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Northeast Area Plan - Draft Recommendations

About: This is a preliminary draft of the recommendations in each of the seven chapters of the Northeast Area Plan.
Directions: Select a yellow bubble and click "reply" to add your feedback. You do not need to register for an account or provide an email address. The comment period will close on February 15, 2024.

When viewing on a computer, click the "Full Screen" buttonFull screen button showing arrows in four directionsto open a larger window for viewing.

Visit the project webpage for more information about the Northeast Area Plan. 
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in reply to MD's comment

Staff_KirstieLaatsch Feb 2 2024 at 3:52PM on page 1

Thank you for this feedback. To answer your question about programs for first time and/or lower-income buyers, yes, the City does have several programs including a down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers, Property Tax Assistance for Seniors, and low cost mortgage and rehabilitation loans.

link
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Karen Polnitz Jan 20 2024 at 10:05PM on page 1

Suggestion
11. Additional bicycle network connections would be an amazing and much appreciated addition to our community. I would especially like to see some form of protected bike path or dedicated two way pedestrian/bike path along Portage Rd. Right now, going Northbound on Portage via the bike lane is very scary as we are riding close to cars, sometimes going over the speed limit and on garbage day, residential trash cans obstruct the lane, forcing bikes into traffic.
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

MD Jan 19 2024 at 10:54AM on page 1

1. I would hope that housing, including affordable housing, would be more owner-occupied, not all rentals. I have both owned and rented in Madison, and when people have a stake in it (aka own), they take better care of it. I wonder too if there would be greater tax impact for community and schools if more homes were owned? Can the city help with increased programs for first time and/or lower income buyers?
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in reply to Mike's comment

Staff_Planning_ Jan 17 2024 at 10:38AM on page 1

Declaration Lane and Victoria Lane are being evaluated with the Safe Streets Madison program for potential traffic calming measures.
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in reply to Josh's comment

Staff_Planning_ Jan 17 2024 at 10:38AM on page 1

Thanks for the comment. Yes, Traffic Engineering is evaluating the need for stop signs at these intersections.
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in reply to Howard's comment

Staff_Planning_ Jan 17 2024 at 10:37AM on page 1

This street is planned to have a speed reduction to 20mph as part of the 20 is plenty program.
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in reply to JS's comment

Staff_KirstieLaatsch Jan 8 2024 at 2:11PM on page 1

Answer
Thanks for the question. A lot of what the City does when it comes to the topic of housing tends to be citywide, rather than specific to certain areas. The intent of including these draft recommendations (6 and 9 in particular) is to lead to policy changes that will go into affect citywide. Having the recommendations included in an adopted Area Plan gives them more weight for the City to start working on them.
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in reply to John Scott's comment

Staff_DanMcAuliffe Jan 5 2024 at 10:27AM on page 1

Answer
Great question. The City recently updated its infrastructure assessment policy so new sidewalks are no longer charged to adjacent property owners.
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in reply to JS's comment

Staff_LisaMcNabola Jan 5 2024 at 9:10AM on page 29

There will be a dedicated bus lane along East Washington Avenue (extending to East Springs Drive) for Bus Rapid Transit. Construction is currently underway. We can investigate whether it would be feasible to recommend a dedicated bus lane after East Springs Drive.

At this time there are no plans to provide a passenger rail service along East Washington Avenue.
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in reply to Roger Watkins's comment

Staff_LisaMcNabola Jan 5 2024 at 9:01AM on page 29

Thanks for your comment. The City has adopted a new strategy called Vision Zero which aims to prevent fatalities. Lowering the speed limit along certain corridors is a tool to give drivers more time to react in case of an accident.

link
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in reply to Howard's comment

Staff_LisaMcNabola Jan 5 2024 at 8:59AM on page 29

The East Towne Mall could only cease to exist if property owners decide to redevelop. If that is the case, property owners must follow zoning and officially mapped streets. They will also need to follow recommendations written in this plan.
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in reply to Viviana 's comment

