Madisonians have just a few more weeks to tell the city what they want to see in the Northeast Area Plan draft.
In January 2023, City officials introduced a new planning framework for the City of Madison. Boundaries were set to indicate 12 sub-areas within Madison.
Planning for the future of these areas is being done in batches and relies on feedback from residents, stakeholders, and local organizations. This feedback will be used, in part, to shape upcoming housing, land use, and transit projects.
It will take roughly a decade to carry out the new planning framework across all 12 areas, with the West and Northeast Area plans being the first on the list.
Over the next 10 years, these 12 areas will be addressed with the new planning format. | Map via City of Madison
Northeast Area Plan
Here are the plan’s seven key factors and some corresponding goals:
Land use and transportation
- Improve pedestrian safety in high-traffic areas
- Focus on compact growth to reduce farmland developments
Neighborhoods and housing
- Incentivize affordable housing on East Washington Avenue and the Bus Rapid Transit corridor
- Improve the quality of rental housing
Economy and opportunity
- Bring awareness to small business development programs
- Offer more access to grocery stores and childcare
Culture and character
- Use public art and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to make the area more inviting
- Add benches along Starkweather Creek
Green and resilient
- New parks near East Towne Mall for public gatherings and event hosting
- Make it more clear where public parks end and private land begins
Effective government
- Work with principals to increase school zone safety
- Work with the federal government to explore soundproofing options for those living near the airport
Health and safety
- Increase lighting on bike and pedestrian paths
- Establish Neighborhood Resource Teams which serve as liaisons between the neighborhoods and government
Get involved
Drop a comment
Until Sunday, June 16, you can leave comments on the digital versions of the draft and draft summary. Just click anywhere on the page, input your name and email, and leave your comment.
Virtual meetings
- Tuesday, May 28 | 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 29 | 12 p.m.
In-person meetings
During these drop-in sessions, there will be City staff present to field any questions and thoughts you have regarding the plan. Oh, and free pizza.
- Wednesday, May 29 | 5-8 p.m. | Reindahl Park, 1818 Portage Rd.
- Thursday, May 30 | 5-8 p.m. | Sycamore Park, 830 Jana Ln.
