D6 Items of Interest Week of February 10, 2025

The demolition ordinance 86649 is at Landmarks on Monday and at Plan Commission on the 17th. The more I dive into the proposed demolition ordinance changes to MGO 28.185, the more questions I have.

Amending the ordinance to allow the administrative approval of demolition of principal buildings with no known historic value meet the goals of sponsors to streamline the review process but the proposed changes in 86649 are much broader and deeper than merely adding an administrative tweak. I do not support the draft as proposed.

If we are going to review the demolition ordinance, I think we should consider amending the purpose statement and standards of approval to consider the impact of the demolition of naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH). We do not track the demolition of these affordable units which are generally replaced with market rate housing. Since this type of housing would likely be included in the C category of no known historic value, I would propose creating additional process for PC review.

As I shared in my blog last week, the changes in 86650 that relate to single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, and small residential infill projects may make the process more flexible assuming there are no other hindrances to adding ADUs like homeowner association restrictions, etc.

At last Wednesday’s Vilas Neighborhood Association forum on the proposed zoning and demolition changes, planning staff made presentations on both ordinances. Here is a link to VNA meeting, the passcode is 2fi@@$5C. Planning Director Meagan Tuttle explained the reasoning for the open space requirement changes I mentioned in my blog last week.

The existing ordinance does not hinder demolition or growth. According to staff, since 2021, 94% of 144 demolition requests (including the approximately 20% Landmarks found to have either significant or some historic value), were approved by the Plan Commission.  Upon appeal, the Council upheld PC’s rejection of four demolitions (two projects) in the last year.

The proposed changes to the statement of purpose will no longer include language to “ensure the preservation of historic buildings” only to require “careful consideration of requests to demolish principal buildings with historic value.” I think this change is inconsistent with the goals and strategies of the Comp Plan. See my February 3 blog for my initial comments.

The proposed standards of approval for Plan Commission review only need to be consistent with/aid in the implementation of adopted plans or be consistent with the new statement of purpose. The existing ordinance includes seven standards, several of which should be maintained: to consider reports on building condition, the cost to relocate and impact of relocation on street trees, to make findings based on the report of the Preservation Planner or Landmarks Commission, and allow the PC to consider how demolition and redevelopment of the property relates to the implementation of the City’s adopted Plan and to the health, prosperity, safety and welfare of the city.

One thing neither the existing 28.185 nor the proposed changes consider is the impact of demolition on naturally occurring affordable housing. Earlier versions of the demolition ordinance did consider affordability in the statement of purpose: “It is hereby declared a matter of public policy that the good maintenance and rehabilitation of existing buildings, the preservation of safe and sanitary housing available at reasonable prices, and the careful consideration and planning of changes in the urban landscape are a public necessity and are required in the interest of the health, prosperity, safety, and welfare of the people.” The language was deleted in 2021, along with references to proposed future use, see legistar 67074. At the time, the Plan Commission did consider adding a standard to review NOAH buildings but did not adopt it, concerned with the question of future use.

The existing ordinance, as amended in 2021, kept standard of approval language that allowed the PC to consider future use – they could consider how demolition and redevelopment of properties determined by Landmarks Commission to have historic value or significance related to the implementation of City’s adopted plans, see 28.185(9)(c)4.a. A consideration of future use was retained, and I think we should consider the same approach to properties defined as naturally occurring affordable housing:

"The applicant has engaged in reasonable efforts to minimize the impact of the proposed demolition on the existence of Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing, including, but not limited to, comparing the quality and affordability of existing housing with that of any proposed housing, and exploring options for maintaining or replacing any affected Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing."

It would require policy makers to review the efforts of the applicant to minimize impact of demolition but not require options to maintain or replace naturally occurring affordable housing that could trigger state preemptions. The PC could and would still approve demolition but would have to balance the construction of new housing with the loss of existing affordable housing along with buildings with historic value.

The proposed standards of approval include a list of four factors that the PC shall consider which would outweigh the public interest in preserving historic resources. For example: The building is found to be in such a deteriorated condition that it is not structurally or economically feasible to preserve or restore it. Or evidence of potential structural or fire hazard, unlawful use of the property, public nuisance ... that supports demolition. But in both instances, there is no requirement for proof from a licensed architect or engineer on building integrity/public health and safety or evidence that the cost of repair is an unreasonable burden. Unlawful uses or nuisances found in a building do not necessarily require the building to be demolished. A third factor: The applicant will implement a creative mitigation plan, which could include relocation or reuse of portions of the structure, but it also could mean an interpretive sign or salvage of historic materials and that would be enough to outweigh the public interest. An interpretive sign is enough, really? And finally the historic building has been so altered it cannot convey its historic significance. Again, there is no requirement to prove that the building is so altered that rehabilitation is not an option.