Staff_LisaMcNabola Jan 5 2024 at 8:58AM on page 29

It means that when redevelopment occurs, the officially mapped streets will be required to be constructed in accordance with the Official Map. This doesn't mean that the streets will be immediately constructed.
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in reply to JS's comment

Staff_DanMcAuliffe Jan 4 2024 at 8:21AM on page 1

Answer
The 65 DNL db contour defines the area most existing residential becomes eligible for soundproofing through the FAA's Part 150 process. Greater explanation of this process and the role the City can play will be included in the draft plan document.
replies
in reply to JS's comment

Staff_DanMcAuliffe Jan 4 2024 at 8:13AM on page 1

Answer
Great question. The City can't require property owners to redevelop, but it can create conditions where it's more attractive for the property owners to do so. This could include increases in allowable densities of development, zoning changes to lessen the number of approvals required and potentially tax increment financing assistance. The City also uses its land banking program to acquire and prepare sites for development, and there could be properties in this area that may make sense for that program to be used. However, City acquisition of the entire mall area is beyond the capabilities of that program.
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in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

JS Jan 3 2024 at 5:12PM on page 1

Question
Recommendation #6: does the 65-decibel area align with areas potentially eligible for Part 150 soundproofing funding? Will the area plan clarify the connection (or lack thereof) between this recommendation and recommendation #8 under Effective Government?
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in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

JS Jan 3 2024 at 5:05PM on page 1

Question
On recommendation #2: what specific physical improvements does the plan seek to make? This offers a broad range of interpretations.
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in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

JS Jan 3 2024 at 5:00PM on page 1

Question
Recommendation 1: What power does the city have to spur redevelopment of the Greater East Towne Mall area? Will the city purchase privately-owned land, or how will current owners be incentivized to participate in revitalization?
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in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

JS Jan 3 2024 at 4:57PM on page 1

Question
Many of these recommendations, especially 6, 7(b), 8, and 9, seem like city-wide efforts and not specific to the Northeast Area Plan. How will this plan help those goals to be achieved?
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

JS Jan 3 2024 at 4:53PM on page 1

Suggestion
Recommendation 11: Please consider grade-separated bike lanes with access to East Washington business. The current bike lanes feel suicidal. Additionally, the bike path crossing Aberg Ave between 113 and the Starkweather bike bridge could use safety improvements, but these probably depend on slowing Aberg traffic more than anything else.
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

JS Jan 3 2024 at 4:45PM on page 29

Suggestion
Recommendation 4 is greatly appreciated as someone who primarily accesses these areas without a car. The frontage roads are unsightly and unpleasant as a pedestrian, and the option to convert some of these to grade-separated bicycle paths is extremely appealing.

5(b) similarly would make the East Towne area much more pleasant to interact with outside of a vehicle.

Recommendation 8 is also good, and given WisDOT's desire to remove at-grade intersections on Stoughton a sunken Stoughton road seems like a worthy compromise when compared with an overpass.

Recommendation 9 is similarly appreciated, but I would love to see full-time bus-only lanes in the recommendation (even if this is likely to be shot down by WisDOT). Is street-running rail (tram) service a consideration?
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

JS Jan 3 2024 at 4:34PM on page 1

Suggestion
Regarding recommendation 1(a), mixed-use development on East Washington is much appreciated and consistent with the city's goals around BRT, but to fully realize the benefits of mixed-use, car traffic on East Wash needs to be reduced and slowed down. I recognize this is difficult for the city due to jurisdictional conflicts with DOT, but it should be a major priority as we continue to develop the mixed-use transit corridor in this area.
replies
in reply to Matthew Basler's comment

Staff_Planning Jan 3 2024 at 3:21PM on page 1

Answer
Matthew, yes, in response to your first question. As demonstrated on page 5, the City has embraced the Complete Streets approach, intending to accommodate all modes of transportation. The extent of accommodation will vary depending on the available right-of-way. One example is Atwood Ave. Here you can check the Transportation Improvement Plan: link
replies
in reply to Mike's comment

Staff_KirstieLaatsch Jan 3 2024 at 1:59PM on page 1

Answer
Thanks for the questions. The purpose of the Medium Rent map on this page is informational to provide background data about how rent in the Northeast area compares to nearby areas. Speaking broadly, the cost of rent within the Northeast area is slightly less expensive than nearby areas.

