The Mansion Hill Neighborhood Association debated the provisions of new downtown district zoning codes following a presentation on the proposed changes to zoning districts from city planners Matt Tucker and Brad Murphy Wednesday.
Tucker and Murphy said the most significant difference between existing and proposed downtown zoning districts in the rewrite is that there will be more flexibility for downtown development. The proposed code would allow for greater residential density for area, which has experienced substantial growth in population in the past few years.
Residents of Mansion Hill questioned how the zoning rewrite would affect the heights of the buildings allowed in the neighborhood. Many residents said they were concerned the new zoning ordinances would alter the historical integrity and charm of their district, which does not allow any structures taller than 50 feet.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said the proposal was relatively consistent with the goals of the neighborhood and would preserve the character of the historic district.
Neighbors at the meeting also said they hope for better representation of the Madison neighborhood association under the incoming administration of mayor-elect Paul Soglin.
""Paul Soglin was the father of our neighborhood associations,"" Mansion Hill resident Fred Mohs said. ""He came up with the idea that the way to fix things was to rebuild strong neighborhoods and neighborhood associations—he was very keen on that.""
Verveer said the new city leadership brings bright prospects for neighborhood activists.
""A lot of neighborhood activists around the city have felt left behind or left out or really voiceless in the last couple of years in city hall,"" Verveer said. ""The incoming Soglin administration I think will very much do what they can to foster renewed support for the dozens of neighborhood associations that exist across Madison.""
The Mansion Hill meeting also included a briefing from Madison Police Officer Tony Fiore on new efforts of the Madison Police to prevent and respond to the seasonal spike in car and bike thefts the downtown district has recently experienced. Fiore introduced an initiative to educate residents about the dangers of thefts.
