Does It Make Sense?

We have a right to ask questions.

The City has an obligation to answer them.

(Background: HAT Neighbors has been presented a development plan for their neighborhood that calls for erecting a modern 5-story apartment building in place of single-family housing that will abut the Quarry Park Conservancy, requiring the demolition of a designated Environmental Corridor and threatening to damage or destroy neighboring historic buildings in the process. See photos below.)

The following questions are based on the Land Use and Housing Goals as listed by the City of Middleton in its Comprehensive Plan

“MIDDLETON WILL ESTABLISH A LAND USE PATTERN THAT PROMOTES COMPACT DEVELOPMENT, PROTECTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES, A RANGE OF HOUSING OPTIONS, MOBILITY, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN AN EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY OF LIFE.”

Q: How does a 70-unit, market-rate, non-mixed-use apartment building across the street from two other market-rate apartment buildings support diverse land use or help provide a wide range of housing types?

Q: How does cutting into an established Environmental Corridor, removing part of the urban canopy, and building a five-story building that abuts a conservancy area help preserve natural resources or update and expand the City’s conservancy lands?

Q: What data-driven science will be used to justify cutting into an established Environmental Corridor, removing part of the urban canopy, and constructing a five-story building that abuts a conservancy area?

“MIDDLETON WILL SUPPORT A WIDE RANGE OF HOUSING TYPES, SIZES, AND COSTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY, INCLUDING QUALITY AFFORDABLE HOUSING, IN ORDER TO MEET THE PROJECTED HOUSING NEEDS.”

Q: How is the City balancing the wishes of neighborhood residents with the housing needs of the community?

Q: How are 70 more market-rate apartments contributing to affordable Missing Middle housing options and helping first-time homebuyers?

Q: What role does a 70-unit market-rate apartment building play in addressing the most pressing housing issues in our area, as outlined and prioritized by the Dane County Regional Housing Strategy Action Plan? (These include increasing housing for low- and moderate-income households, providing housing resources and protections for vulnerable populations, rehabilitating and preserving the affordability of existing housing, and supporting pathways to homeownership.)

“MIDDLETON WILL EMBRACE THE VIBRANT CHARACTERISTICS THAT SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY’S EVOLVING IDENTITY WHILE CELEBRATING ITS HERITAGE.”

Q: How does a modern 5-story apartment building in the middle of one of the oldest parts of the City help to preserve and honor the historical assets and heritage of the City?

Q: How is the Common Council applying the recommendations of the Landmarks Commission?

“MIDDLETON WILL PRESERVE, PROTECT, AND ENHANCE OUR UNPARALLELED CONNECTIONS TO NATURE, AGRICULTURE, AND WATER RESOURCES, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO LEAD WITH A COMMUNITY-WIDE STEWARDSHIP ETHIC THAT WILL EQUITABLY MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE AND ADAPT TO OUR CHANGING ENVIRONMENT.”

Q: How does destroying natural green space to build a 5-story apartment building fit into the Sustainable City Plan?

Q: How does destroying and/or intruding upon natural habitat help to promote biodiversity?

Q: What valuation has the City placed on the urban tree canopy represented by the affected area?

Q: What tree species has the City identified in the affected area and how does removing them contribute to resiliency in urban forestry?