For the second question, yes, the map only displays data for housing that is rented, or in other words, is not owner-occupied. Related to the topic, within the Northeast area 43.3% of the housing units are owner-occupied compared to Madison as a whole, which is about 44.5% owner-occupied. That information is shown on the left side of this poster board.
replies
in reply to Mike's comment

Staff_KirstieLaatsch Jan 3 2024 at 12:12PM on page 1

Answer
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a relatively new City of Madison policy that is intended to support investment in and use of public transit and bicycle connections along major corridor like East Washington Avenue. Transit-Oriented Development is pedestrian-oriented, compact, mixed-use development that is centered on quality public transit. Parcels within the TOD overlay shall include a mix of housing, office, retail, neighborhood amenities, and other uses within walking distance of a transit station.

I also added a link where you can learn more about TOD by clicking on the blue circle at the right side of this page.
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Roger Watkins Dec 30 2023 at 11:29AM on page 29

Suggestion
Transportation section disclosing all road speeds 25-30mph may be a bad choice. This can move the anxious and speeding drivers to neighborhood roads. Please consider a stepped speed approach to roads, cease use of cone-constriction of roads, and actually enforce speed limits, instead of setting speed limits 10 or more mph low and endangering drivers who actually obey posted speed. BTW overwide roads also bleed salt and runoff into local waterways.
replies
in reply to Chuck Litweiler's comment

Chuck Litweiler Dec 29 2023 at 6:24PM on page 1

My concern is not specific to any specific recommendation, Now there are many auto related businesses next to or near East Washington from Hwy.30 all the way to I- 90. . I am sure that many people view at least some of them as unsightly. Motor transport will not go away with the BRT. The need for 'some' of these businesses may decrease over time but I know of no good sites for the remaining ones to relocate and still be convenient to vehicle owners. Please consider this in yoour planning. Thank you.
replies
in reply to Chuck Litweiler's comment

Chuck Litweiler Dec 29 2023 at 6:06PM on page 1

I apologize for my ignorant first comment. My son has helped me use the computer now.
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Mike Dec 29 2023 at 5:05PM on page 1

Suggestion
Recommend scrapping any plans to implement a "protected" two-way bike lane (cycle track) on Portage Rd. I've ridden these in other cities and comfort level was low. Unless the barrier separating vehicular traffic from bike traffic is concrete, there's really not much to stop something like a distracted driver from veering into cyclists. Plastic "candle sticks" will not be enough and also are a bit of an eye sore. We also have cyclist riding in the winter - plows would likely send snow from the vehicle lanes into bike lanes. Plenty of room exists on the west side of Portage Rd for a shared bike/pedestrian path, especially if the west curb is moved east to where the proposed bike/car barrier would be. Much safer and aesthetical solution.
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Mike Dec 29 2023 at 4:39PM on page 1

Question
What is the purpose of the Medium Rent (2021) map and how might it be used in the future?
Also, do the values indicated represent only rentable units (eg. apartments) within that zone without regard to the fact that most units in the zone might be owner occupied (eg. single family homes)?
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Mike Dec 29 2023 at 1:30PM on page 1

Question
What is "TOD Overlay Zoning" and how is it determined?
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Mike Dec 29 2023 at 1:26PM on page 1

Suggestion
Declaration Ln (and possibly Victoria also) needs traffic calming measures (speed bumps?) implemented. Too many drivers use this route as a shortcut through Holiday Bluff and are often traveling well above 25mph when doing so. On more than one occasion, reckless drivers have overshot the curves and ended up on the curbs.
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Chuck Litweiler Dec 27 2023 at 4:18PM on page 1

