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City Referendum, John Nolen Drive Reconstruction, and more updates

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Hi Everyone,

When weather is this nice this time of year, I can't help but thinking we're going to pay for this later...not that I'd let that get in the way of my enjoyment. 

I spent a couple of relaxing hours at the Verona dog park with Bella yesterday afternoon, reading from a nice perch on the brow of a hillside. Bella played vigorously with dogs who came by, and we both took in the full measure of a glorious day in the autumn sun. 

I trust you've been able to enjoy these summer-like days while they last.

Now on to the updates...

More on the Referendum

Please check out the informative article in Sunday's Wisconsin State Journal tracing the history of Madison's structural deficit to actions taken by Scott Walker and the GOP-controlled State Legislature, starting with Act 10 in 2011. You can find the link to the article, by clicking here: "The growth of Madison's budget problem, from Act 10 onward."

You may also want to check out this video in which Eve Galanter, host of District Reports, sat down with Madison Finance Director Dave Schmiedicke to learn more about the City's funding referendum on the November 5 ballot. 

If you have questions about the referendum, please feel free to contact me at district13@cityofmadison.com.

John Nolen Drive Reconstruction 3rd Public Information Meeting

The City of Madison is planning to reconstruct John Nolen Drive between South Broom Street and Lakeside Street. The goal of the project is to improve the transportation safety for this corridor for pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles. The project's scope includes replacing the six bridges on the John Nolen Drive causeway, which are approaching the end of their service life. The adjacent Capital City Trail is also planned to be reconstructed to create additional space for bike and pedestrian traffic, particularly where it is narrow over waterways. In addition, partial Lake Monona shoreline reconstruction is included. A pedestrian and bike underpass between North Shore Drive and South Broom Street is also under consideration as a later phase.

The planning and design process is well underway, and includes analysis of existing conditions, feasibility studies and a community engagement process to inform preliminary and final designs. Construction is scheduled for fall 2025 through summer 2027.

This project is being planned and designed in coordination with the City's Lake Monona Waterfront (Madison LakeWay) Master Plan project, which encompasses Law Park and Olin Park.

You are invited to attend the third public information meeting for the project on Wednesday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone, or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at this link.

The purpose of the meeting is to gather further input from the community on their thoughts regarding John Nolen Drive. The preferred alternative for the roadway, multiuse path and shoreline design will be reviewed. For additional information on the project, including how you can stay updated, visit the project website.

Here are this week's Meetings & Events Highlights:

Boards, Commissions, and 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.

  • Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, October 21, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include development related requests in Districts 2, 9, 12, 13, and 17.
  • Committee on Aging: The Committee on Aging meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 23, at 2:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include approving the allocation of City funds that are budgeted and designated to support older adult programming among a group of agencies selected through a Request for Proposals process conducted by the Community Development Division.
  • Housing Strategy Committee: The Housing Strategy Committee meeting will take place on Thursday, October 24, at 5:00 p.m. Agenda items include approving housing recommendations that serve to strengthen efforts to expand rental, homeowner and student developments.

If you would like more information about becoming a member of a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.

Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

  • Warner Park and Cherokee Marsh Watershed Study, Monday, October 21: We will present the completed, drainage model of existing flooding conditions. We invite residents to provide feedback on the results, ask questions, and hear about our next steps.  The information presented will only share existing flood risk maps. There are not any proposed solutions to share at this time.
  • Sauk Creek Greenway, Tuesday, October 22: Staff will provide some initial ideas on the West Area Plan's East-West multi-use path connection. Preliminary review of concepts show construction of a path would not align enough with the stormwater improvements to be built together and path plans are not being developed further at this time.

Announcements and News Releases

Events

  • In-Person Absentee Voting Begins, Tuesday, October 22: Absentee voting sites begin opening today. Check our In-Person Absentee Voting website for locations and hours. The last day to vote absentee in person will be Sunday, November 3.
  • Virtual Fireside Chat with Yannette Figueroa, Tuesday, October 22: Discover the crucial role of Latinos in local government with Common Council President Yannette Figueroa! Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of our community's most influential figures. Register now and be part of shaping our local government!
  • Warner Family Fun Night - Halloween Special, Friday, October 25: Join us for a special Halloween Family Fun Night! The fun begins with hayrides around Warner Park, 5-6pm, Family Fun Night inside WPCRC, 5-8pm, then a free, outdoor movie starting at 6pm. All kids aged 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult for all activities.
  • Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, October 26: Join a naturalist for an easy family-friendly walk from Aldo Leopold Nature Center into beautiful Edna Taylor Conservation Park and enjoy a bit of nature education along the way. Walk will begin at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 330 Femrite Drive. Meet outside at the Children's Shack. Co-sponsored by Madison Parks, Badgerland Bird Alliance, and Aldo Leopold Nature Center . No registration is required. No pets are allowed.
  • Seed Collecting at Odana Hills Golf Course, Saturday, October 26: Join us at Odana Hills Golf Course for a seed collection event as we work to expand Madison's natural areas using seeds from our own land! It's a unique opportunity to gather native seeds while enjoying the beauty of the golf course. By collecting seeds from local plants, we're helping preserve our ecosystem and support more natural growth across the city. Plus, it’s a fun way to connect with nature—right in the heart of the course! Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or just love the outdoors, come help us “grow” our green spaces, one seed at a time!
  • Inspired by Wright: Tour & Art Making Activity, Sunday, October 27: Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center and discover how Wright saw geometric shapes in the world around him.  You’ll learn how Monona Terrace’s unique landscape influenced his choice of geometry, expressed in nearly every aspect of the building. Then, use this newly gained knowledge to create your own Wright-inspired glass piece of art.

For the full list of upcoming events, please visit the City events calendar. 

That's all for now.

Take care and stay safe,

Tag

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District 13 - Alder Evers

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