Madison council authorizes bid process to remove Dairy Drive campground after two-week hold for funding review

The Madison Common Council on Sept. 2 approved a public-works procurement to advertise for bids to remove the Dairy Drive temporary campground and restore the site, but the council added a brief delay of portions of the authorization until Sept. 16 to allow council members time to pursue last-minute funding options and committee review.

The measure, which authorizes the Board of Public Works to advertise and receive bids for demolition, recycling/reuse and site restoration, passed after an amendment was adopted that defers selected contract steps until the council completes consideration of a related item on Sept. 16.

Why it matters: Dairy Drive has housed roughly two dozen people during a severe regional shortage of shelter and affordable housing. Service providers and residents said closing the site now would force people back to unsheltered locations during the winter. Council and city staff said available one‑time funds and the property owner’s need to restore the parcel make a planned closure necessary unless additional money is found.

Public comment: More than 30 registrants spoke during the item’s public-comment period. Service providers, social workers and onsite case managers described the site as a functioning program that helped move residents into permanent housing. Sarah Alijada, director and founder of KAVA Inc., which has worked alongside Madison Street…