Steering Committee Minutes
Midvale Plaza Steering Committee, June 25, 2006, Meeting Minutes
Steering Committee Meeting
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Present: Bonnie McMullin-Lawton, Denise Lamb, Steven Welch, Brandon Casto, Tom Talerico, Wynn Davies, Pamela Mather, Anna Strenski, Paul Haskew, Don Severson, Kyle Friedow
Also: Earl Reichel, Mary and Mike Silbernagel, Heidi Fatland, Mike Hammers
Denise reported that she had prepared a letter requesting support from the Midvale Heights board. She has gathered information about other neighborhood association; we may use this to generate interest about the misuse of the Comp Plan. She is preparing an editorial and working with Steven on an executive summary. This will be the foundation for many other materials – the packets for conversations with alders, the packet for the Common Council meeting, for use with the media and neighborhood associations, etc.
Brandon pointed out the connection that Landmark Place’s demise has to the ‘eminent domain’ controversy and Gov. Doyle’s support of neighborhood input. Pamela said she knows Jessica Doyle and will contact her. Therese Berceau is in the Pro Dev camp. Bill Buchholz (Buck’s) is currently renting his space for $8/sq ft; the new space was quoted to him by Karyl Lynn at $28/sq ft. Comparisons: Danford Plaza = $18-22, White Horse on Odana – $15-17.
Tom discussed the work he has done on the proposal signatures statistics and the fact that, in Westmorland, we are nearing a majority of WNA member households, which will help in our request for Board support.
Both Don and Mike Hammers had gathered information about approaching various alders. Don has a contact who will know more about the development market, after which we will determine who is going to contact which alders and what our message is.
Steven and others have organized an interview with Isthmus. Steve is contemplating a video of some of the neighborhood for use at the Common Council mtg. or alder presentations.
Heidi is working on preparing a model of the development in the context of the neighborhood.
Next Steering committee meeting is Wednesday, June 28 at Queen of Peach Parish Center at 6:30pm
We will review the executive summary, discuss alder contact and other connections, and discuss ‘compromise points.’
Midvale Plaza Steering Committee, June 6, 2006, Meeting Minutes
Attendance: Co-Chairs: Bonnie McMullin-Lawton and Don Severson, Brandon Casto, Wynn Davies, Kyle Friedow, Paul Haskew, Denise Lamb, Pamela Mather, Michelle Quinn, Anna Strenski, Steven Welch.
Guests: Loree Davies, Mike Hammers, Jan Murphy, Joy Grapentine
Absent: Tom Talerico
Announcements:
- Steve and Pamela’s observations of televised Planning Commission 6/5/6 meeting suggest that PC is responsive to attending citizens’ remarks and number of signatures on petitions.
- In order to provide a consistent message, Bonnie asked SC to observe:
- Co-chairs Bonnie and Don should send or approve the sending of Meeting Notices/Agendas/Minutes
- When any steering committee member communicates with others outside our group, esp. with officials, (e.g. Alders), identify oneself as a steering committee member.
- In order to better coordinate
dour message, please:- notify the co-chairs (e.g. to avoid redundancy of question posed) when member plans a contact.
- use the plural pronoun we/us rather than I, in recognition that when we act in concert we are more effective.
Distribution of Steering Committee Newsletter:
Steps: Post pdf to blog for those with computers. (from Steve to Denise)
For those without computers, hardcopy versions will be essential. Partition streets to get newsletter to houses quickly by distribution subcommittee. Provide lockbox drop off at library, pending approval to be obtained by Paul. Second separate pass, steering committee members circulate and chat with neighbors, inviting signatures. Route info to Tom those households who have signed proposal. Separately, Anna will insure that the Open Letter Committee can field questions regarding differences between their original open letter and steering committee proposal and clarify that the proposal is the current evolution of what open letter committee wants to present to city. Anna will contact Astrid, Mike Bell, Vicky and Clove. Enter into database (Tom)
Suggestions of Newsletter draft.
Thanks to Denise for text and format/layout of draft by Steve. Update active SC membership to include on document. Through discussion, SC reached agreement on newsletter text.
