Week of July 13, 2026
postedDistrict Niners,
Several constituents have inquired about new, proposed and/or on-going projects in the district. In no particular order:
- Recent rains resulted in downed trees at the stormwater culvert south of Tree Lane adjacent to the Greenbriar apartments. The culvert is a stormwater pipe that brings water underneath the road, and the trees are blocking runoff from efficiently entering the pipe. There is an underground parking garage at Greenbriar that is at risk of flooding. The plan is to remove the downed trees that are impeding the flow through the pipe and reduce the risk of flooding. To accomplish this, equipment will be brought in to remove the large, downed trees, approximately 6 small 2-3" diameter buckthorn shrubs, and 3 box elder trees that will need to be removed, as well as the downed trees at the base of the culvert. Adjacent neighbors will be notified of the tree removals. Operation crews will be planning and scheduling for removing and clearing the obstructions in the coming weeks.
- Re Sauk Creek Greenway: In early 2027, a public re-engagement with constituents (to share concepts) will be scheduled to address Phase 1 planning for the Sauk Creek Greenway. As many of you are aware that the approved corridor plan included the recommendation to assess where/how to minimize riprap bank stabilization and use more environmentally sensitive nature-based solutions. The City hired Fish Creek Restoration LLC to complete a geomorphic assessment (something requested during public comment) that would look at minimizing riprap bank stabilization and use more environmentally sensitive nature-based solutions. That collaborative work is on-going, and it is anticipated that by year's end, viable and high-level concept designs of some alternatives to reduce the riprap use within phase R. can be presented.
- The Attic Angels greenway north of Blackwolf Dr. and west of the ponds is eroding and plans are underway to repair it, as well as remove some sediment that has accumulated in the downstream pond. Plans to host a virtual public meeting to share information about the project will take place later this summer.
- Don't forget the Westside Alders Meet & Greet on Tuesday, July 14th at Vel Phillips Memorial High School from 6:00-8:00 PM.
- On Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 PM, come back to Vel Phillips Memorial H.S. for Budget Talks related to Public Facilities and Services. This is your opportunity to meet representatives from public facilities and services, get first-hand budget information from the Finance Director as well as a Q & A information session with alders.
- Demolitions: If all goes well and according to plan, the closed Outback Steakhouse will be demolished and will become the new home of the Credit Union, currently residing across the street on Junction Rd.
- The UW Health office building at 305 Westfield Rd. will be demolished to make way for five (5) apartment structures housing a total of 570 units. Perimeter residents residing in Tamarack Trails and Vista West were mailed cards notifying them of a scheduled “meet the developer" on July 20th at Vista West from 3:30-5:30. And yes, an invitation is extended to those who share an interest in this proposed project.
- Face Lifts: Office Depot (in the midst of closing), will undergo a face lift and become an extended part of MSCR. The additional space will include a swimming pool along with other swimming pool amenities.
- The Old KFC (Mineral Pt. Rd. at D'Onofrio) will be getting a new (eatery) tenant.
- There is still some uncertainty about the property adjacent to Jason's Deli on Mineral Pt Rd. The Raising Cane developers are no longer pursuing the property.
- The bike -commuter path from Grand Canyon that dead ends at Gammon Rd at West Towne's (south side) will be extended to D'Onofrio Dr. via the south side of West Towne Mall.
- A HUGE shout out to the Girl Scouts in the Junction Ridge neighborhood for their work to address safe streets with city operatives. They have truly earned a merit badge for their accomplishments.
Boards, Commissions & Committee Meetings
Note: This is not a complete list of meetings for this upcoming week. All meetings and their details can be found at the Meeting Schedule page.
- Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, July 13, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include establishing rules and procedures for Common Council deliberations on the City of Madison's 2027 Capital and Operating Budgets.
- Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, July 13, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include development-related requests in Districts 12, 13, 14, and 15.
If you would like more information about becoming a member of the City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.
Announcements & News Releases
- Traffic Pattern Changes for Next Phase of John Nolen Drive Reconstruction: Overnight on Monday, July 13, into Tuesday morning, July 14, the John Nolen Drive reconstruction project will move into its next major phase as traffic shifts from the existing northbound roadway onto the newly constructed southbound lanes.
- Madison Parks Invites you to Volunteer for Ride the Drive 2026 on Sunday, August 9: Ride the Drive is a free community event that opens select Madison streets to people for biking, walking, strolling, rolling, and enjoying all-ages activities at three hubs and along the route.
- Liquor license holders: Beware of phishing scam: Scammers are using publicly available application and license information to identify potential victims and make the communications appear legitimate.
- CDA Awarded Additional Funding to House Veterans Experiencing Homelessness: HUD is awarding the CDA funding to offer five additional housing vouchers through the HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) program.
- Local Voices and Meaningful Conversations: Meet Your Westside Alders!: The Common Council invites residents to a meet-and-greet to connect and engage with Madison's Westside alders! This event offers a casual atmosphere where both alders and residents can discuss what matters most to you.