In my view the new standard and four factors will make upholding the public’s interest in preserving historic resources easy to override. Is that what we want as a community? As I wrote last week, the Comp Plan includes preserving historic resources as one of 59 strategies along with increasing housing and points us to a way to address growth and preservation of historic resources. I see the following approach as the win-win:

“The Comp Plan recognizes there are often contradictory goals between infill and historic preservation but also promotes a strategy for growth that addresses these goals: “Directing redevelopment and infill to existing auto-oriented commercial centers and other areas identified in the Growth Priority Areas Map, Generalized Future Land Use Map, and sub-area plans will help accommodate needed growth while respecting the historic character of older neighborhoods.” (Comp Plan amended 12.05.23, page 6).”

You can send comments to landmarkscommission@cityofmadison.com or pccomments@cityofmadison.com

Block 113. On Monday February 3, 75 people including alders and city staff attended the public information meeting on the Brayton Lot/Block 113. Links to the staff presentation, draft RFP,  and the video recording of the meeting can be found on the Brayton Lot/Block 113 Project page

Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

• Landmark Commission meeting will take place on Monday, February 10, at 5p in a virtual format. Agenda items include

  2. 86824 Amending the Report of the Lamp House Block Ad Hoc Plan Committee

  Staff Report.

  At the February 5 UDC meeting, the Commission voted 4-1 to Place on File without prejudice.

  3. 86649 Repealing and recreating Section 28.185 and creating Section 41.28 of the Madison General Ordinances related to demolition of buildings to update the approval processes.

  With the proposed changes, the “need” for new housing will trump the public’s interest in preserving historic resources. Plan Commission already agrees to demolish the majority of requests.

  4. 86671 1 S Ingersoll St - Development Adjacent to a Designated Madison Landmark (Gisholt Machine Co. Manufacturing Complex - 1245-1301 E Washington Ave) (District 6)

  Staff Report: The proposed project is to complete a rehabilitation of the Madison Metro campus at 1 S Ingersoll. This building complex includes a portion of what historically was the Gisholt Machine Company Manufacturing Complex. None of the parts of this project involve the portions that are a part of the designated landmark site, but it is adjacent to the designated landmark. The most significant changes are to the 1980s wing that is furthest from the historic resource and it appears to be in keeping with the urban fabric of the E Washington corridor. The rehabilitation will also remove 1980s alterations to the older portion of this building complex that was once a part of the Gisholt factory, returning it to a more historic appearance.

  As part of this rehab effort, Jenie Gao’s mural will be affixed on the building façade facing E Washington. This is the city’s first percent for art project approved and finally nearing the finish line.

  Note: Item 7 will be referred to the March 10, 2025, Landmarks Commission meeting.

  7. 86668 2450 Atwood Ave - Addition to a Designated Madison Landmark, St. Bernard's Catholic Church (District 15)

• Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 11, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include changing the terms of Alder appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees. In addition, several D6 alcohol licenses are being introduced along with an amendment to TID 36 to fund improvements at Breese Stevens.

  2. 86428 Transportation Division Presentation: The history and future of Madison transportation

  3. 86147 Public Hearing - New License Tacomadre LLC • dba Taco Madres 2827 Atwood Ave • Agent: Jose Vicente Zecua Estimated Capacity (in/out): 75/0 Class B Combination Liquor & Beer • 30% alcohol, 70% food Police Sector 602 (District 15)

  16. 86627 Approving temporary construction work with associated noise impacts between the hours of 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM for work associated with City of Madison cured in place sewer main lining project #14487. (District 6) Sponsors: Marsha A. Rummel

  32. 86825 Amending Section 33.01(6) of the Madison General Ordinances related to Alder appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees to change the appointment terms.

  DRAFTER’S ANALYSIS: This ordinance changes the terms of alders appointed to City boards, commissions and committees from being concurrent with the term of their office to a term expiring in the following April. The amendment accommodates the change to electing alders to staggered terms.