Newsletter Distribution
Distribution Sub Committee: Bonnie, Don, Wynn, Brandon, Michelle, Paul, Denise
Timeline:6/6: Steve and Denise will complete text, Bonnie will proof. 6/7: Michelle will have 2500 copies made on golden rod size paper at Kinkos
Informing City Alders:
Send a copy of the newsletter to each one.·Individual contacts with planning commission members suggested. Route to Don willingness and whom you know to contact.·
Initial pass: Ken Golden (Denise), Judy Compton (Don), Larry Palm, Noel Radomski, Mike Verveer, and Austin King (Paul), Judith Bowser (Pam), Kelly Thompson Frater (Paul). Outstanding: Brenda Konkel , George Twigg (Chief of Staff) Lauren Cnare, Nancy Fey, Sarah Davies.·
Contact with mayor’s office. Wynn knows Larry Martin and will make that contact.
June 19 Presentation
Introduction–Brandon (include proposal)//New Urbanism/Comp Plan–Steve//Density–Don/Tom//Traffic–Anna/Kyle//Retail–Denise//Architectural Design–Paul//Summary–Bonnie (include proposal)
Each presenter will:·Prepare bullet points//Email those to steering committee: Be specific of what //Write text- goal 3 minutes
To coordinate presentations into a theme: a. As each person introduces, relate to the proposal so that the speakers are seen as having a common reference point and action outcome. b. opportunity to do this right in Madison will be thrust of Steve’s allotted time. c. End each talk with the mantra: support the Steering Committee proposal.
Next Tuesday 6/13 meeting: speakers’ only meeting to rehearse
Note: If there are changes to Krupp’s plan they will be entered as exhibits and available at the same time as the agenda is posted
Protest Petition—Group briefly discussed requirements for near neighbors to file petition.
Future Schedule: Denise and Steve to edit newsletter and get PDF to Bonnie. Paul will check on library’s willingness to house lockbox for proposal drop off. Don will route survey data in pdf format to Denise for uploading on Internet sites. Michelle will route tonight’s minutes for co-chair approval and then route to Denise for uploading to blog. Michelle will summarize book recommended by Tim with topic specific points that current proposal does and does not comply with in terms of New Urbanism principles. Anna will route to Denise open letter website for inclusion on steering committee newsletter. Committee will consider developing single reference sheet for all members to utilize when addressing neighbors’ questions regarding rationale for guidelines specified in proposal.
Next Meeting: Thursday 6/8/6: Tim Gruber (Alder District 11) and Steering Comm. 6:00 Q of P Parish Center
Upcoming Meeting:Tuesday 6/13/6 Speakers Meeting Only to Rehearse Time and Place TBD
Submitted by Michelle Quinn, June 7, 2006; Initial Approval, Don and Bonnie (co-chairs)
Sunday, May 30, 2006
Steering Committee Minutes, May 30, 2006
Attending: Bonnie McMullin-Lawton, Don Severson, Mary Silbernagel, Michelle Quinn, Brandon Casto, Joy Grapentine, Jan Murphy, Mike Hammers, Tom Talerico, Kyle Friedow, Mike Bell, Paul Haskew, Steven Welch, Pamela Mather, Denise Lamb, Rachel Martin.
May 24 Urban Design Commission Meeting: Bonnie reported on events at the UDC meeting:
- The UDC voted unanimously to grant initial approval to the plans for the Midvale Plaza, with some qualifications. The entrance/exit for the Phase II parking garage must be relocated to Midvale Blvd. and the architect must continue to work on the design of the buildings.
- The library now has two exits, one on Tokay Blvd. and one on the parking lot, with the two entries directly opposite one another. The library architect, Paul M. Cuta, of Englebert & Anderson, made the case for using the corner of the library at Midvale and Tokay for a reading room rather than an entrance.
- Retail shops on Midvale now have only a street entrance.
- Four-story sections of Phase II have been moved away from street and toward the courtyard of the building.
- We were disappointed that the plan was approved, given the concerns expressed at the May 3 and May 19 meetings, but we have been assured that the plan will continue to evolve and change as it moves forward.
- The plan will go before the Madison Plan Commission on June 19th.
Mission and Strategy of SC:Some attendees felt that goals of the SC should be articulated. Others felt that goals had already been clearly stated. Group agreed that goals/strategy of steering committee should be clarified in a formal statement. Following discussion, group asked Bonnie to work with a small subcommittee to confirm our goals and present these at the next meeting.
Newsletter:Group discussed means of updating community on work of the committee. Following discussion, group agreed that a newsletter distributed to all residents of Midvale Heights and Westmorland would be the most effective means of communication. Denise will draft copy and bring to next meeting; Steven will do the layout. We hope to get this out to the neighborhood in the next week or ten days. It is critical that people are made aware of the Plan Commission meeting on June 19.
