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Southeast Area Plan outlines mixed‑use growth, sidewalk priorities and a two‑track approach for Stoughton Road
Summary
Planning staff previewed draft transportation and land‑use actions for the Southeast Area Plan, highlighting expanded mixed‑use allowances near transit, priorities for North–South connections and two possible scenarios for South Stoughton Road (including a 35 mph urban boulevard alternative tied to redevelopment).
Rebecca Kinnear, presenting the Southeast Area Plan, summarized outreach findings and draft transportation and land‑use recommendations on Dec. 3.
The plan increases allowable mixed‑use development along higher‑capacity transit corridors such as Milwaukee Street, Cottage Grove Road and Atwood Avenue to encourage walkable destinations near existing transit. Rebecca said staff heard strong local interest in more north–south bike routes and in adding sidewalks near schools; the draft includes targeted sidewalk priorities near Virginia Henderson and LaFollette High School.
For South Stoughton Road (US‑51), staff presented two illustrative alternatives to reflect uncertainty about WisDOT’s larger redesign: keeping existing higher‑speed limited access conditions or planning for a 35 mph urban boulevard that would enable redevelopment and new street connections. Rebecca described the “chicken and egg” problem—land‑use change depends on the roadway design but the design options are influenced by redevelopment potential—and said the plan shows both options to keep policy choices open.
Commissioners and staff discussed coordination with the DOT Pell/BeltLine study and an All Ages & Abilities (AAA) bike plan, bus‑stop amenities and short‑term transit improvements (peak service) contingent on Metro funding. Rebecca said the plan will continue to be refined as staff coordinates with Metro and DOT and collects additional public input.
