Updated information on happenings in the neighborhood, Public Information Meetings, Announcements and Events

Hello neighbors,

In these updates, I strive to provide you with information I have when it is available. Last week, I reported on a tragic incident in which a car killed a dog in our neighborhood. After writing to you that this event was a hit and run, I received an update from the Madison Police Department. I learned that the driver did not, in fact, ignore the stop sign, and did not flee the scene after the accident. Rather, the owners of the dog ran off with their poor pup so quickly that the driver didn’t know what to do. So, he wound up leaving after several minutes. Thankfully, a doorbell camera caught much of the incident, so the police were able to find the driver, and cite him for inattentive driving. He was deeply apologetic, and felt truly awful about what happened.

I also wanted to give you an update on the break-in in the neighborhood last week. A resident in the 2300 block of Regent St had their back door kicked in during the daytime on November 12. Nothing was taken. No other burglaries have been reported in the area.

I have appreciated hearing from many of you regarding your views on a potential pilot program that could raise revenue for the City by requiring payment for parking at certain sites in parks at certain times. Madison Parks released a blog post describing the potential for the program, and the public engagement process that will be required. Please remember that the only reason the City is even considering approaches like this is due to the lack of investment in our municipalities by the state legislature. If the state would pay its municipal services bill, and provide a reasonable amount of shared revenue, we would not be in the position to have to consider creative approaches to raising revenue for the City. I will provide additional information on this pilot as it becomes available.

Winter Parking Rules: Alternate side parking is in effect until March 15, 2025. Sign up for daily alternate side parking reminders by text.

Public Information Meeting (PIMs)

• Metro Transit Public Meeting - Northport/Kennedy Charging Location, Monday, November 18: Attend a public meeting on Monday, November 18 to learn more about a new on-route charging station proposed to be built at the intersection of Northport Dr. and Kennedy Rd.
• Evergreen, Ohio, Sommers Reconstruction, Tuesday, November 19: A public information meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Nov. 19, 2024, via Zoom. Registration prior is required. A postcard will also be mailed out to residents in the neighborhood informing them about the meeting and directing them to the website to register. Meeting topics include project limits, street design, utility installation, construction timeline, and street assessments. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions.
• In-Person Open House: Southwest Area Plan kickoff event, Tuesday, November 19: Join Planning, Engineering, Transportation, Parks, and others at an open house on November 19, 2024, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Akira Toki Middle School, 5606 Russett Road. There will be a brief presentation at the start, but feel free to drop in a stay for a few minutes or the entire time.  Learn about the Southwest Area Plan and other upcoming projects in the Southwest Area.

Announcements and News Releases

• Greater Madison MPO Secures $1 Million to Enhance Roadway Safety Across Dane County, November 15, 2024: The Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has been awarded $1 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to enhance safety for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians throughout Dane County.
• Statement on Recent Investigation: City of Madison residents have entrusted elected officials to carry out the will of the people and make difficult decisions on behalf of the entire community.
• Get Ready for Winter Travel: Tips for Biking & Taking the Bus with RoundTrip: Join the Greater Madison MPO's RoundTrip program and experienced Madison area bus and bike riders tomorrow, from noon to 1 p.m., for a lunch-n-learn webinar, where you’ll gain valuable tips to help you plan your next trip with confidence.
• Group Art Show at Goodman South Madison Library Calls for the Re-humanization of Black Men: Group art show at Goodman South Madison Library curated by artist Sharon Bjyrd calls for the re-humanization of Black men and references the I AM A Man slogan from the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers' strike.
• Help Plan the Future: City of Madison begins work on Southwest, Southeast Area Plans: City of Madison staff has begun work on the next two Area Plans, the Southwest Area Plan and the Southeast Area Plan.

Events

• Parks Alive Fall | Elver Park, Monday, November 18: 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 fall. Connect with your neighbors and engage with your community at a Parks Alive event near you!
• November 20, 6pm - meet MMSD Superintendent Joe Gothard, and get a tour of recently remodeled West High! Stay for the Regent Neighborhood Association meeting afterwards.
• Empowering Small Businesses: District 7 Lunch and Learn featuring the Office of Business Resources, Thursday, November 21: Join Alder Nasra Wehelie as she hosts staff from the Office of Business Resources! Learn more about small business opportunities, how to apply for city programs, TIF, TBE certification, and more! This virtual event is free and open to all Madison residents.
• Community Listening Session, Thursday, November 21: Join us for this informative Community Listening Session on Thursday, Nov 21st, 6 pm, at Sandburg Elementary to discover how the city services are addressing housing complaints and be part of the solution. Pizza and refreshments will be provided while supplies last.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, November 23: 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.
• Downtown Madison has a lot to offer this holiday season:
  • Downtown lighting ceremony: Saturday, November 23, from 4 – 6 pm (tree lighting ceremony at 5:00), Lisa Link Peace Park, 452 State Street. Free coffee, hot chocolate and cookies (while supplies last), a special visit by Santa & Mrs. Claus, and FREE light-up wands so you can be part of the light display! (while supplies last). Special guest MIKE LECKRONE will light the tree at 5:00 pm.
  • On November 29 – December 1, enjoy holiday shopping specials at downtown businesses and use the free Holiday Trolley to travel to your next destination. Downtown Madison gift bags will be available on the trolley while supplies last! Jingle-SHOP around downtown throughout the weekend.
  • Live Music at Top of State:
    • Friday, November 29 - 12-2pm: Eric De Los Santos; 2-4pm: Idledaze
    • Saturday, November 30 -12-2pm : Eric De Los Santos; 2-4pm: Wend O'Lynn
    • Sunday, December 1 - 12-2pm: B.J. Fisher
• Mini Meditation Retreat, Sunday, November 24: Relax, recharge, and reconnect at our upcoming Mini Meditation Retreat with Dr. Sarah Moore. This in-person retreat will be a unique blend of guided meditation, breathing exercises, mindful movement, and deep relaxation with Yoga Nidra.
• Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park, November 9th through December 31, 2024: Lighted holiday themed displays set in beautiful Olin Park. Drive through anytime Dusk until Dawn to enjoy this magical light show for free, brought to you by The Electric Group.
• District 11 Book Club with Stu Levitan, Wednesday, December 11: For our next District 11 Book Club on December 11th, Stu Levitan will give an illustrated talk on Madison in the 1970s, adapted from his forthcoming book, Madison: The Illustrated Sesquicentennial History, Volume 2, 1932 to 1979.

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

Take care,

Regina Vidaver