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More on Ice Arenas, Demo Permit Request for 2 Vilas Homes Goes Back to Plan, and more updates

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Hi Everyone,

Quick note about the snow that is expected to start later tonight and last all day Sunday. Streets Division will be plowing the salt routes. Shovel your sidewalk from last night’s snowfall, and keep it clear throughout tomorrow best you can. Remember, frequent shoveling is the best way to clear your sidewalks. Consider using sand instead of salt, and if you must use salt, use it sparingly.

More on Madison Ice Arenas

Here is a link to a one sheet detailing the proposed agreement we’ll be voting on at Tuesday’s Council meeting. Last Monday, the Finance Committee unanimously recommended approval of the agreement; you may watch that meeting by clicking here. And here’s a link to a Power Point of staff’s presentation.  

As I indicated in my last blog update, I strongly support the proposed agreement. If you have questions or concerns, please email me at district13@cityofmadison.com.

More information about Tuesday's Common Council meeting is available here:

2121 Jefferson Street and 1007 Edgewood Avenue 

Demolition Permit Request Goes Back to Plan Commission on Monday, January 13

On September 23, 2024, the Plan Commission found that the request for approval of a demolition permit to demolish two single-family residences at 2121 Jefferson Street and 1007 Edgewood Avenue (Legistar File ID 84825) did not meet the standards for approval and denied the request. The applicant initially appealed the denial to Common Council, but pulled the appeal before Council could deliberate. Instead, the applicant has chosen to resubmit their demolition permit request to Plan Commission because the Inspection Report detailing the condition of the two properties was inadvertently excluded from the legislative file at the time of the Plan Commission decision last September. 

This matter has been fervently debated on the Vilas Neighborhood Association listserv. I have listened carefully to both sides of the debate and remain mostly neutral with regard to my stance. However, it’s not clear to me the information included in the Inspection Report provides substantial information that is likely to change Plan Commission’s determination that the permit request did not meet the demolition standards set in our zoning ordinance.

Several Vilas residents have noted their own homes at the time of purchase were in similar shape as the two homes – in other words, they are not beyond repair and restoration. Moreover, there seems to be a strong sentiment for preserving lower cost entry points into the Vilas neighborhood and thereby enhancing diversity. 

On the other hand, Vilas residents in support of the applicant note this is the only proposal on the table, that demolishing the two homes would restore the lot to its original demarcation at the time of platting, and that a new home built commensurate in size to neighboring properties would enhance, not detract, from the neighborhood. 

Nearby neighbors, who it should be noted are mostly in support of the demoliton request, have expressed concern that if the demoliton permit is denied, these homes, formerly owned by Edgewood, would fall into the hands of speculative developers who would take advantage of recent zoning changes to remodel these homes into overstuffed student housing. 

I do not share this concern. 

If I were a betting man, I’d wager that Plan Commission on Monday will not be convinced to change their decision and will thereby vote again to deny the demolition permit request.

Monday's Plan Commission meeting starts at 5:30 and is being held virtually. More information is available here:

Now on to the rest of the updates:

Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

  • Police and Fire Commission : The Police and Fire Commission meeting will take place on Monday, January 13, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include the consideration and potential action to designate a Department Officer who is temporarily authorized to act as Chief of Police until the Board makes a permanent appointment to the Chief of Police position.
  • Economic Development Committee: The Economic Development Committee meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 15, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include an update on the City of Madison Economic Development Plan, as well as a discussion regarding "Means Testing" for Economic Development Division financial assistance programs.

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 (PIM’s)

  • Public Input Meeting - Kennedy Park, Wednesday, January 15: Madison Parks is replacing five existing playgrounds. On Dec. 5, a virtual playground workshop was held for all five playgrounds, including the playground in Kennedy Park, 5202 Retana Dr. Parks staff presented an overview of the playground replacement program and asked for input on design decisions during break-out sessions specific to each park location.

