The State Street Design Project Oversight Committee will hold a public informational meeting today to discuss plans for the redevelopment of the 300 and 400 blocks, the third phase of the construction effort.
According to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, who is a member of the oversight committee, a public meeting is held before any phase of the redevelopment plan is finalized.
"The meeting is primarily focused on stakeholders, and by that I mean property owners, businesses and tenants," Verveer said. "However, the meeting is open to the entire public. Anyone who has something to say about the plan is welcome to attend and express their view."
Verveer said the meeting would be open to whatever concerns are brought in by the public, but noted the placement of sidewalk furniture in past public-information meetings has consistently been the hottest topic.
"Some businesses feel like their business is affected by the placement of things like bike racks or trees or posting kiosks," Verveer said. "Many businesses have outdoor serving areas or vending they do which could be impacted by the placement of certain sidewalk objects. Other businesses worry about their visibility. So we hear all about those things at these types of meetings."
The new posting-kiosk design will be on display at Thursday's meeting. Verveer said he hopes the public can give good feedback with regard to its aesthetics.
While issues like posting-kiosk design and the placement of sidewalk furniture may seem like no big deal, Verveer said the committee is concerned with regard to the plan's every detail.
"At our meetings, we discuss the smallest changes and the things that seem insignificant to many because for some people, they are important," he said. "The committee does not view any aspect of the street as insignificant."
Verveer said he expects members of the public to bring up questions about money and the timeline of the project as well.
"Having just received $1 million from the federal government for the project leads many to ask what's going to be done with it," he said.
There are no specific plans for the federal money, but, in a Nov. 18 press release, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said the money would positively affect Madison no matter how it is used.
"These investments in our infrastructure provide invaluable support to Madison's economic development," Cieslewicz said in a release.
The meeting will be held at the Overture Center Rotunda Studio. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and presentation of plans will begin at 7 p.m.
According to Verveer, after this public meeting, the City Board of Public Works will review the final plan at a Dec. 21 meeting. If the board approves the plan, it could be on the table for the Madison Common Council as early as Jan. 3, 2006.
University of Wisconsin senior Sam Boebel said any meetings about the future of State Street are important, and students should make comments if they have something to say.
"I think State Street is the social focal point of the UW campus area," Boebel said. "We're known for our State Street area, and I take pride in that. I would be interested in knowing what's going to happen to it."