  Ald Tishler amendment

  40. 86853 SUBSTITUTE Amending the Economic Development Division’s (EDD) 2025 Adopted Capital Budget to transfer $3,780,000 from the TID 51 capital program (program #99011) to the Land Banking program (program #12640) and authorizing the City’s execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement with J & R Properties of Wisconsin LLC for the purchase of the property located at 1814 S. Park Street for land banking purposes, authorizing the expenditure of funds for environmental assessment, title work, closing costs, holding costs, and demolition work for the same property, all totaling $4,330,000, and authorizing the indemnification of the Seller. (District 14)

  41. 86656 Accepting the report titled “2025 Progress Update - City of Madison Comprehensive Plan” Plan Commission presentation

  The annual progress updates are an easy read and a way to track annual highlights of the 7 elements, 14 goals, 29 strategies, and 209 actions in the adopted 2018 Comp Plan

  Introduction of New Business for Referral

  46. 86851 Amending various sections of Chapter 37 of the Madison General Ordinances related to Public Stormwater System, including Erosion Control, to update certain Stormwater Code provisions. Sponsors: Nikki Conklin Attachments:  Referred for Introduction Board of Public Works (2/12/25), Common Council (2/25/25)

  47. 86923 Amending various portions of Section 29.40 of the Madison General Ordinances to update language and requirements of the Building Energy Savings Code. Sponsors: Satya V. Rhodes-Conway And Nasra Wehelie Referred for Introduction Sustainable Madison Committee (2/24/25), Common Council (2/25/25)

  DRAFTER’S ANALYSIS: This ordinance makes several changes to the Building Energy Savings Code. Other than some non-substantive formatting and editing changes that are being made, this ordinance clarifies that the base building system, the subject of a building tune-up, includes the building envelope, but not a building conveying system. This ordinance also corrects an omission that occurred when the Substitute for File No. 75280, the ordinance creating Section 29.40, the Building Energy Savings Code, was prepared. During the committee process, numerous changes were made to the proposed language, include altering the energy benchmarking requirement deadline back from March 31 to June 30 each year. That change was not made to the benchmarking reporting requirements in Section 29.40(3)(b)2, which omission is being corrected here. In addition, the deadline to request an extension of the benchmarking reporting deadline is being extended from 60 to 90 days to better align with various notices that will be issued under the program. Of note, this ordinance will push back the building tune-up requirements by one year, to 2026 for covered buildings over 100,000 square feet and to 2027 for covered buildings between 50,000 and 99,999 square feet. Also, new buildings will be subject to the tune-up requirements one year after receiving a certificate of occupancy, rather than after three years. Finally, the tune-up specialist qualification list is being updated based upon current and updated certification standards.

  48. 86989 Creating Section 28.022-00703 of the Madison General Ordinances to change the zoning of property located at 321 Russell Street from PD (Planned Development) District to TSS (Traditional Shopping Street) District. (District 6) Sponsors: Marsha A. Rummel Referred for Introduction Plan Commission (Public Hearing - 3/3/25), Common Council (3/11/25)

  DRAFTER'S ANALYSIS:  This ordinance amendment rezones property located at 321 Russell Street from PD (Planned Development) District to TSS (Traditional Shopping Street) District to correct a zoning map error.

  54. 87044 Amending or repealing various sections in Chapters 8, 10 and 33 of the Madison General Ordinances related to reorganization of City Boards, Commissions and Committees. Sponsors: Yannette Figueroa Cole, Satya V. Rhodes-Conway, Tag Evers, John P. Guequierre, Sabrina V. Madison, Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford And Bill Tishler Referred for Introduction Common Council Executive Committee (2/25/25), Common Council (3/11/25)

  Read the staff report to get an update on the rationale for the proposed elimination, transfer to another governmental entity  and/or reorganization of city committees including the Downtown Coordinating Committee, Public Safety Review Committee, Vending Oversight Committee, merger of Committee on Aging and Early Childhood with Community Services Committee and more.

  Related legislation #78 legistar 87066

  62. 86983 Authorizing the termination of the existing Ground Lease and executing a new Ground Lease for the residential structure located at 704 East Gorham Street, within James Madison Park. (District 6) Sponsors: Marsha A. Referred for Introduction Finance Committee (2/17/25), Board of Park Commissioners (2/12/25), Common Council (2/25/25)