Announcements and News Releases

  • Updated Dates: Temporary Lane Closures for Tree Removal: On Wednesday, January 15 and Thursday, January 16, City Forestry crews will close Manitou Way, between Tumalo Trail and Iroquois Drive, to remove three median trees.  The work and closure will occur between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm each day, with… [posted January 10]
  • OIM Community Listening Session: The Office of the Independent Monitor invites members of the public to a virtual community listening session on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 1 pm. This will be an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions and provide feedback on several… [posted January 10]
  • Family Winter Prom: A Night of Frosty Fun for the Whole Family!: Embrace the wonder of winter at the Family Winter Prom! Join us for a sparkling evening of frosty fun and family connection on Saturday, February 1, from 5:30-8:30 pm at Monona Terrace. This fun and enchanting event is just $5 per family (ages 4-13) and offers an unforgettable night of music, dancing, crafts, and refreshments. Dress to impress and make cherished memories with your loved ones in a cozy winter wonderland! [posted January 10]
  • Temporary Lane Closures for Tree Removal: On Tuesday, January 14 and Wednesday, January 15, City Forestry crews will close Manitou Way, between Tumalo Trail and Iroquois Drive, to remove three median trees.  The work and closure will occur between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm each day, with the… [posted January 8]
  • Candidate Filing Deadline Extended for Two Offices: The deadline to file papers to run for Alder in City of Madison District 18 has been extended to 5:00 pm Friday, Jan. 10. The filing deadline for the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education - Seat 3 is also extended to 5:00 pm Friday… [posted January 7]
  • Fire Station 6 Closes to Prepare for Redevelopment: Firefighters and Paramedics Move to Fish Hatchery RoadEffective Thursday, January 9, Madison Fire Station 6 located at 825 W. Badger Road will close its doors to make way for redevelopment. Emergency response personnel formerly housed on W. Badger… [posted January 7]
  • It’s Time to Name Some Plows!: The City of Madison Parks and Streets Divisions, and Wisconsin Salt Wise, are asking for your help.There are five vehicles in the City's snowplowing fleet (one from Parks, and four from Streets) that need names.And you can help by submitting names,… [posted January 6]

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

  • Groove & Glide, Friday, January 17: 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 | Starkweather Creek Area, Saturday, January 18: Otter Go Sledding Party ~ Join Naturalist Paul Noeldner and Friends of Starkweather Creek for a free family friendly sledding party and nature walk or go sledding on your own to embrace the joy of winter!  Some sleds will be provided, please bring a sled if you have one. Dress warm and enjoy a campfire with hot chocolate and smores!  Did you know Wisconsin River Otters are expert sledders?  They love to slide on snow and can swim long distances under water while holding their breath.  Their extremely dense fur coats have thousands of tiny hairs per square inch that help shed water and keep them comfortably warm. Pretend you are an Otter and see how far you can slide in the snow!
  • Candlelight Hike, Saturday, January 18: In partnership, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Madison Parks presents this wonderful hiking event! Hundreds of softly glowing lights illuminate the trails through Aldo Leopold Nature Center and Edna Taylor Conservation Park. Take a walk through the parks and then enjoy a roaring bonfire outside. All ages are welcome. See Map(opens in a new window) for more information.
  • Learn to Ice Fish, Sunday, January 19 (this event occurs on multiple dates): Join Madison Parks, Access Ability Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin DNR for a free ice fishing event during Free Fishing Weekend - no license required! Learn ice fishing techniques safely. Open to ages 7 and up; children must be supervised. Advanced registration is necessary, and waivers will be signed on-site.
  • Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park, Sunday, January 19: Enjoying Winter's Art ~ Join Wild Warner Naturalist Kathlean Wolf for a free guided walk or take a walk on your own to enjoy contrasts in the landscape, fallen leaves exposing the shapes of trees, dried summer plants creating snow-capped sculptures and ice and frost forming fantastic scenes. We'll go in search of the snow-sculptures made by the cold North Wind; the rainbows tucked inside ice crystals, and the bubble-art beneath the pond's surface. Bring your camera, your sketchbook, or just bundle up warmly and bring your love of Nature!  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.  

That's all for now.

Take care and stay safe,

Tag

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District 13 - Alder Evers

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Alder Tag Evers

District 13
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