Preliminary meetings are underway to develop a parking ramp on mid-State Street that will rid Madison shoppers of the hassle of finding a place to park.
Project Developer Curt Brink unveiled potential models at a committee meeting last night.
\We have to critique this where it works and go by what's there,"" Brink said.
In accordance with city regulations, the structure could be up to four stories on the Gorham Street side and up to five stories on the Gilman Street side.
The proposed ramp would also house up to 50 condominiums and several retail stores.
Committee members raised concerns that the model is too large for the location under consideration.
The ramp would be significantly taller than its neighbors, which include Pizzeria Uno and the King House.
Madison resident Rosemary Lee also voiced concerns that the committee needs to think about what works best for the patrons of State Street.
""I'm here to make sure they don't put their own interests before those of the city,"" Lee said.
The committee focused extensively on the interests of the city, in particular on how to make the experience of State Street remain very pedestrian.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, stressed the concern that this parking remains mainly for shoppers.
""We need to consider how we will deal with special events parking, people attending events at the Orpheum, the Kohl Center, and the Overture Center,"" Verveer said. ""We're working on how we will guarantee the spaces are primarily reserved for short-term parkers that are shopping on State Street.""
Tonight the proposed facility will be discussed at the city council meeting, after which negotiations can commence so the committee can work toward the construction of the project.
The projected groundbreaking of the mid-State Street parking facility is temporarily scheduled for early 2006.
