We’ve written about the Winnebago Street reconstruction several times. But now it’s decision time: The Common Council will decide the future of the street at their meeting next Tuesday (5/1). Without a strong showing of support from the public, the Council will most likely go with Option 1. Alder Rummel supports Option 1, as does the Board of Public Works. Some of the neighbors affected by the conversion of on-street parking into space for trees and bikes will likely speak at the meeting, supporting option 1.
So please voice your support for Option 2 by speaking at the meeting or writing to your district’s Alder.
As a reminder, these are some of the arguments in favor of Option 2:
- space for bigger, canopy-type street trees
- better access for walking from southeast side of street, especially with the elimination of the current grade separation
- better, shorter crossings for people on foot
- buffered lanes for bikes instead of a door-zone bike lane on a bus route with narrow lanes
- ADA accessible bus stop at Fourth St
- narrower lanes for motor vehicles to encourage lower traffic speed
Rendering of Option 2 (Image: City of Madison Engineering)
Grant wrote a comprehensive overview of the project and its implications for people walking and biking on Winnebago here. The Isthmus also covered the debate in a recent article.
Some quick tips for writing an effective comment:
- Primarily address your district’s alder, but also include allalders@cityofmadison.com as a recipient
- Start the letter by saying why you care about this issue. Do you live in the neighborhood? Do you frequent businesses on Winnebago? Does your kid go to East High? Does your commute take you in Winnebago (or would it, if conditions were better)? Do you support the city’s sustainability goals? Do you like big trees on all Madison streets? Have you had a good/bad experience riding or walking on Winnebago? Etc.
- Short letters are fine, as are long ones
- Make it clear that you support Option 2
- Ideally send your letter by Monday evening
Feel free to share your comments in the comment section below or on Facebook so that others can see them as well.