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Public health concerns raised over Odana Road development as Common Council approves certified survey map
Summary
A public commenter urged the council to refer the 555 Odana Road development back to the Plan Commission and to require site-specific air-dispersion modeling because a neighboring preschool could be exposed to trapped freeway pollution; the council approved the certified survey map required to combine parcels for the project, and staff explained that air quality is not a standard for certified survey map approval.
The Madison Common Council on March 24 approved a certified survey map (CSM) to combine parcels for a multi-building development at 555 Odana Road, after hearing a detailed public comment urging additional air-quality review.
Victoria Williams, who identified herself as a neuropsychologist and a professor at WMadison and as a parent, told the council she supports development in principle but does not believe the record demonstrates the finding required for approval "that the project at 555 Odana Road will not be detrimental to public health." Williams said the project’s massing and reduced setbacks could produce an ‘‘urban canyon’’ that traps vehicle pollutants from the adjacent Beltline at ground level near a preschool, and she urged the council to request site-specific air-dispersion modeling (AERMOD or similar) rather than rely on broad ambient monitoring.
Director Tuttle, answering council questions, explained the project’s history: the Plan Commission already reviewed and approved demolition and conditional-use requests (including approvals for buildings exceeding five stories and a mixed-use building with more than 60 units), and the CSM before the council is the final parcel-configuration step. Tuttle told the council that air quality is not a criterion for a certified survey map: "Air quality is not one of the standards of approval for a CSM," the director said, and noted that CSM review focuses on lot configuration, topography and other site standards. He also told the council the city must act on the CSM within 90 days of the application (the filing date was Jan. 5; the statutory deadline is April 5).
Several alder members pressed staff about next steps and whether developers could still modify project design if studies showed localized pollutant entrapment. Tishler and Okitz suggested the city pursue partnerships (for example with university researchers) to study canyon effects in downtown and elsewhere. Pritchette asked whether monitoring could be required; staff said construction permitting and separate ordinances govern construction impacts and that developers could voluntarily propose alterations if studies supported changes.
The council moved and seconded Legistar 91514 to approve the certified survey map and recorded a unanimous vote.
Next steps noted in the discussion included the possibility that the developer could conduct additional studies and propose design modifications and that future projects in the area might incorporate air-quality considerations during planning review.
