Interested and concerned Madison residents met to discuss a proposed renovation of Regent Street at the South Mills Neighborhood House Monday. The plans to reconstruct the off-campus street are part of a recent push from Ald. Austin King, District 8.
King said he initially began drawing attention to the Regent Street area about a year ago, adding that he is devoted to rebuilding the area in order to give it a more distinct, lively appearance to complement its residents. The street borders on the University of Wisconsin campus near Camp Randall Stadium and the Kohl Center.
Bill Fruhling, principal planner for the project, answered a number of questions from area residents.
"A lot of people think this area is lacking identifiable character," Fruhling said, launching the meeting. "A lot of people feel the opposite."
Due to the mixed populace of students, families and senior citizens living in the area, there were various issues amicably discussed.
A number of non-student residents said they were concerned with pedestrian safety if such a master plan were to move forward.
The lack of traffic lights and crosswalks on Charter Street, as well as the reckless driving frequently observed on Park and Regent streets, worried residents considerably.
"I can't tell you how many donuts we haven't bought from Marv's because we can't cross the street," Hanna Cook-Wallace, owner of Studio Jewelers, said.
And, according to a number of those in attendance, drivers and pedestrians often clash on the streets, and many drivers have difficulty finding available parking.
While the majority of residents made suggestions on what to change about the Regent Street area, student attendees were concerned with the maintenance of the current ambiance that Regent Street exudes.
From the students' perspective, too much redevelopment could take away from the character of Regent Street, transforming it into a relocated sort of State Street.
But aside from disliking proposals to refine the appearance of Regent Street, students also showed concern about a possible increase in the cost of living.
Since Monday's meeting was only the first of many steps to discuss this growing issue, Fruhling said "that's just something we'll have to work through."
According to Fruhling, the next step is to construct a neighborhood plan consisting of residents who will outline and document how to arrive at their desired future.
"This is all a change that is naturally going to happen," King said. "It's not whether change is going to happen, but how."
In relation to issues of cost and funding, the reconstruction plan calls for $20,000 of city money which is contingent upon $40,000 from private donations, according to King.
The University of Wisconsin has also donated $10,000 to $20,000 to promote such renovation, King said, adding that "the university has really stepped up to the plate."
All District 8 residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming meetings.
"The future of this area should not be dictated through my personal values," King said.