  63. 86986 Amending the 2025 Economic Development Division Capital Budget for TID #44 by $500,000 to fund small business development programs, amending the 2025 Economic Development Division Capital Budget for TID #46 by $750,000 to fund small business development programs, amending the 2025 Economic Development Division Capital Budget for TID #51 by $850,000 to fund small business development programs, and amending the 2025 Economic Development Division Capital Budget to transfer $1,170,000 from the TID 51 capital program (program #99011) to the Land Banking program (program #12640) to fund demolitions of Land Banked properties at 1810 S. Park Street, 1901 S. Park Street, 814 North Avenue, and 826 North Avenue (District 3, District 9, District 11, District 14, District 15, District 19). Sponsors: Satya V. Rhodes-Conway, John P. Guequierre And Derek Field Referred for Introduction Finance Committee (2/17/25), Common Council (2/25/25)

  65. 86995 Approving the Amendment to the Project Plan for Tax Incremental District (TID) #36 (Capitol Gateway), City of Madison (District 6, District 12). Sponsors: Marsha A. Rummel And Amani Latimer Burris Referred for Introduction Finance Committee (3/3/25), Plan Commission (2/17/25), Common Council (3/11/25)

  Fiscal Note: The proposed resolution authorizes the 7th amendment to the TID 36 Project Plan. The amendment adds $1.0 million for Breese Stevens field improvements authorized via legislative file 82711 (RES-24-00357). The amendment further adds $100,000 for the completion of an implementation plan/study. No additional City appropriation required with approval of this project plan amendment.

  77. 87045 Adopting the Sauk Creek Corridor Plan. (District 9) Sponsors: Nikki Conklin Sauk Creek Corridor Plan Staff Presentation Referred for Introduction Board of Public Works (2/12/25), Common Council (3/11/25)

  80. 86937 Public Hearing - New License The Marquette Hotel LLC • dba The Marquette Hotel and Cafe 414 S Baldwin St • Agent: James Montgomery Estimated Capacity (in/out): 49/32 Class B Combination Liquor & Beer • 37% alcohol, 62% food Police Sector 408 (District 6) Referred for Introduction Alcohol License Review Committee- Public Hearing (2/19/25), Common Council (3/11/25)

  81. 86938 Public Hearing - New License The Green Room Public House LLC • dba The Green Room 2001 Atwood Ave • Agent: John Hardy Estimated Capacity (in/out): 60/0 Class B Combination Liquor & Beer • 80% alcohol, 20% food Police Sector 410 (District 6) Referred for Introduction Alcohol License Review Committee- Public Hearing (2/19/25), Common Council (3/11/25)

  82. 86939 Public Hearing - New License Kleuter Master Tenant LLC • dba Hotel Indigo Madison - Palette Bar & Grill 901 E Washington Ave • Agent: Zacharie Gray Estimated Capacity (in/out): 145/60 Class B Combination Liquor & Beer • 36% alcohol, 64% food Police Sector 408 (District Referred for Introduction Alcohol License Review Committee- Public Hearing (2/19/25), Common Council (3/11/25)

  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online

  • Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 12, at 4:30 p.m. in a virtual format. Agenda items include adopting the Sauk Creek Corridor Plan.

    13.* 86775 Amending the Engineering Bicycle & Pedestrian and Planning Adopted Capital     Budgets to transfer existing GO budget authority from Engineering - Major Streets to Planning for the Percent for Art Aggregate Fund related to the Pheasant Branch Greenway Enhancement Project (District 9). Sponsors: Nikki Conklin And Marsha A. Rummel 

     

    The Percent for Art Expenditure may be reallocated to an alternative site or to the Art Aggregated Fund for the purchase, installation and maintenance of public art projects when it has limited public access, or generates funds insufficient to acquire new artwork, or for any other reason deemed compelling by the Common Council. Because of the limited eligible funding for this project, the Engineering Major Streets - Bikeways Program will transfer $5,560 to the Planning Budget Art Aggregated Fund for the purchase, installation and maintenance of public art projects on a citywide basis.

    16.* 87065 Approving plans and specifications for public improvements necessary for the project known as 320 S. Brearly Street CSM and authorizing construction to be undertaken by the Developer, Private Contract No. 9629 (District 6)

    The developer, Brearly Street Property Group LLC, has been conditionally approved for a one-lot certified survey map (CSM), demolition of a commercial building, and construction of a six-story mixed-use building with 124 apartments at a location currently addressed as 306 and 310 S Brearly Street. Upon recording of the CSM, the new lot shall be addressed as 320 S Brearly Street. Public improvements required to serve the project include a private water service, storm sewer connection to public storm sewer in the E Wilson Street corridor to be constructed in 2025 with a separate Public Works project, construction of new public sanitary sewer in the E Wilson Street corridor from the project limits and connecting into the public sanitary main located in S Paterson Street. Trees shall be planted along the S Brearly St frontage as directed by the City Forester. Street, terrace, and sidewalk repairs shall be constructed as directed by the City Engineer. Traffic control plans and street occupancy permits as required by Traffic Engineering along S Brearly Street and E Wilson Street. The developer shall be responsible for communication and construction coordination with the City Public Works storm water project.

