City takes Steps Tonight to Improve Madison Neighborhoods

Madison - Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said that the City of Madison will be taking a number of actions at tonight's Common Council meeting to improve neighborhoods throughout the community. A resolution will be introduced for moving forward with the renovation of Breese Stevens Field. This historic athletic facility, located just north of East Washington Avenue, is popular with athletes and fans for soccer and other activities. The $1.7 million renovation project will complete major structural repairs that are needed, replace the seating, and bring the facility up to current codes. The design will continue to utilize the historic spectator entrance at the corner of Mifflin Street and Patterson Street. Accessible ramps and restrooms will be built under the stadium near the entrance, so all of the accessible features and seating will be in the mainstream of spectator flow. Construction is expected to begin this fall. Also tonight, funding will be considered for the installation of pedestrian-activated school-zone flashing lights near Wright Middle School and Bowman Field (at the intersection of Fish Hatchery Road and Carver Street). These lights will improve safety for the many pedestrians of all ages who regularly cross that busy street. This action is being taken after students at the school contacted city officials as part of a school project. Another initiative up for consideration tonight is final approval of the contract language necessary to ensure the continuation of the Elver Park fireworks celebration on Madison's west side. This annual tradition had been in jeopardy of not taking place until Midwest Family Broadcasting stepped forward to take over the event. Finally, the Council will vote on over $111,000 in grants to neighborhood organizations throughout the city. These grants support a diverse range of initiatives ranging from development of neighborhood plans on the near west side, to a market feasibility study for the Royster-Clark site on the east side, to a neighborhood leadership project in the Allied Drive area. The Council will also consider $3,700 in "mini-grants." These are grants of $500 or less for modest initiatives such as support for a neighborhood watch program. Neighborhood groups submit grant applications for this funding each year, which are graded in a competitive process by city staff. "The health of our neighborhoods is vital for the health of our city as a whole," said Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. "Each of the initiatives will help neighborhoods throughout Madison create better places to live and work. They are part of the ongoing commitment by the city to support healthy neighborhoods and make Madison's high quality of life even better."