Spring! 50 degrees today!
PHOTO
No comment.
WHEN IS FREE SPEECH NOT FREE?
When you try to get a permit to march up State St. How can that be? What happened to the right to assemble etc.? The Madison Area Peach Coalition is asking to pay a fee to get a permit. That’s not right. What is happening to Madison?
POLICE DEPARTMENT MISSION CREEP
$100,000 was used for a Downtown Safety Initiative when there were a series of muggings in the Downtown area in 2007. The money was continued for cameras, horses and other initiatives. Now that they’ve used it on all their special projects, they are just converting it to staff time, because apparently the 30 new officers aren’t enough. Exactly what the skeptics feared, once the money was given, they would never let it go. And still, no contributions from the business community, despite efforts. This looks permanent now. Here’s the plan. Daily Cardinal and Badger Herald covered the meeting. (Thanks!)
WILLY WEST
Now to include full-service meat counter and liquor! Or, as they say
Willy West is not a carbon copy of this store but will reflect the needs and personality of the Owners who choose to shop there.
I don’t know why, but this just seems wrong.
“KINDA COOL” ROUND UP
Thanks Lukas for the first two links, bike google maps and Twitter tip for talking up Madison for Google Fiber . . . it is kinda cool.
SCONZ RELOCATED
Well, there it is. I’m interested to see how it works out. Sorry to hear that, as I worried about, there is self-imposed pressure to act more like a journalist than a blogger and that it will be used to get an “in” to get people to talk to you. It does change things.
CAFE MONTMARTRE REPLACED BY UNDERGROUND KITCHEN
Sigh, live music isn’t the problem people, booking bands too large/inappropriate for the venue is. And hey, if there was a neighborhood meeting, how come my alder didn’t let me know about it or why wasn’t it posted on neighborhood listserves? I live two blocks from the place.
WHERE’S THE PROPOSAL?
I keep hearing the Landmarks Commission is going to get it’s wings clipped . . . but I don’t see it. I want to see the proposal. The way some people talked about it in the linked blog, it sounds a whole lot different than the way I’ve heard the Mayor and Skimore talk about it. Details please.
SCHOOL BOARD FOLLOW UP
TJ corrects me and explains a bit more about the school board meeting. I’ll admit it, I’m out of my league on school issues.
LOVE THE CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE
Portage (Calendonia) and Dubuque, need I say more. I’ve spent more time than I care to admit in both places, and I guess I’m not surprised, just disappointed.
BORED POLICE DEPARTMENT PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Seriously, we pay this guy for this!
OK, SOUNDS GOOD, SO WHAT’S THE PLAN
No substance, once again.
NEW URBANISM NOT PROFITABLE
So, screw it, lets do something else. Sigh . . .
After Saturday’s Dialogues on Homelessness it was decided to start having impromptu focus groups on creating shelter standards. In order to be as accessible as possible to shelter residents; the meetings will initially take place on Wednesdays at 1:45 PM in the Capitol Basement.
[snip – The suggestion for how to approach it is . . . ]
1. Formulation and implementation of shelter standards.
2. Creation of a Shelter Monitoring Committee and Third-Party Grievance System.
3. A long term plan for a relocated shelter to a new or more appropriate building that would operate 24 hours a day thereby serve people working 2nd and 3rd shift jobs.Four major areas needing standards.
A. Dignity and humane treatment of clients.
B. Safety and Security
C. Health and Sanitation.
D. Client centered and outcome driven service plan. Striving to get clients into permanent housing, employment, long term services etc. as appropriate to the individual.
FINALLY!
If you think city government is slow, try dealing with HUD!
CDA mailed notices to tenants and landlords last week who were effected by the shortfall in CDA’s 2009 Section 8 funding. HUD has provided one-time funding specifically to undo the cost-saving measures CDA was forced to implement last year. The letters explain that CDA is making a special one-time payment adjustment in March 2010 to make up for the lower payments we made in August 2009.
Please refer any questions about these notices to my attention at CDA. My direct line is 267-8711.
Thanks,
Tom Conrad
Section 8 Supervisor
CDA Housing Operations
NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY
If you can get the credit . . .
On Saturday, March 20, 2010 the annual Home Buyers Fair is returning to the Alliant Energy Center. See the attached brochure and flyer for more information. Go to homebuyersroundtable.org to preregister and be eligible to enter the one night stay at Chula Vista drawing.