Traffic:Traffic seems to be a big concern of residents. Kyle will do some research on traffic numbers gathered from the traffic calming study done for S. Owen Drive. There are still no hard numbers on traffic created by new library/retail.
SC Members:Because so many people have cycled on and off Steering Committee, we need to confirm who is a member. There is some confusion about the Open Letter Committee vs. the Steering Committee. Bonnie will contact others who have not been active recently to confirm SC membership.
Future Schedule: Newsletter done by June 6th.
Next meetings:
June 4, 2006, 6:30 PM at Friends space
June 6, 2006, 6:30 PM at Queen of Peace Parish Center
June 8, 2006, 6:00 PM (meeting with Tim Gruber) at Q of P Parish Center
Submitted by Denise Lamb, June 2, 2006; draft minutes until approved by Steering Committee.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
The steering committee met from 7:30-9:30 A.M. at the Friends of the Library space at Midvale Plaza.
Attending: Bonnie McMullin-Lawton, Don Severson, Pamela Mather, Steve Welch, Anna Strenski, Michelle Quinn, Mary Silbernagel, Kyle Friedow, Tom Talerico, Mike Hammers, Kristi Casto, Brendan Casto, Tim Gruber, Brian Tennant, Earl Reichel, Denise Lamb.
Items discussed:
Group agreed more formal structure is needed to manage meetings; Don will bring Roberts Rules of Order to next meeting for consideration by group.
Minutes from last Urban Design Commission meeting (May 3) have still not been posted; this leaves us at a disadvantage in determining our next steps. Brief discussion of what people recalled; Tom gave his notes to Bonnie for records.
Pamela reported that the Library Foundation may ask for a delay in consideration of the project plans to give library architect time to get up to speed. This could occur on Monday, May 15.
Group completed brainstorming session to determine/define main concerns of committee going forward. Results, ranked in order of concern, were:
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DENSITY-Number of condos, apts, total residential
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TRAFFIC-Amount of car traffic, placement of entrances/exits, bike and ped access
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DESIGN-Location of buildings on site, architectural style, height, landscaping
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RETAIL-Amount and nature of retail; compatibility of retail units with neighborhood needs.
Group discussed need to become expert on city ordinances and laws, as well as other issues, in order to effectively represent neighborhoods’ interests. Areas of concern included:
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Zoning laws
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Laws and ordinances governing PUDs
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Impact of Comprehensive Plan’s goals on this project
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Vacancy rates in condos and apartments
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Impact of infill developments on property values
To do:
- Steve will prepare detailed outline of concerns for further discussion at next meeting.
- Everyone is to think about strategies for future negotiations.
- Bonnie will continue to research city ordinances.
- Group members will try to contact realtor acquaintances for insights.
Next meeting: Tuesday, May 16, 6:30 P.M. at Friends’ space at Midvale Plaza.
Submitted by Denise Lamb, May 22, 2006; approved by Steering Committee, May 21, 2006.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Steering Committee Meeting 4-23-06
Attending: Mary Silbernagel, Margaret Hoffman, Don Severson, Gary Poulson, Brian Tennant, Betsy Hauser, Bonnie McMullin-Lawton, Ann Macjolski, Pamela Mather, Denise Lamb, Mike Hammers, Anna Strenski, Tim Gruber.
Guests: Joe Krupp, Bruce Simonson, Karyl Lynn Bruckner, Cindy Thomas, Barb Dimick, Rachel Martin.
Betsy Hauser and Don Severson presented the results of the opinion survey that had been circulated to the neighborhood. Hauser explained the process used and general return numbers:
- Those writing the survey made every effort to make the questions objective and not show bias in their phrasing.
- Likewise, the fact sheet accompanying the survey was written to convey information and not influence responses.
- A total of 2450 surveys were mailed and went to all residents of Westmorland and Midvale Heights.
- Response rate was 26.4 percent, lending credibility to results.
Severson presented a more detailed analysis of the results:
- Each question gave respondents a choice of responses, a means to indicate the strength of their opinion, and an opportunity to make comments.
- Around 85 percent of respondents would like to see plaza improved.
- A similar percentage is unhappy with the current proposal.
- Concerns about the current proposal focus on traffic/safety, size of buildings, density, high number of apartment units, and loss of retail.
