Transportation Commission recommends Southeast Area Plan, asks staff to update it once the city’s AAA bike network is adopted

The Madison Transportation Commission on June 3 recommended the Southeast Area Plan for referral to the Plan Commission and Common Council, but asked staff to change the draft so it defers to the city’s upcoming All Ages and Abilities (AAA) bike network rather than prescribing exact AAA links now. The motion, adopted by unanimous consent, amended Section 4D to require staff to update the area plan after the AAA plan is finalized.

Planning staff presented the draft Southeast Area Plan, describing a multi‑year outreach process, new land‑use categories (including a new “medium residential one”), and transportation priorities including sidewalk gap closures, pedestrian safety improvements and multi‑use bicycle connections. Rebecca, the presenter, said the plan adds a new medium‑residential category and attempts to “be more clear and transparent and predictable” about where different densities would be allowed. She described the plan’s transportation actions as looking for places to close sidewalk gaps, improve crossings and coordinate with partners on larger corridors like Highway 51.

Why it matters: the plan intersects with a separate city effort (the AAA bike network) that will map the city’s highest‑priority bicycle facilities. Public commenters and several commissioners warned that naming specific streets in the area plan as AAA facilities before the AAA map is adopted risks producing conflicting guidance and gives neighborhood advocates the impression the commission is pre‑deciding the AAA map.

During discussion commissioners and staff agreed the better approach is reciprocal: the area plan should refer to and be updated to reflect the AAA plan once it is adopted, and the AAA plan can authorize staff to update area plans where appropriate. Commissioner Sean (transportation staff) confirmed that projects tied to redevelopment proposals would still be examined and designed through the usual street‑design review process. The motion adopted directs staff to update Section 4D so that after the AAA plan is completed the Southeast Area Plan will be updated to incorporate those recommendations (either by adding the AAA map or by referencing it explicitly).

Public feedback: speakers supported many plan elements — added sidewalks, mixed‑use zoning and safer crossings — but several residents and commenters asked the commission to ensure bicycle facilities would not be narrowed or removed by a change to a corridor’s street type. Multiple residents said recent projects elsewhere had led to bike facilities being shifted. Commissioner discussion emphasized coordination between land use, street design and the AAA process to preserve safe bicycle access.

Next steps: the commission recommended the plan to the plan commission and common council with the amendment to Section 4D; staff will return with updates after the AAA plan is finalized. The Plan Commission hearing is scheduled for June 15; the Common Council will receive the referral afterward.