The Mifflin and Dayton neighborhood could see some major changes in the future, with Madison's Planning Department considering redevelopment of the historic area.
Madison city planners met with residents and Common Council members Thursday at the Madison Senior Center to discuss future development plans and concerns about possible changes to the West Mifflin and West Dayton neighborhood.
Bill Fruhling, principal planner for Madison's Planning Department, shared ideas for the city's Downtown Plan, a comprehensive agenda for Madison's downtown area.
""The Madison Downtown Plan is a very critical document … because it will literally guide development for several years to come,"" Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said.
""Mifflin Street, that's an area we get a lot of input, a lot of attention … It is split down the middle of what people would like to see,"" Fruhling said.
The Downtown Plan's two alternatives for the West Mifflin area are to restore the area or to redevelop it with new buildings, such as four-to-six-story warehouse apartments. The alternatives, however, are cause for controversy.
Bob Holloway, a Capitol neighborhood resident, opposed the possible redevelopment project.
""I really enjoy walking our neighborhood ... I like the character of the buildings. Why can't we preserve what we've got until there really is a strongly demonstrated need to build those places?"" Holloway said.
Historically, Mifflin Street has been known for its unique character and the Mifflin Street Block Party.
""It's got an existing character to it, an existing identity … and if it's redeveloped, the idea is still to retain a certain character and quality to it,"" Fruhling said.
The Downtown Plan is the first large-scale urban design plan for the city in 20 years. The planning staff will hold another meeting with residents in late fall. They hope to eventually put together recommendations for the Common Council to approve.
""We're trying to get input … to develop recommendations that will ultimately be in the plan,"" Fruhling said.