  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online

  • Board of Park Commissioners meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 12, at 6:30p in a virtual format. Agenda items include

    7 87010 February 2025 Superintendent's Report: Future Commission items will include • Pay to Park in Parks Pilot – The Council rescinded the pilot program for 2025. They included a requirement of a report regarding parking assets in parks to be submitted by April 2026. Parks staff are working with other agencies to create a staff team who will craft this report in a comprehensive manner. The current plan would be to check in with the Commission in the Summer of 2025 regarding approach and process.

    13* 86983 Authorizing the termination of the existing Ground Lease and executing a new Ground Lease for the residential structure located at 704 East Gorham Street, within James Madison Park. (District 6)

    16 86984 Informational Report on Policies Regarding Alcohol in Madison Parks (Citywide) PowerPoint presentation

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

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.

Public Information Meetings (PIM’s)

• Public Input Meeting - Sandburg Park, Thursday, February 13: Madison Parks is replacing five existing playgrounds in 2025. On Dec. 5, a virtual playground workshop was held for all five playgrounds, including the playground in Sandburg Park, 2818 Independence Lane.

Announcements and News Releases

• Prioritizing Traffic Safety for All Road Users: D7 Virtual Lunch and Learn with Traffic Engineering: Alder Nasra Wehelie is excited to continue her Lunch and Learn session for this month, featuring Traffic Engineering on Thursday, February 20, from 12 to 1 p.m. Whether you drive, bike, or walk, this virtual Lunch and Learn will offer residents a… [posted February 7, 2025]
• Stop by on Winter Bike Day, Happening February 14 : Demonstrating that biking isn’t just a summer activity, even in snowy Wisconsin, the local bicycle advocacy group Madison Bikes is hosting a Winter Bike Day on Friday February 14. [posted February 7, 2025]
• Free Ice Skating Fun This Weekend!: Looking to get outdoors this weekend? Madison Parks has free ice-skating events planned and you're invited! Get your groove on at Groove & Glide on Friday night. Ice skate under the stars with fun music and games at… [posted February 6, 2025]
• Time to Vote on the Snowplow Names!: The election opens today on the Wisconsin Salt Wise website. You have until February 24 at 8:00pm to submit your vote. Madison, you crushed the snowplow name suggestions.  We received 1,335 total names. [posted February 4, 2025]
• Recycle Your Whole Pizza Box - Even the Greasy Parts
• If you have City of Madison recycling at your home, you can now put the entire cardboard pizza box in the green recycling cart. Even if there are grease stains. For years, the recycling guidance for Madison residents was to rip off cardboard lids of… [posted February 4, 2025]
• Madison Public Library Invites the Community to Celebrate 150 Years of Library Service: MADISON, WI -- Madison Public Library is celebrating 150 years of service in 2025 with programs, events, and activities designed to highlight the value of libraries as a cornerstone of the Madison community. [posted February 3, 2025]
• Changes Coming to Local Rent Assistance Program: City and County government officials are alerting residents that changes are in store later this year for the Eviction Diversion and Defense Partnership (EDDP). [posted February 3, 2025]

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

• Hospitalized Absentee Voting Begins Today, Tuesday, February 11: This is the first day hospitalized voters may appoint an agent(opens in a new window) to pick up their absentee ballot from the City Clerk's Office for the February 18 Spring Primary.
• Warner Family Fun Night, Friday, February 14: Join us at WPCRC for Warner Family Fun Night! Families can create art projects, play in the game room or the gym, watch a movie or win some prizes playing bingo!
• Groove & Glide, Friday, February 14: Make the most of winter at a Groove and Glide event! Experience the fun and beauty of ice skating under the lights with fun music and games.  All ages and experience levels are welcome. Grab your friends, a date, or family, and have fun on the ice. 
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park, Sunday, February 16: Tracks and Signs ~ Join Naturalist Kathlean Wolf  for a free fun educational family friendly guided walk to explore the Wild Side of Warner Park.  We'll look for the footprints, scat, and nests of our wild neighbors, and try to interpret the story of their lives during the coldest part of winter. We may have hot cocoa and a campfire with smores after the walk.

Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar