Here’s the official invite. I really hope people can make it. I’m bummed I can’t.
Greetings-
We are inviting you to participate in an Alder-initiated Neighborhood Summit, Saturday July 31 from 9am-noon, at Trinity Lutheran Church 1904 Winnebago to begin an initial discussion about the land use approval process from the point of view of neighbors and neighborhoods so that those of us elected to represent you can hear your thoughts and discuss suggestions on best practices with each other, other stakeholders and the city.
We are inviting fellow alders, members of citizen committees tasked with the review of development proposals, and members of neighborhood associations throughout the city to lead a roundtable discussion of what works and what could be improved in our development approval process. The primary focus is to provide a vehicle for neighbors to share experiences and insights in order to facilitate their participation in the process but all interested stakeholders are welcome to participate.
Tim Cooley, the Economic Development Director at the City, has invited neighborhood associations (NAs) to submit written comments to the Economic Development Commission (EDC). His email outlined the timeline regarding EDC’s review of the land use approval process. He has requested NAs to submit written comments by July 30 in order to be included in an August 18 Preliminary report to EDC, with final action by the council proposed for November 9.
At the roundtable, we will break into groups and go through a two part agenda: what is the problem and what are some solutions. Alders and committee members from Plan, Landmarks, Urban Design and Zoning Board of Appeals have been invited to help facilitate discussions at breakout tables. If your neighborhood association submitted comments to EDC, send a copy and we will make copies available at the meeting. The information we gather can be used throughout the process to insure a truly robust and inclusive discussion.
We realize this is short notice and it is being held on a summer Saturday but it is the first step and there will be future opportunities to talk. Several Alders have been discussing our role in the development process (alders are notably absent in recent documents) and possible recommendations we would like to consider as policy and in the upcoming budget process. We want your input. Please forward to neighborhood list serves and other interested parties.
We hope you can join us. Please RSVP Debbie Fields in the Council office dfields@cityofmadison.com or at 266-4297. Thanks for volunteering your time and passion to help build a great city.
Marsha Rummel District 6
Mike Verveer District 4
Shiva Bidar-Sielaff District 5
Brian Solomon District 10
Satya Rhodes-Conway District 12
Julia Kerr District 13
NOTE: Alder Chris Schmidt, District 11 has been added.
