As Madison’s Common Council prepares to vote on a proposal that would kickstart the development of Judge Doyle Square, alders raised several questions at a discussion Thursday that weigh heavily on the upcoming vote.
With Wednesday’s announcement that the City of Madison’s investment represents 25 percent of the project cost, many have begun to consider whether the plans are fully thought out.
A major suggestion proposed by many at the discussion involved plans for the parking garage. Current plans have the structure mostly above ground, but some said building the parking garage underground would save money and create more space for the hotel that would rest above it.
Another point of concern addressed the loose penalties for the developer, JDS LLC, if they fail to construct the hotel within 18 months of May 2017, which simply say the city “may engage with another developer.” Furthermore, there are no guarantees that the developer will construct the second office building detailed in the plan.
The Common Council is expected to vote on the proposal Tuesday, creating a rush that may not give the developer and the City of Madison enough time to negotiate these changes.
“The question is whether the council thinks this is in the best interests of the city to go ahead and approve this development,” said District 2 Ald. Ledell Zellers. “I don’t know what will happen on Tuesday night.”
