People are wondering when and how to give input on the Edgewater. I say, early and often, but definitely this week!
The law to change the zoning ordinance can be found here. It basically says there is no setback requirement for commercial development, but residential property still has to be a certain distance from the water, based on the other buildings in the area. While some will argue that there is little commercial waterfront development so this ordinance is ok. Others, are concerned that residential properties will be bought for commercial development and there is the issue of all the property along the waterfront next to the Edgewater in front of the national Guardian Life Building. And, of course, for a city and county that talks about cleaning up our lakes, this seems like a backwards step.
The law to make the Edgewater eligible for TIF can be found here. It also allows them to build condos there and removed the setback requirement that narrows the view to the lake by allowing the building to be built closer to the right of way (imagine if a street and sdiewalk and some additional land went all the way down to the lake, that is where the right of way is.)
Several people asked me what should be done if you care:
1) First and foremost, email your alder! Early and often. All alders can be reached at allalders@cityofmadison.com. Your alders can be reached at districtx@cityofmadison.com. x = the number (1,2,3 etc) of the district you live in. Not sure, check here. Otherwise, just drop them a note and make sure to include your address so they know you live in the City of Madison.
2) There are several Edgewater Meetings this week, but the most one where they will specifically be discussing this ordinance is Monday here:
4:30 PM COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT ROOM 130A CCB
– Waterfront setback ordinance change for the Edgewater
It would likely be best if you could speak, but if you don’t want to at least register your opinion. Don’t worry about getting there right at 4:30, there will likely be lots of people and you can get there and fill out a form probably for at least a couple hours. Members of the Committee on the Environment are here.
3) At the same time they are discussing this, the Mayor and alders on the Board of Estimates will be considering changing other laws for the Edgewater in the same building, so feel free to stop down and register there as well. This is what they will be up to:
4:30 PM BOARD OF ESTIMATES ROOM 260 MMB
– Changing law for Edgewater so they are eligible for TIF, can have condos on their property and removing right of way setback requirements.
– – Oridinance language
– – Attorney Memo
– – Map
– – Vacation Easement as Amended
While you are in the building, you may as well stop down and register and possibly speak to this issue as well. I would think they get to this issue early as it is a short agenda. Members of the Board of Estimates are here.
4) There are some other meetings going on this week, and you might want to check them out as well. I would think on Wednesday you could give input to the Urban Design Commission on the lakefront setback issue and Thursday is the Council meeting where they will be talking about TIF and other issues. Those meetings can be found here. I don’t believe the Council will allow public input at their meeting.
Hope this is helpful. I obviously have very strong opinions about the project, but for or against, the alders and committees should hear from you.
