Common Council

West High reconstruction, potholes, water main flushing, metro redesign, planning and zoning, events and announcements

Hello neighbors,

Several of you have contacted me wondering about the construction happening at West High. The most consolidated information has been posted to the MMSD site. But if you really want to dig into the details, all of the plans are available through legistar:

• Main overview
• Practice field retaining wall
• Sidewalk and utilities

The majority of the construction work at West will happen over this summer and next summer, while school is not in session. Capital High construction is slated to begin in October. Construction at all of our high schools is to be completed by fall, 2023.

Potholes

With the drastic temperature fluctuations, potholes have become more apparent. You may report a pothole through the City's website; staff are generally able to fill them within a week.

Water Main Flushing

Several neighbors noticed their water pressure went down significantly during water main flushing this past week. During the upcoming week, the following areas will be impacted:

• South of Regent St. Way from Virginia Terrace to Commonwealth Ave; THEN west of Ridge St and south of University Ave.

Metro Transit Redesign Timeline

• May 16: Detailed plans and amendments will be presented to the Transportation Planning and Policy Board (TPPB) - no deliberation or public comment
• May 19: Citywide public information meeting on the plan and amendments. This meeting will be in-person at the Madison Municipal Building (125 Martin Luther King Dr., Room 215) as well as streamed live.
• May 31: Citywide public hearing on the plan and amendments in front of the TPPB
• June 6: TPPB deliberation and vote on the plan and recommended package of amendments
• June 7: Common Council deliberation and vote on the plan and amendments

If you are a person with, or care for someone with disabilities, or are a senior, please take this survey on how Metro can best meet your needs through this redesign.

Backyard Homes Project

When the Common Council allowed the addition of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a permitted rather than a conditional use, the intention was to try to make it easier to increase housing density in the neighborhoods zoned for single family homes. In addition, the Council approved a loan project to help break down financial barriers to increasing density. The funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Planning Framework

A proposed Planning Framework was introduced at the Common Council on Tuesday May 10. It will simplify and standardize the City's sub-area planning and make it more equitable. The Planning Division will focus on 13 higher-level "Area Plans" covering the entire City. These will be updated every 10 years, and be considered the guiding plan for future land use and infrastructure investment. 

• 8-minute video recording of the presentation staff will share reviewing this proposal in the coming weeks.
• Links to detailed materials from the 1.5 year process to develop the Planning Framework, which involved close coordination with Plan Commission and City agencies: March 24, 2022 Plan Commission meeting materials, video; December 14, 2020 and July 8, 2021 Plan Commission meeting materials, 2020 video, 2021 video

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Brian Grady or Linda Horvath.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Zoning

The Planning Division, in collaboration with Zoning staff, is working to implement a "TOD overlay zoning" along planned bus rapid transit (BRT) and other high-frequency transit corridors to "create development intensity minimums, reduce parking requirements, and support transit use."  For more information, and to sign up for May 16th public meetings on this effort, please visit the project web page. 

Events and Announcements

• Reduce salt use through your water softener via this self-screen tool.
• Please participate in this survey regarding your feelings of safety on State Street.
• Art on the Rooftop is now on exhibit at Monona Terrace.
• Information session for the Mexico International Study Opportunity for Learning (MISOL) program is TOMORROW, May 16, at 5:30pm.
• Madison Business Expo, May 18, Alliant Energy Center.
• Boys and Girls Club Hearts for Helping Silent Auction, May 20, and online.
• Food scraps recycling begins at the South Madison farmer's market, June 14.
• Clean Lakes Alliance Loop the Lake, June 18, starting at Olbrich Park.
• American Girl Benefit Sale will occur July 14-16.

I am honored to have been appointed to the Finance Committee, effective May 16. I am excited to apply my knowledge and background in budgeting, staffing, and fiscal responsibility to this role.

Be well,

Regina Vidaver