The Fair is a great opportunity to learn about the home buying process and the many programs available to assist you in purchasing a home. Attend the 3 required workshops and earn your Home Buyer Education Certificate which is required for many loan programs. Attend the Fair and register to win one of two Down Payment Assistance Grants being given away!
Please pass this information along to your friends, family and co-workers.
STATE JOURNAL EDITORIAL (AND THE MAYOR) COMPLETELY MISS THE POINT
No surprise, I’m sure. This time, its the editorial on the bus fare increases and their “success” and I think the way they characterize Solomon’s argument. Then again, details and facts don’t matter to them. Here’s a question, what would the ridership increase have been WITHOUT the fare increase. Look at what someone from the Allied area had to say about the fare increase and how it impacts them:
In my neighborhood, Dunns Marsh, many people have stopped or reduced the trips on Madison Metro due to the fare hike. Plus our bus service was cut in 2006. Route 18 can be extremely dangerous if you do not have any street smarts.
One resident who swore she never would drive, got her license at 54 because of the problems on Route 18. Having a fuel efficient little car to get herself to work has proven to be cheaper, time efficient, and safer than the bus.
To save $55.00 a month for a bus pass, during spring/summer months, people are now walking 1.5 hours to work, riding a bike, and etc. My bus is empty in the morning because it is cheaper to drive for those who have a car. This is especially true, if there is more than one member in the household.
[snip]
In order to afford the $55.00 bus pass, people have disconnected their telephone, do not turn on the heat, lights, and do Not spend any money on restaurants, movies, and etc.
Many residents do not qualify for reduced passes because they work for a living and literally count their pennies to survive. [snip]
and this from the Northside:
So many around me are doing the same. I know somebody right now that is going to go get their vehicle from another state(had to leave it there from a prior situation). She is giong to go get it in 2 weeks when another one of our family friends moves out of state…they will be riding together. This one person who “WAS” driver license free…now has their license and will be bringing her car back from the state where it was left and person who stored it for her). People are fed up in the city/state ; and are going back to driving for their own means so they can get to places quicker, more efficient and w/o having to figure out which part of the route these buses are going or if at all and how often!
and from the same person in response to my one word response to the listserve upon reading the WSJ editorial:
With this new bus fare increase; I have actually encouraged many to stay away from metro if all possible. Even many of our church members who rely on metro plus are actually being picked up by others in our church by those using their own bigger vehicles(SUV’s , vans etc). These people are “FORCED” to deal with the new fare increases whether or not they WANT TO which in turn leaves them LESS to deal on a VERY FIXED/LIMITED INCOME!! I SECOND THE “BARF” here!
My next door neighbors ONLY use the bus system for things like a quick run down to a store; but only after first making attempts to call NORTHSIDE for a ride(they ARE elder)or other neighbors…and when that fails…Then they are forced to take OUT of their pockets to pay to get around where they need to go by metro. When this has happened alot to them(no available ride) they have actually gone W/O buying food/eating or giving up factors of other things(perhaps their need of meds).
Time NOW to expand METRO…enough is enough on this community.
EDGEWATER RUSH!
City staff has less than a week to review the plans, that makes me nervous . . .
The agenda for this Thursday’s DAT meeting, plans related to the 10:00 information presentation, and information related to the proposed attachment from the Town of Burke are all attached.
The meeting will be held in Room LL-110, Madison Municipal Building.
Please note that the last special item of business will be an update on the status of the Edgewater Hotel redevelopment. We are expecting the developer to submit revised plans for an expanded PUD tomorrow, which will be distributed to agencies at DAT Thursday morning. The schedule for this project has it before the Plan Commission on March 22, 2010. Unfortunately, the proposed new schedule will afford a very brief review period before we must have your comments for inclusion in a new report to the Plan Commission. Comments for the updated PUD will be due next Wednesday, March 17 at 12:00 PM.
TIM PARKS
CITY COMMITTEE OPENINGS
Once again, thank you to Satya for making the info from the Mayor’s office usable for the public.
Do you want to apply to serve on a City Committee?
More information on City Committees is here. If you’re interested, you can fill out an application here. A list of vacancies is here.
