Due to the significant impact the construction of a three-story mixed-use development proposal to replace property lost on Hancock St. to a fire last year would have on Madison’s downtown square, the March 9 City Council meeting that addressed three related zoning requests was last week’s front-page news.
After nearly four hours and three separate hearings, the council voted to deny a density variance request that would have allowed the project more space dedicated to residential use and less to commercial. Another related variance request was tabled until the next council meeting.
The council member block of Eric Joyce, Betsy Wagenhauser, and Jim Malanowski, who voted to deny the density variance, expressed concerns that existing zoning code standards were not being met, thus inferring an ironclad nature. Collectively, these council members suggested that the proposed project would not conform to the existing historic character of the square.
That stance is regarded as a minimization of the recommendations of both the Madison Planning and Zoning Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission, which endorsed the project initiated by Preston Snyder, owner of Thomas Preston Real Estate and the MAD Hospitality restaurant group.
While zoning laws restrict how property can be developed, used, or modified, they are not permanently static. They can be adjusted, challenged, or changed to reflect evolving community needs and market demands. It seems like Madison Mayor Fred Perriman may be more in step with this forward thinking, as he urged the council to approve the three zoning variances, which would allow the project to move forward for the greater good.
He began a brief but impassioned commentary citing an analogous circumstance while referencing the greater good. It was some 15 years ago when the Pilot Travel Center proposal met with public resistance, with citizens saying it would not work. Yet, it is here and has brought significant business to Madison.
The mayor believes Mr. Snyder’s project will also help provide affordable housing that would enable young families to live in Madison and, in turn, expand the tax base.
“We talk about our city’s financial situation. If we want to improve that, it starts tonight. If nothing changes, it dies. We have an opportunity to change, to improve. We need to get what is right. Let’s do what’s right for Madison.”
Peter Wibell, Rutledge