The Common Council motioned to place the discussion of UW-Madison's Acacia fraternity house renovations on file to be discussed at a later date Tuesday night at a City Council meeting.
The initial renovation proposal consisted of remodeling the existing Acacia house, located at 222 Langdon St., and converting the backyard parking lot into a new 16-unit apartment building. The contractors, Alexander Company, will now have time to revise the plans for renovation before the proposal is discussed again at a later date.
Many residents who oppose the construction spoke about their reservations at the meeting. Opponents of the plan believe the remodeling to be a hazard to the well-being of the neighborhood.
After hearing from many residents of Langdon Street about their reasons for opposing the plans, Ald. Brenda Konkel, District 2, was discouraged from voting in favor of the reconstruction project.
In the end, when you add all that up, I can't find a way to support this project,"" Konkel said. ""What I heard from the people in this area tonight is important to me.""
Ald. Michael Schumacher, District 18, was in favor of the renovation proposal.
""Getting rid of types of places such as Dumpsters and parking lots is desirable and ultimately fits into the Madison community.""
Goals of increasing density and having a ""welcoming neighborhood"" were in conflict throughout the discussion. This debate prevented the Common Council from making a decision on the renovations to the Acacia house.
