State Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, proposed a bill Monday to extend the zone that prohibits construction projects exceeding the height of the base of the capitol dome.
Due to recent developments in the area, Risser wants to expand the buffer zone from one mile to two miles in order to ensure the Capitol building remains the focal point of the city skyline, according to a statement.
“The Capitol is one of the most beautiful and significant buildings in Madison,” Risser said. “I do not want the state Capitol to be hidden away by skyscrapers.”
Currently, legislation limits buildings on a one-mile radius buffer zone around the Capitol to 132 feet above sea level, which is the base height of the Capitol dome.
Risser’s bill is being circulated for co-sponsorship in the Senate. Risser said the only challenge he foresees will be the deadline of the current legislative session, which ends in April.
