Madison LakeWay and Amending the Shoreline Ordinance

posted July 16, 2025 - 8:51pm

Last night the Common Council voted 17-3 to amend MGO 8.35, also known as the "Shoreline Ordinance," to make the first phase of the Madison LakeWay exempt from referendum, as would otherwise be required for any development of public parkland within 50 feet of the lakes. I was one of the three alders to vote against this. Below is a transcript of the reasoning I gave to my fellow alders during discussion of the motion.

The Madison LakeWay Masterplan paints a lovely picture of an activated lakeshore, one I'm likely to be in favor of when formal approval comes before the council. In fact, I co-sponsored an upcoming agenda item to transfer funds from the Olin Trust Fund to the Parks Division in order to move planning forward. But the agenda item before us is not about that.

The Shoreline Ordinance was approved by 60% of voters some 33 years ago and from what I've read, was first used to approve construction of Monona Terrace. Yes, the council has seen fit to amend it over the years for a number of small projects, and indeed the drafters of the ordinance did not intend it to hold up small projects. But the Madison LakeWay is no small project. In fact, the LakeWay is exactly the kind of proposal this ordinance was meant to address.

I've received lots of constituent contact from neighbors who are largely supportive of the Madison LakeWay proposal but still demand the right to vote in a referendum.

Yes, there has been lots of public engagement, and that's great! I applaud the outreach done by all involved. We should and do seek out public comment on all manner of city business. Some of you may remember the Edgewater redevelopment proposal. There were 50-100 meetings, public, city, council ... I know because I was at half of them. But there was no referenda because that was not part of that process.

This specific type of development requires a referendum by ordinance. It is an unusual process because it is unique. It was set 33 years ago for a reason. We have heard legal arguments for why we MAY amend the ordinance, but also plenty of public comments as to why we should not.

If you don't agree with it, put forward legislation to repeal the Shoreline Ordinance and see how that goes. Otherwise, let us follow the will of the voters and put this to referendum.

Because of an amendment made last night to limit the motion to just Phase 1 of Madison LakeWay (roughly encompassing the John Nolen Drive causeway, labeled "The Skyline" in the image below), the topic of amending the Shoreline Ordinance will come back to Council when future phases are engaged.

I sincerely appreciate everyone who emailed and spoke out about this. Your engagement means a lot to me.

Next Monday, July 21, at 6:30pm the Parks Department will host a virtual public meeting to discuss Phase 1 of Madison LakeWay. I encourage you to attend and learn more. You can register and learn more about the plan here.