- N Broom St Slip Lane Closure: From Tuesday 7/7 to Sunday 7/19, the left turn slip lane from N Broom St to W Gorham St will be closed by Findorff to complete restoration work for the private development project at that location.
- Last Chance to Take the Recycle Better Class in 2026: The City of Madison Streets Division has partnered again this year with Sustain Dane to offer the Recycle Better class. Your last chance to take the class this year is coming up on July 23, 2026.
- Please visit the City news webpage to find additional news and announcements and to subscribe to receive notification of news releases as they are posted.
Events
- Monday Mornings at The Glen, Monday, July 13 (This event occurs on multiple dates- June 1 through August 31): Enjoy The Glen for a stroll, nature, workout, or leashed dog walk from sunrise to 8:00 am. Tee times resume at hole #1 at 8:00 am. Visitors should be alert for golf balls and golfers as they exit the course.
- Learn to Play Baseball, Monday, July 13: Learn to play baseball with Madison Mallards! This intro class is perfect for adults and kids aged 5 and older. You'll learn basic rules, hitting, pitching. running the bases, scoring, and more. This event is free to attend. Advanced registration is required.
- Lakeside Kids! Mister Jim, Tuesday, July 14: Join us for another exiting summer season of Lakeside Kids! – a free interactive series featuring science, culture, arts and entertainment. Designed for kids ages 4 and up. Lakeside Kids! provides hands-on fun and learning in an engaging and dynamic setting.
- District Voices: Meet Your Westside Alders!, Tuesday, July 14: Join us for a casual evening at Vel Phillips Memorial High School, where you can meet the incredible individuals who make up our vibrant community. This event is your chance to connect with local elected officials, neighbors, and fellow residents from the Westside Districts. Enjoy light refreshments and engaging conversations with your local alders!
- Live at The Glen | Vets on Frets, Thursday, July 16: Spend an easygoing evening with Vets on Frets(external), an acoustic guitar group made up of talented military veterans who bring stories, camaraderie, and classic tunes to every performance.
- City Budget Engagement | Public Facilities & Services, Thursday, July 16: This session focuses on Public Facilities & Services. From 6-7pm you'll have an opportunity to stop by different tables and chat with representatives from the following City agencies...
- Brat Fry Friday, Friday, July 17: Come join us for lunch at the links! The grill will be fired up from 11am-3pm for a delicious afternoon treat. Brats are $5.00 each or choose to make it a meal and add chips and a soda for $9.00 or chips and a beer for $10.00. This event is open to all to participate!
- Goodman Pool 20th Anniversary Celebration, Friday, July 17: Join us as we celebrate 20 years of the Goodman Pool! We'll have music, games, prizes, food carts and fun! The first 500 people will receive a Goodman Pool yellow duck! Free while supplies last.
- Bird & Nature Adventures | Starkweather Creek Area, Saturday, July 18: Creek Monitoring ~ Join Water Quality Monitor Volunteers Noah Edelstein and Elissa Tikalsky for a free educational fun family friendly talk and demonstration of water quality monitoring and look at tiny aquatic creatures that tell us about creek health. Learn how excessive use of salt in winter and PFAS pollution affect wildlife of all kinds and human lives.
- Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park, Sunday, July 19: Warner Tree & Martin Volunteer Projects ~ Join Master Naturalist Tim Nelson for a free educational family friendly walk. We will look at areas where Wild Warner volunteers are helping Madison Parks with tree plantings, removing invasives, protecting certain trees from beavers, and other nature restoration activities.
Parks Alive Dates!
Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, music and free food. Events are held in parks across the city and throughout the summer. Connect with your neighbors and engage with your community at a Parks Alive event near you! Events start at 5:00 p.m.
- Parks Alive | Elver Park, Monday, July 13
- Parks Alive | Aldo Leopold Park, Tuesday, July 14
- Parks Alive | Warner Park (on Trailsway Ave), Wednesday, July 15
- Parks Alive | Owl Creek Park, Thursday, July 16
Interested in volunteering for Parks Alive? Volunteers Welcome! Learn more and register online!
Movie in the Park Dates!
- Movie in the Park | Premium Rush, Tuesday, July 14
- Movie in the Park | Hoppers, Wednesday, July 15
- Movie in the Park | F1, Thursday, July 16
- Movie at The Glen | Zootopia 2, Sunday, July 19
Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.
Your well-being
Summer heat and humidity concern all of us, and the brief reprieve from the heat and humidity returns this week. Remember, heat-related illnesses are real! It's time to get back on schedule with fluid intake (preferably water to prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke), sunscreen, sunglasses, checking in on neighbors, friends, and yes, our pets. No air conditioning? Cool your space with a fan directed over a bucket of ice, wet a bandana, freeze it and place it around your neck. Make it last longer by placing ice in a plastic bag, wrap it with your bandana and place it around your neck. Feel cooler now?
Until next time,
Joann