Unfortunately I missed the in-person meeting on Dec. 18 and had in my head it was onthe 19th. Viewing onthe computer is difficult because the images/maps with different colors for different land uses are too small and hard on the eyes. If you have the material laid out someplace for viewing again-(as you did last August.that would be great. Ideally you might have themlaid out for a day or more at Truax neighborhood center or Sandburg School. Thanks for trying toinvolve people in the planing process.
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Josh Dec 27 2023 at 2:14PM on page 1

Suggestion
I would love to see some stop signs on the corner of Duke St. and Sunynside Crecent, as well as that three way intersection of Dwight Dr. and Sunnyside
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Don White Dec 27 2023 at 10:22AM on page 1

Suggestion
The Starkweather Creek Bike Path is very dangerous where it crosses over the 113 offramp to Aberg. Even with "no right turn on red" lights, cars run the light all the time without even looking for bikes on the path. Short term suggestion: Green Bike Path Road Paint on crossing and a "DO NOT STOP IN BIKE PATH" sign. Could save a life. Thanks for considering it :)
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Matthew Basler Dec 26 2023 at 11:24PM on page 1

Have there been considerations made on reducing the size of roads? As the wider the road the faster a car will drive. The Dutch have proven this many times over. Also, we need to stop assuming the default mode of transportation is a car. We should be focusing on reducing car dependance for all residents. This why the bi-direction bike path should be swapped for a single separated bike lane without simple bollards. Come on now!
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

John Scott Dec 26 2023 at 6:25PM on page 1

Question
#10 Bikes and Pedestrian Network. My question is who's paying for the sidewalk additions? Some of us are retired and on fixed income.
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Howard Dec 26 2023 at 4:32PM on page 1

Suggestion
I would suggest speed reduction action on Wayridge Dr. This street is used often to access Sycamore instead of using Thompson Dr. Very often cars go 35-40 mph and more. Someone is going to meet a tragic end.
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Howard Dec 26 2023 at 4:13PM on page 1

Suggestion
Any chance to add a bike path beside the rail corridor that roughly runs parallel to E Wash. Ave?
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Howard Dec 26 2023 at 4:06PM on page 29

Suggestion
Not in favor of extending Nekoosa Trail to Jana. This would divide Sycamore park and create traffic hazards for the park. Does this plan put an end East Towne mall or just anticipate its demise?
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Viviana Dec 19 2023 at 10:34AM on page 29

Question
What does officially map mean? does that mean that the City will build these new streets soon?
replies
in reply to KirstieLaatsch's comment

Viviana Dec 19 2023 at 10:31AM on page 1

Suggestion
I like recommendation #3. we need more parks and open spaces in the area. The East Towne Mall has too unnecessary parking!
replies

KirstieLaatsch Dec 18 2023 at 12:01PM on page 1

Do you have any questions or general feedback about the Northeast Area Plan?
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KirstieLaatsch Dec 18 2023 at 11:55AM on page 12

What feedback do you have about the Community Action Strategy project list for Burke Heights?
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KirstieLaatsch Dec 18 2023 at 11:53AM on page 12

What feedback do you have about the Community Action Strategy project lists for Sandburg?
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KirstieLaatsch Dec 18 2023 at 11:53AM on page 11

What feedback do you have about the draft Health and Safety recommendations? Please include the recommendation number(s).
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KirstieLaatsch Dec 18 2023 at 11:52AM on page 11

What feedback do you have about the draft Effective Government recommendations? Please include the recommendation number(s).
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KirstieLaatsch Dec 18 2023 at 11:51AM on page 10

What feedback do you have about the draft Green and Resilient recommendations? Please include the recommendation number(s).
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KirstieLaatsch Dec 18 2023 at 11:51AM on page 9

What feedback do you have about the draft Culture and Character recommendations? Please include the recommendation number(s).
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KirstieLaatsch Dec 18 2023 at 11:50AM on page 8

What feedback do you have about the draft Economy and Opportunity recommendations? Please include the recommendation number(s).
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KirstieLaatsch Dec 18 2023 at 11:50AM on page 7

What feedback do you have about the draft Neighborhoods and Housing recommendations? Please include the recommendation number(s).
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