Vote, Development Updates, Events & Announcements

Hello neighbors,

We are certainly living in a time of challenge, as well as opportunity. I know many are concerned about our national political landscape, as well as the intense storms that have been leaving our lakes over-full, and leading to property damage.

When you think about what you can do, I urge you to consider what is happening in our own community. How can you spread kindness and understanding through your daily acts and interactions? How can you protect our environment with your day-to-day activities? It might be as simple as batching your online orders, or composting in your backyard. The point is, we all have a role to play in improving our world. Voting is another way to impact our community. The next election is August 13, and I urge you to find out about the candidates and issues. You have multiple options for voting, including voting absentee, voting early in person, and voting on election day. Your vote is your voice. Please use it!

Development Updates:

City meetings regarding redevelopment of the McClain Athletic Complex and Randall Sports Center:

• July 17 – Urban Design Commission
• July 29 – Plan Commission
• August 6 – Common Council

3535-3553 University Avenue

• July 17 – Urban Design Commission

News & Announcements

• Last day to establish residency for Fall Partisan Primary is Tuesday, July 16: Voters who move after today will not be eligible to vote from their new address in August because it takes 28 days to establish residency for voting purposes. They can remain registered at their previous address until after the Primary Election, and then should update their voter registration for the November General Election.
• Lane Closures -- Old Sauk Road: Payne and Dolan will begin resurfacing of Old Sauk Road near the Beltline beginning on Wednesday, July 17, and continue through August 5. This work will be performed in two phases.
• West and Northeast Area Plans submitted for approval: The City of Madison’s Planning Division has submitted both the West Area Plan and Northeast Area Plan for approval.
• Marcus Allen, Sr. Awarded Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award: The Annual Reverend Wright Human Rights Award goes this year to Reverend Dr. Marcus Allen, Sr.
• Update: Lane and Street Closures – East Doty Street and Wilson Street: Starting 7am on Monday, July 15th, RG Huston will begin work on E. Wilson St between S. Pinckney St and Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.  While contractors will keep one lane of traffic open at all times, the designated lane may shift.
• Updates from the Office of the Independent Monitor and Police Civilian Oversight Board: PCOB is seeking nominations to fill multiple vacancies on the Board; is accepting applications for attorneys in the Madison area to represent aggrieved individuals in front of the City of Madison Police and Fire Commission (“PFC”).
• Volunteer reviewers wanted for Madison food carts: If you want to have a say in which food carts line Madison’s streets, the City’s Economic Development Division is looking for volunteers to help review food vending candidates for next year’s vending season.
• MPD Chief Barnes inducted into national policing hall of fame: Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes has been nationally recognized for his efforts in using research and data in policing. He was formally inducted into the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame this summer.
• Overdose Spike Alert: Risk of Drug Overdose Increased in Dane County: Public Health Madison & Dane County is issuing a public health alert due to an increase, or spike, in drug overdoses in our community.
• Food Scraps Recycling Drop-off at the West Community Market Begins on July 20, 2024 : Food scraps recycling drop-off begins at the Westside Community Market on Saturday, July 20, 2024.Individuals may drop-off certain allowable food scraps to a designated drop-off booth for free.
• Construction partner awarded bid for Madison's first purpose-built men’s shelter: Miron Construction will build what will become the first-ever purpose-built men’s shelter in Madison.

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

• Naturalist in residence at Madison Public Library sessions begin this week!
• BINGO at the Madison Senior Center on Thursday, July 18: It is free to play BINGO. Small prizes are awarded to BINGO winners. An optional round of Blackout takes place at the end. Each BINGO card costs 50 cents. The first person(s) to get a “black out” wins the kitty. Event starts at 10:15 a.m.
  • Please find additional upcoming Madison Senior Center events listed on the Madison Senior Center event calendar.
• The National Wildlife Health Center is proposing a new building on Schroeder Road, and has a draft Environmental Impact Statement available. There will be public meetings on this EIS statement:
  • Virtual: 12-1pm, July 18
  • In person: 5:30-7:30pm, July 18, Lussier Community Center, 33 S. Gammon Rd.

Disclaimer: My spouse is an employee of the National Wildlife Health Center.

• Parks Alive! 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 at Warner Park on Wednesday, July 17
• Parks Alive at Owl Creek Park on Thursday, July 18
• Sina Davis Movies in the Park The City of Madison Parks Division developed Movies with Madison Parks in harmony with the City's Neighborhood Resource Teams (NRTs). Sina Davis, from the Allied Drive Neighborhood, provided the spark and served as the main community driver behind the creation and development of the program. This popular program was named in her honor, just before her passing in July 2019.
• Movie in the Park at Rennebohm Park on Wednesday, July 17, The Wizard of Oz (1939), G 1h 42m
• Movie in the Park at Galaxy Park on Friday, July 19, 5pm - 6:30 p.m. DJ, field games, bouncy castle, food carts, 6:30pm - 8:15 p.m. Movie: The Croods (2013), PG 1h 38m
• Movie in the Park at The Glen Golf Park on Sunday, July 21, Trolls Band Together (2023), PG 1h 31m
• Live at The Glen: Vince Sweeney on Friday, July 19: Madison Parks Foundation is proud to present Live at The Glen! Enjoy live music on the patio at The Glen Golf Park.
• Friends of Hoyt Park work day, July 20, 10am
• 130 Years of Madison Parks Celebration at The Glen Golf Park on Sunday, July 21: Join us at The Glen Golf Park on July 21 from 2-4pm for the Madison Parks Foundation & Madison Parks 130 Years of Madison Parks Celebration. Reserve your free tickets online.
• Friends of Hoyt Park Annual Meeting, July 23, 6-7:30pm, Fellowship Hall at Bethany United Methodist Church, 3910 Mineral Point Road.
• July 26, 7-9pm Live at The Glen: DJ Pain 1

Please find additional upcoming City of Madison Parks events listed on the City parks event calendar.

• Public Safety Summit, July 23, 5-8pm, Warner Park Community Center.
• WestFest 2024 at Elver, August 10: You can play a vital role in the neighborhood, and we would love to have you join us in making this event a memorable one. If you or your community group is interested in getting involved or would like to discuss potential opportunities further, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at Westfest24@gmail.com.
• Join Madison Parks in making Ride The Drive 2024 an unforgettable community celebration! Ride the Drive, set for Sunday, August 11, is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with setup, guide intersections, staff booths, and assist with cleanup. It’s a fantastic way to support a healthy, active lifestyle and connect with your neighbors. Sign up now, and you'll receive a free 2024 Ride the Drive t-shirt at the event! Most shifts are just 2 hours, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy the event. See RideTheDrive.com for more information and to register.

Stay well,

Regina Vidaver