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Commission forwards Helena Street rezoning and OKs 61‑unit proposal; neighbor warns ADA issues for proposed path
Summary
The commission forwarded a rezoning and certified survey map for 2066–2094 Helena Street and approved a conditional use for a three‑story, 61‑unit building. A registrant warned that a proposed shared use path connection would exceed typical ADA slope guidance (about 13.4% vs. 5%) and could require tree removal and additional storm‑sewer work.
The Madison Plan Commission on April 13 forwarded a zoning map amendment to Common Council and approved a conditional use and certified survey map for a proposed three‑story, 61‑unit building at 2066–2094 Helena Street.
Planner Lisa (staff) summarized the application: demolition of an existing warehouse, construction of a three‑story 61‑unit multifamily building with underground parking, and a CSM combining eight lots and dedicating easements for a relocated storm sewer and a new path connection between Helena Street and the Capitol City bike path. Landmarks will review the demolition request; building permits cannot be issued until any required demolition approvals are granted.
During public comment, resident Linda Leonards raised concerns about the proposed shared‑use path: she said the slope of the path on public right‑of‑way would be about 13.4%, exceeding ADA guidelines (commonly ~5%), and would require regrading that could remove three mature trees and create storm‑sewer needs. She questioned whether the path is necessary for neighborhood connectivity and encouraged the commission to require safer, more accessible design choices.
Engineers and staff told the commission a condition requires final design "per plans approved by the city engineer," which would obligate the applicant to meet city specifications; forestry staff noted the storm‑sewer relocation is the primary driver of needed regrading and tree removals.
The commission voted to forward the rezoning (item 10) to Common Council with a recommendation of approval, approved the conditional use for the 61‑unit building subject to staff conditions (item 11), and recommended approval of the certified survey map to Council (item 12). The approvals are contingent on satisfying engineering and demolition/landmarks requirements as applicable.
