With the state in a financial pinch, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz unveiled his first capital budget Tuesday.
The most relevant portion of the plan for UW-Madison students will likely be the reconstruction of State Street. Work can now begin and will include the renovation of the streets and sidewalks and the addition of new lighting and signs, among other things.
Other highlights of the Cieslewicz's budget include opening five new parks in 2004, purchasing a new street sweeper for the city, starting East Washington Avenue reconstruction and renovating the deteriorating Breese Stevens Field, 917 E. Mifflin St.
Reactions were mixed among State Street businesses regarding the mayor's plan for reconstruction.
Jack Garver, owner of the Fanny Garver Gallery, 230 State St., had mostly positive things to say.
\They're trying to open it up a bit. I think it will be great for business,"" he said.
Garver did express some concern over the loss of business due to construction, comparing it to the road construction currently being done on West Johnson Street but he said the work needs to be done.
However, not all are pleased with the plans for State Street.
""It's going to make Iraq look cheap,"" said Andrew Muzi, manager of Yellow Jersey Bike Shop, 419 State St.
""This is not about business. This is about city heads spending money. It's not for me, it's for them,"" he added.
Cieslewicz's budget requests originally totaled $50.4 million, but the mayor cut that figure down to $30.6 million. He had asked departments to cut 2 percent from their budget requests, and the state has cut the city's shared revenue payment $2.2 million.
""This budget is a good example of investing in the long-run to protect and enhance our city's future,"" Cieslewicz said in a statement.
