First of all, I want to thank everyone who has been contributing to the beauty of the neighborhood with the improvements theyÕve made on the appearance of their housing, including landscaping and the colorful flowering terraces which are appearing everywhere. Also, a special note of thanks to those who are helping to maintain the public gardens, like those in Tenney, Reynolds and Giddings Parks.

New changes are about to be developed in the Tenney Lapham area. The formerly owned Reynolds property in the 600 block of East Dayton/Mifflin Streets is in its final stage of becoming a reality for new owner-occupied housing. After two yearsÕ work with full public input, the Reynolds Surplus Property Committee selected a proposal named Coachyard Square, LLC to acquire and develop this property. After lengthy consideration by the committee for three very good proposals, this one was chosen and recently was overwhelmingly approved by the cityÕs Community Development authority (CDA) Commission which at present owns the land. It received the highest scored rankings by all five Criteria committee members.

IÕm sure the next newsletter will go into greater detail about the project once itÕs finalized by the Common council. One hundred percent of the units will be available for owner occupancy. The Committee also looked at the design of the architecture blending well with the surrounding neighborhood, with landscaped front yards and front porches. All three structures are two-story with a total of 23 condominium units. There will be no less than 10,000 square feet of green space, including a common open space planned for one area within the property.

The income range needed for ownership is a good mix of higher, lower, and in-between, providing some great opportunities for affordability while additionally having seven of the units be fully accessible. This is especially deserving merit since the City has recognized the tremendous need for affordable and accessible housing, with great emphasis happening during this past year. The developer, Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development, hopes to start construction this coming fall.

Soon in July, the Board of Public Works will be having a meeting regarding the establishment of a Streets Improvement District which would create a cul-de-sac at the intersection of North Thornton Avenue and East Johnson Streets while improving Thornton Avenue itself, looking specifically at the area between East Dayton Street and East Johnson Street. This is included in the Tenney Lapham Neighborhood Plan, the Yahara Parkway Plan, and has been identified as a desire of residents living along that area.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Fourth of July celebration. LetÕs all enjoy summer while we can! Please feel free to contact me at district2@council.ci.madison.wi.us or 249-8428 regarding any issues that come up.

- Alder Barbara Vedder


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