and basic landscaping tools, most homeowners can address this problem on their own. Sponsored by MG&E.
• SpringFest Arts & Crafts Fair, Saturday, May 6, 9am-3pm, Warner Park Recreation Center: Over 80 crafters from the Midwest will be selling their handmade goods. You can expect to see a variety of jewelry, baskets, garden art, cards, pottery, woodwork, baby gifts, soaps, balms, lotions, knitwear, paintings, home décor and more! It's the perfect place to find a unique gift for that special someone (or for yourself).
• Get Involved: City’s First Purpose-Built Shelter Engagement Process Kicks Off: The City of Madison invites the community to get involved in the public engagement process for the City’s first, purpose-built shelter. Public information meetings will be held May 9, 11, and 17. Please see the project page for more information and to register for one of the meetings.
• Run Madtown will be hosting a twilight 5K on Saturday May 27th, and a 10K and half marathon on Sunday May 28th. Please be aware of road closures!

Announcements

• Cap Times has provided updates on construction at Capital High and West.
• Urban Forestry Spring Planting Adds Trees to Long Vacant Planting Sites: The City of Madison Streets Division’s Urban Forestry section plants thousands of trees each year in the right of way space along the road edge.
• Peak Hour Lane Closure--West Johnson Street: Beginning Friday, April 28 West Johnson Street will be reduced to two lanes at all times (N Broom Street to State Street).
• Accessible Taxi Grants Will Help Fill Transit Gaps: People who use wheelchairs face barriers to daily living activities, social outings, and fully participating in what the City has to offer, because of inadequate accessible transportation options. This new grant program aims to make it easier for taxi companies to serve those with different abilities.