- Anyone wishing to completely understand the results should read the 3,000+ comments, as they “flesh out” what respondents really feel.
- A copy of all the response data was provided to Krupp and Simonson, copies will be available at the Sequoya Branch Library as of Monday, April 24, and a PDF copy will be available on the blog site http://midvale.wordpress.com within the next few days.
In response, Joe Krupp noted that:
- They are trying to find ways to address concerns.
- Neighbors should work closely with the Madison Traffic and Engineering Department to address traffic issues, as requests must come from the neighborhood.
- Neighbors frequently don’t know enough to make good judgments about what appropriate development consists of.
- Survey results were what he expected; delaying survey to after third public meeting might have allowed people to review changes.
Krupp and Bruce Simonson presented new drawings of Phase I of the project, which will include the library and 43 condos. Changes made to the development since the February 22 public meeting:
- Entrances to surface parking have been returned to current format (Caromar exit lines up with Owen Drive/Midvale exit is farther north than originally proposed).
- The city has confirmed that parking will be allowed on Tokay Blvd. between Caromar and Midvale.
- Slight reduction in height/mass facing Caromar.
- Façade has been broken up to appear more residential, less institutional.
- Provision has been made for a possible pedestrian entrance to the library from Midvale Blvd.
- Work has been done on runoff solutions, with additional onsite drainage areas. Dave Liebl, of Friends of Lake Wingra, will discuss the current plans at Tuesday night’s public meeting.
Krupp and Simonson responded to questions about:
- Exact depth of setbacks on upper stories of buildings; these will range from about 10 to 35 feet.
- Materials and colors for upper stories; these will be light; goal is to have them recede visually.
- Configurations, sizes, and prices for the condos; sizes will range from 750 to1200 sq ft, with prices at $250-260/sq ft.
- Ownership of the completed project; both Krupp and Kelly Financial will be owners.
- Effect that shadows will have on neighbors and viability of open courtyard in Phase II; shadows will reach to some neighbors near sunset and sunrise/courtyard will be designed to include shade plants as necessary.
Future activities discussed included:
- Plans and logistics for Tuesday night’s public meeting.
- Developer will present revised plans to the Urban Design Commission on May 24, not May 3, as originally planned.
- Phase II of the project remains in the conceptual stage and will be further designed and presented to the neighborhoods after Phase I has been approved and begun.
Submitted by Denise Lamb
April 24, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
On Wednesday, April 19th, representatives of the Midvale Plaza redevelopment neighborhood steering committee met at the home of Denise Lamb. The meeting started at 5:30 PM and ended at 7:00 PM. Those present were Denise Lamb, Bonnie McMullin-Lawton, Betsy Hauser, Don Severson, Paul Haskew, Tim Gruber (alder), and Brian Tennant. The primary objectives of the meeting were to 1) review the preliminary neighborhood survey results, 2) confirm the upcoming meetings, and 3) plan specifically for the meetings with Joe Krupp on Sunday, April 23rd (steering committee) and Tuesday, April 25th (neighborhood public meeting).
Don, Betsy, and Bonnie have done an excellent job processing and summarizing the survey results. Approximately 650 or nearly 30% of neighbors responded. The summary will be comprised of a chart which reflects the distribution of responses in a quantitative format. In addition, Don has summarized the qualitative comments by question. We will circulate the summary to the steering committee and Joe Krupp prior to the Sunday, April 23rd question. In addition, copies of the survey summary will be available to neighbors at the Tuesday, April 25th public meeting.
For both the Sunday and Tuesday meetings, Brian Tennant will facilitate the discussion. The general format will include the following items in this order: brief introductions, presentation of the neighborhood survey results, presentation of the current redevelopment plans by Joe Krupp and his team, and a Q&A session. In addition to a significant neighborhood contingent, we expect that representatives of the City Planning Department (Bill Roberts), relevant alders (Tim Gruber and Cindy Thomas), and Library (Barb Dimick, Ann Michalski) will be in attendance.
Throughout the meeting, Tim Gruber enlightened the group on the city review process. More specifically, we discussed a strategy for representing our interests at the upcoming Urban Design Commission (UDC) meeting scheduled for May 3rd. Tim will follow up with Al Martin and provide us insights on how to effectively participate.
The next meeting of the steering committee is Sunday, April 23rd at Midvale Plaza at 3:30 PM.
Submitted by Brian Tennant 4-22-06
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