West High & University Ave construction updates, announcements, meetings & events

Hello neighbors,

I can’t say it was a result of our requests, but MMSD did post a great update on what’s happening at West. Also, if you didn’t see it, this article describes how busy Goodman pool will be this summer, trying to absorb all the high school pools being closed (including West’s) for construction.

If you haven’t subscribed to the updates for the University Avenue construction project yet, I highly recommend it. That will allow you to receive timely updates on street closures, when the pedestrian/bike bridge will be installed, etc.

Announcements

• Madison can definitely get more creative than Compact McCompactor! Suggest your favorite name for the two new fully electric compactors at the Sycamore drop-off sites, which are replacing two diesel-powered rear-loading vehicles at the site, saving eight gallons of diesel fuel an hour! Suggestions are due by June 7.
• Food scraps recycling for 2022 returns to two farmer's market drop-off sites this summer from June 14 to September 27.
  • Market Site 1: South Madison Farmer's Market (1602 S. Park Street)
    • Hours: 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
    • Dates open: Only Tuesday markets from June 14 to September 27, 2022
  • Market Site 2: Eastside Farmer's Market (202 S. Ingersoll Street)
    • Hours: 4:00pm to 7:00pm
    • Dates open: Only Tuesday evenings from June 14 to September 27, 2022

Also, consider composting your food scraps in your own backyard!

• Water main flushing this week will be west of Ridge St. and south of University Ave.
• To address the growing and urgent issue of violence in our community, Public Health Madison & Dane County announced $1,065,000 in funding that is now available for agencies and organizations that support specific and targeted efforts aimed at reducing violence in our community.
• The City of Madison is pleased to announce the launch of the Backyard Homes Project and the availability of new financing to support the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs have been allowed in the City since 2013, but they required special approval through the conditional use process. In an effort to make easier the creation of ADUs, the City made ADUs a permitted use in all zoning districts where single-family homes are allowed.
• Want an inside look at our City Engineering department? Check out their blog from National Public Works Week!
• Check out how the City is accelerating careers in electric vehicles!
• The Bus Buddy program for those over 60 begins in June.
• RSVP of Madison is seeking prizes for their sweepstakes giveaway. If you have items to donate, such as tickets, gift certificates, gift cards, or memberships, please contact Margie Zutter.   

Meetings

• Metro Transit and the City of Madison Transportation Policy and Planning Board will hold a virtual public hearing at 6pm on May 31 to discuss the proposed network redesign expected to go into effect in June of 2023.
• Legistar Link
• Agenda
• Register to Speak

Interested persons are encouraged to attend the virtual public hearing or provide feedback prior to the hearing date. Consideration will be given to views and comments expressed at the public hearing, as well as to all comments collected from surveys, emails, phone calls, letters, etc. over the past several month.

Events

• Operation Fresh Start Open House TOMORROW, May 24, 3-5pm, 2670 Milwaukee St.
• Run MadTown half marathon & 5K, May 29, 7am. Starts and finishes on the Capital Square.
• Friends of Madison Public Library Big Book Sale, June 4, 9am-4pm, Madison Public Library Service & Support Center at 1301 W. Badger Road. 
• Madison Bike Week, June 5-11.
• Ice Hocky U18 Women’s World Championships will be held in Madison for the first time at the LaBahn Arena & Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena June 6-13. Volunteers are needed to assist with transportation for equipment managers, coaches, and other needs.
• Safety Saturday on the Square is coming on June 11, 8am-1pm! Join the Madison Fire Department, MGE, and other community partners for fun activities and information about fire safety, bike safety, car safety, water safety, and much more!

Take care,

Regina Vidaver