Right now, there are vacancies on the following committees:
Disabled Parking Enforcement Assistance Council (multiple positions)
Economic Development Committee
Equal Opportunities Commission Employment Subcommittee
Committee on Community Gardens (multiple positions)
Housing Committee (multiple positions)
Madison Arts Commission (multiple positions)
Madison Elections Advisory Committee
Parking Council for People with Disabilities
Senior Center Board of Directors
Senior Citizens Advisory Committee
Sister City Collaboration Committee
Solid Waste Advisory Committee
Sustainable City subcommittees (multiple positions)
Zoning Board of AppealsPlease let me know if you have any questions or if you decide to apply!
Thanks
Satya
CULTURAL ARTS PLAN NEEDS YOUR INPUT
Alder Rummel explains:
As the Madison Arts Commission alder and member of the Cultural Arts Plan Steering Committee, I am very excited by this effort and it will depend on all of us to make a great plan so please share with friends, neighbors, co-workers and cohorts …
From the homepage:
WHY IS THE CULTURAL PLAN IMPORTANT TO MADISON
Creativity and innovation have long been major drivers of Madison’s unique character and its economic base. They are woven into our sense of place. Just as it is important to plan the ways in which the city supports neighborhoods, it is important to plan the ways in which it’s policies and resources support creativity and innovation.* What is Madison’s vision for its arts and cultural future?
* What arts and cultural opportunities do residents want for themselves and for their children?
* How can broad access to opportunities in creative play, learning, and work be promoted?
* Are we making the best use of our public and private facilities?
* What structures and resources are necessary to strengthen and sustain our creative community?The planning process will include research; GIS mapping; surveying; conducting interviews, focus groups, roundtables, and public hearings; and working with a local Steering Committee in the formulation of recommendations for action.
****************************
From: Mayor
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 11:37 AM
To: ALL ALDERS
Cc: Wolf, Karin; Harmon, Ray
Subject: Madison Cultural PlanAs you may know, the City of Madison has launched its first cultural plan, a citywide effort to identify action steps that will make Madison a center for creativity and innovation. I am writing for the purpose of asking your help in encouraging your constituents to participate. You are uniquely situated to help make sure the planning process reaches into every Madison neighborhood.
You can learn more about the Madison Cultural Plan by visiting its website here:
http://www.cityofmadison.com/MAC/culturalPlan/index.cfmWe want you to know that every neighborhood association in the city has been asked to participate by conducting discussion groups, encouraging their members to complete surveys being conducted as a part of the plan, and encouraging interested members of the public to sign up for My Account Cultural Planning updates.
We also request your help in reaching members of your constituency who may be interested in participating. In particular, we need your help in motivating people to complete online surveys including:
* Consumer Survey. This survey asks members of the general public to describe their preferences and opinions with regard to creative activities.
* Artists and Creative Workers. This survey asks artists and workers in history, science, and creative industries including retail to describe their work, the structure of their work, how they market their work, and what needs and ideas they may have for making Madison a center for innovation and creativity.
* Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Organizations. This survey asks questions about the mission, needs, financial status, leadership structures, and aspirations of Madison’s nonprofit arts, history, and science organizations.
Each of these surveys asks questions about location and access, so it is very important that we hear from constituents in each alder’s district in order to develop a clear and fair picture of citizen experiences, preferences, and ideas.
You may also request a one-on-one meeting with cultural planning consultant, Mary Berryman Agard, by contacting Karin Wolf, Administrator, Madison Arts Commission at:
KWolf@cityofmadison.com
Thanks for your help in reaching out to your constituency. As we ask questions about arts and culture in Madison and plan for a full and vibrant future, it is especially important that every corner of the community be heard.
Thanks. We look forward to your participation.
FUTURE OF TENNEY PARK BRIDGES?
Since all the larger bridges to the Tenney Park island have been inspected and found to be structurally unsound for carrying maintenance vehicles, the Parks Dept. is now planning to replace the pedestrian bridge nearest to the Yahara River and Sherman Ave. (by the ‘duck’ parking lot) with a new vehicle-carrying version. Will the new bridge be as inspiring as the ones below?
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=tenney%20park%20bridge&w=all– or be a fitting historical replacement? http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whi/fullimage.asp?id=51734
[snip]
Cheers, Tim Olsen, TLNA Board-Transportation
P.S. A couple of Facebook pages where people are sharing historic photos and postcards may be of interest to some of you;
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-the-Yahara-River-Parkway/284831311757?ref=nf
