A city committee considered proposals outlining development and cultural plans in Madison’s downtown area Monday.
Co-project Manager William Fruhling presented the city’s Downtown Plan at the Plan Commission meeting, laying out nine keys to the future of downtown Madison, emphasizing the importance of the plan’s first tenet: celebrating the lakes.
The first key focuses on the eastern edge of Law Park, looking to turn it into a signature park by pushing the shoreline back and making it more accessible for boaters to tie up and go downtown, Fruhling said.
The plan recommends placing land bridges over John Nolen Drive to increase accessibility. Fruhling said the end result would hopefully present a “true community gathering place.”
In addition, a lakefront path stretching across three miles of Lake Mendota is included, Fruhling said. According to the plan, the path is approximately 77 percent complete and focuses on the unfinished segment between James Madison Park and Lake Street.
Fruhling said the plan recommends maximum building heights set downtown in order to preserve the “postcard” view of the skyline, mainly the city’s iconic Capitol.
Other focuses include enhancing the livability of students, the elderly and families with children, increasing transportation options and offering more bicycle and pedestrian facilities with the main objective for downtown Madison to become a “model of sustainability,” Fruhling said.
“This plan is about getting the fundamentals right and having a clear vision for the future grounded in enduring principles that will assure a successful future,” according to the plan, which is available on the City of Madison’s website.
The Downtown Plan was introduced to the City Council Nov. 15 when it was referred to 14 boards, commissions or committees. Each group will forward its recommendation to City Council after the plan has been reviewed and discussed.
The Madison Cultural Plan was also introduced to and approved by the Plan Commission at Monday’s meeting.
Georgene Pomplun, artist and Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission chair, called the plan a “cultural vision” as it entails goals and recommendations as opposed to a specific plan.
“The Madison Cultural Plan 2011 is a five-year action plan to advance Madison’s position as a center for creativity and innovation,” the plan said.
The plan looks to forge a partnership with the public, private and cultural sectors, Pomplun said.
Commission member Tonya Hamilton-Nisbet recommended allowing more business members onto the art commission, saying it “makes sense” and should be made a stronger point of the plan.
Ald. Marsha Rummel, District 6, expressed concern over what the city should do and how city staff will be incorporated.
Rummel thanked the presenters but said she was hesitant as the plan depends on contingencies from other plans, which may not work out.
Commission member Anna Andrzejewski said she applauded the commission on their emphasis on public and private partnership, calling it “rewarding and essential.”
