Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the development of a special area plan for the West Mifflin/West Washington neighborhood. City costs associated with the proposed planning activities are covered by the 2018 Adopted Operating Budget, no additional appropriation is required. City costs associated with urban development in this area will be included in future operating and capital budgets subject to Common Council approval.
Title
Authorizing the development of a special area plan for the greater West Mifflin/West Washington area.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison's Downtown Plan (adopted July 17, 2012) provides a general framework for guiding change and opportunities within the City of Madison’s Downtown area; and
WHEREAS, the Downtown Plan describes a vision for the future of downtown and provides recommendations on general land use, building heights, view-sheds and other key issues to guide land use and investment decisions over time to ensure that the vision for downtown is achieved; and
WHEREAS, the Downtown Plan specifically recommends the preparation of special area plan for the West Mifflin area to “transform the Mifflin district into a distinctive, urban mixed-use neighborhood that blends employment, research, residential and compatible retail uses in an engaging, dynamic, pedestrian oriented environment characterized by a consistent form based design;” and
WHEREAS, the Downtown Plan also specifically recommends the preparation of special area plan 400 - 500 blocks of West Washington Avenue to enhance the “distinctive physical character of West Washington Avenue as a gateway to Downtown, while providing opportunities for the development of additional high-quality housing and creation of an engaging transitional district linking the predominantly residential Basset district and an evolving mixed-use Mifflin district;” and
WHEREAS, the planning study area for the West Mifflin / West Washington Plan will focus on a six-block area centered on the 400-500 blocks of West Mifflin Street and West Washington Avenue, and will also consider the context of the adjacent street frontages; and
WHEREAS, this plan will provide an opportunity to provide greater detail on specific land uses, development intensity, streetscape amenities and urban design details, building design, materials, massing, rhythm, and other design characteristics that are both consistent with the Downtown Plan and create a dynamic future vision for the West Mifflin / West Washington district; and
WHEREAS, this planning process will interface with the design and development of a new Downtown Park;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this planning process will be conducted by regular and informed consultation with stakeholders including Capitol Neighborhoods Inc., businesses, community residents, organizations, property owners with oversight by the City’s Plan Commission; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Common Council hereby authorizes the development of a special area plan for the greater West Mifflin/West Washington area, with completion and introduction to the Common Council expected by summer 2019.