"IN ALDER WORDS..."

Barbara Vedder, 2nd District Alderperson

Greetings, and happy spring!

Very soon you will be receiving a district newsletter. It will be distributed to all residents of the 2nd District. There I will announce a district meeting for the beginning of May with Roger Goodwin, city streets superintendent, as guest presenter. He will explain a new streetsweeping program, which sections of the 2nd District may become sites for. (See cover article of this newsletter for more information.)

I met with members of the three district neighborhoods, Mr. Goodwin, and Alderperson Judy Olson from the 6th District to gather more information and see if there was any interest in the program. The goals of the program are to limit the amount of pollutants, nutrient runoff, and debris entering our lakes from storm drains and sewer systems, and improve the cleanliness of our streets with more curbline sweeping. Restricted parking once a week for four hours will be the most challenging part of the program, and may make its implementation impossible in some areas. If you are interested in hearing more, come to the May district meeting, at the Curling Club in Burr Jones Field, 1820 East Washignton Ave, at 7 pm. A video of the past meeting is available for anyone interested in learning more about this issue.

In the Ruff...

Dogs will finally be allowed in designated parks as of May 15, 1996. Dogs on leashes can use the following parks: Brittingham Park (from Bassett to Bedford), Law Park, Spring Harbor Park (eastern portion), Yahara River Parkway, Burr Jones Field, and Warner Park (along paths and roadways). Off-leash areas have been expanded in three parks: Brittingham Park (at Broom), Quann Park, Quarry Park, Sycamore Park, and Warner Park (south of the lagoon). Owners need to purchase permits and dogtags in order to participate, or they will be fined. Also, a new stiff fine for non-removal of dog feces is in place. Special waste receptacles will be located in the parks. All of this has been done to try to ensure non-abuse of the new privileges and promote dog owner responsibility.

Coffee Anyone?

I am happy to see that Pangaea Coffeehouse will be moving into the space formerly occupied by the Whole Earth Coop. It is great to have small businesses not only remain in the East Johnson Street business area but also expand. Good luck with the move and in becoming Madison's first Cyber Cafe!

Finally, I received notice in early April, in between two editions of this newsletter, about an April 24th public hearing held by the Madison Pedestrian-Bicycle Subcommittee to receive ideas on projects Madison to improve conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists. If interested, please contact me at 249-8428 immediately to pass on any ideas.

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