Edgewater - Beginning of End

This is some correspondance I had with Mark Clear, my current council representative when the beginning of the Edgewater project began.  Mark (and the mayor) and I do not agree with each other about the Edgewater development.  See details at the bottom for more in depth TIF discussions on a blog I have been following.
(For a really interesting read Lucy Mathiak’s Blog on TIF funding and a communication she had with Mark Clear: http://lucymathiak.blogspot.com/2010_02_21_archive.html#4028295722773157371 ) 


From Mark:

Damian,

I'm happy to address some of Mr. Mollenhoff's points.

1. "Law after time-tested law is being altered or abandoned to assure the project's approval."

That's false. One city ordinance, which has never been used, has been changed in a way in which it was already planned to be changed.

2. "But the Common Council nonetheless swiftly approved the $16 million subsidy."

False. The council has not approved a TIF loan. (but is has now - July 2010)

3. "To get around the 50-foot height limit, the city would approve a site-specific exemption."

True, but completely trivial. He's referring to a PUD, a type of zoning which is routinely done for almost every project in the city.

4. "Council members took an oath to uphold Madison's laws and procedures"

True. But Mollenhoff apparently thinks the oath should say, "all laws are sacred and must not be modified." That's absurd.

5. "...after the city has suddenly repealed the zoning that protected this neighborhood?"

No one is proposing to repeal the historic district.  (I don't believe that was what was said by Mr. Mollenhoff)

I won't bother refuting his statements (and your comments) on the TIF because we have already discussed that.

Could you help me understand the source of your opposition to this project, especially the TIF? I would think you would find a development like this and its corresponding tax value critical to the success of our city.

Mark C.
-------------------
Alder Mark Clear
19th District, Madison, WI
district19@cityofmadison.com
608-695-5709

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: C. Damian Michaelis
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 8:12 AM
To: Clear, Mark
Subject: Fw: thedailypage.com link from C. Damian Michaelis


Hi Mark.

The concerns for this project in the Isthmus raises many of the concerns I had when I originally brought them to your attention. What are your thoughts on the concerns raised here?

Thanks Mark.

Damian


----- Forwarded Message ----
From: C. Damian Michaelis 
Sent: Mon, March 22, 2010 7:55:39 AM
Subject: thedailypage.com link from C. Damian Michaelis

http://www.thedailypage.com/isthmus/article.php?article=28512
Confirmed Problems with Edgewater

My Reply:

Thanks for the reply, Mark. It's good to have both perspectives.

And I agree that we have already addressed the TIF issue which is one of my main concerns with the project (as the TIF has not been approved yet - it will likely pass - is it tonight that it is voted on or next month?). Again, relating to TIF districts and their proper use for the benefit of other tax payer subsidized programs such as MMSD. I still believe there are flaws that need to be addressed. And we will likely just agree to disagree on this. It does appear that there is quite a bit of controversy and concern by many and I have to wonder why. It is very much like the health care debate going on - so many are fighting for it and so many are against and those against it have been fed misinformation or unjust confirmation of their fears. I know that in the long run - it will be a great thing for many who don't have or can't afford health care, but I don't see an extended benefit to the city of Madison or its residents from the Edgewater redevelopment.

I am hopeful that city officials seriously listen to the concerns raised by their consituents that elected them as representatives.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

C. Damian Michaelis