Transportation Commission recommends city oppose BeltLine expansion, adds parks-protection language

The Transportation Commission on Jan. 21 recommended that the Common Council adopt a resolution opposing expansion of the BeltLine that would add general-purpose travel lanes, displace properties or create new overpass structures.

Krista, a city staff member who presented the draft resolution, said: "Big picture, what the resolution does is it opposes expansion of the BeltLine, including additional general purpose travel lanes, widening weave configurations that would result in residential or commercial displacements or create any new overpass structures, but supports modernizing the state of good repair, modernization, new street connections, accessible pedestrian and bicycle crossings..." The resolution also directs staff to submit a more detailed comment letter on specific project elements.

A registered speaker, Nicholas Davies, told the commission he supported the resolution and asked the city to explicitly endorse "all ages and abilities" bike connections where the Complete Green Streets guide shows them. "I very much appreciate this resolution," he said, and suggested adding language to ensure bike facilities meet the Complete Green Streets standard.

Alder O'Brien proposed an amendment to add language noting that expansion "would directly impact multiple parks and green spaces, including Odanna Hills Park, Odanna Hills Golf Course, the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, Capitol Springs State Recreation Area, and the Lewis 9 Springs E Way, which are valuable habitats for wildlife, well used recreation spaces and treasured parts of the community." The chair put the amendment on the table after members confirmed they could view the text in Legistar; no members raised objections and the chair said the amendment would be added by unanimous consent.

Commission members discussed the limits of local authority over the project. Alder Okovich asked whether withholding local funds could stop the expansion; Christophe (staff) noted WisDOT cost-share policies mean some elements (local streets, pedestrian and bicycle facilities) often rely on local funding and that federally funded parts of the project require approval by the Greater Madison MPO, where the city holds seats.

Chris moved that the commission recommend approval of the resolution to the Common Council as amended; the motion was seconded and, with no objections raised, the chair said the motion carried by unanimous consent. Members praised staff work, with Christophe and Liz Callan singled out for drafting and background work on the resolution.

Next steps: the commission recommended the amended resolution to the Common Council; the commission did not record a roll-call vote on the recommendation, and staff will prepare the formal comment letter and transmit the resolution to the council.