The Downtown Coordinating Committee met Thursday to discuss the new Central Library renovation proposal along with new safety procedures being implemented in the downtown area.
The renovation proposal comes after talks between the city and Fiore Cos. fell through over a $2 million contract dispute in March. The project would have built a new library on West Washington Avenue and the current site would have been sold for redevelopment.
As an effort to speed up the process of construction, renovation to the library is being discussed but with some opposition.
""I am open to changing directions, but I'm not there yet because there is still at least a sliver of a chance that redevelopment could still happen,"" Ald. Bryon Eagon, District 8, said.
Committee member Patrick McDonnell said the renovation plan is narrower in scope although the previous Fiore plan had potential for economic gains for the city.
The Common Council plans to meet on May 4 for further discussion of the renovation.
The committee also discussed the issue of public safety around the downtown and campus areas. Since 2003, aggravated battery charges as well as simple battery charges have significantly dropped.
""I'm feeling pretty good about where we're going and the direction we're taking. As soon as we see something that raises concern, we respond in a way that is most effective,"" Cpt. Mary Schauf of the Madison Police Department said.
The MPD has also reorganized their officer shifts and zoning areas to combat a slight increase in property crimes recently.
