Barbara Vedder
As the days grow longer once again and the advent of Spring is upon us,
it's time to think ahead about some spring-related issues. One such issue
is that of parks. The Madison Park Commission is soliciting requests for
capital improvements, like the purchase and installation of new equipment,
the construction of new facilities, or the improvement of existing facilities
(items related to playgrounds, sports, benches, etc). Both alders and neighborhood
associations have been contacted regarding this and I'd like to extend this
invitation to each of you. If you have any suggestions, please contact me
ASAP since the selection process begins in March.
Also, in the various requests I made for the 1996 City Budget, the reconstruction
of North Few Street between East Washington Avenue and East Gorham Street
as well as Elizabeth Street between North Few and North Baldwin Streets
were ones which made top priority with work beginning there very shortly
in the beginning of spring.
Another opportunity for your input is in regard to possible candidates for
neighborhood rehabilitation or redevelopment. The City's Capital Revolving
Fund provides financial assistance to projects that promote housing, economic
development and revitalization, and is available only in the city's older
neighborhoods which include the Old Market Place and Tenney-Lapham areas.
Eligible projects include new construction or revitalization of residential,
commercial or mixed use. The Fund is revolving with loan terms that repay
the city eventually. Again, I should receive any ideas you might have now,
since the process of selection begins in March. If you have any questions
about this program, you can contact Jerry
Tucker at the Department of Planning and Development at 266-4222.
Just a brief update on the Fiore Center I set up a public meeting
in December with Mr. Blevins from the daycare center which was interested
in locating at that site. Since then, they have decided against the location
because of financial constraints. In January I met with George Austin, Director
of the Department of Planning and Development, as well as two other staffpersons.
It was a very positive, constructive exchange of information and brainstorming.
We'll all be meeting with the President and another representative from
Fiore in March.
Finally, before all the snow has disappeared, I wanted to let you know of
another issue I'm exploring; namely, that of snow (non)removal on sidewalks
and curbcuts. It is dangerous for anyone, and especially a problem for people
with mobility impairments. The only current solution the city has is to
fine offenders when someone complains. I'm interested in your ideas, both
on a city-wide as well as a neighborhood/block level. Please call me regarding
any of these issues at 249-8428.
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