Inclusionary zoning will remain law for at least two more weeks, as Madison's common council decided not to vote on proposed repeal of the law Tuesday night.
Ald. Jed Sandborn, District 1, introduced the repeal to the council and was joined by several other alders in opposition to the affordable housing law, which sets aside affordable housing available only to people who make less than 80 percent of the median income.
But after over an hour of public testimony and questioning, the council moved to refer the proposed repeal to a later date.
Most of those who testified at the meeting spoke in opposition to the repeal, citing the need for an affordable housing law to help Madison's low and middle-income population. Several citizens also pointed out that the law has been on the books for only approximately two years and that it needs more time to work.
Nancy Jensen, who testified on behalf of the Apartments Association of South Central Wisconsin, said inclusionary zoning was simply not getting the job done.
According to Jensen, homes allowed to sell without subsidies are often cheaper than equivalent properties that are subsidized by inclusionary zoning. Jensen argued that subsidized housing is simply not necessary in Madison and pointed out the high vacancy rates of subsidized housing in the city.
Most of the alders had reservations about the law, but said repeal was a decision that was too big, too soon.
Others, such as Ald. Brenda Konkel, District 2, said repeal would mean a failure to address affordable housing.
'We need to get rid of repeal,' Konkel said. 'I don't think anybody believes that it is a viable option at this point.'
The council also approved the city's Comprehensive Master Plan, which guides all city development in years to come. The plan was in the works for over four years after state law made economic master plans mandatory for all Wisconsin cities in 2001.
Additionally, Madison will be open to citywide WiFi after the council approved a city partnership with CellNet, Inc., the company that will be responsible for building Madison's citywide wireless network.
