FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2012
Contacts:
Bridgit Van Belleghem (608) 266-4637 / BridgitVB@CapitalAreaRPC.org
Rachel J. Holloway (608) 283-1267 / RachelH@CapitalAreaRPC.org
Middleton, Waunakee, Westport and Springfield leaders invite residents to decide among options for future development and environmental preservation. From April 3 through May 13 residents can review and rank 3 different alternative scenarios for the next 25 years. Each scenario presents future projections, a land use map and long-term outcomes such as walkability, livability for people over 65, and tax revenue and expenses.
Polling stations will be at the Middleton Library, Waunakee Library, Waunakee Village Center, Springfield and Westport Town Halls, Rex’s Innkeeper, and online at http://www.capitalarearpc.org/North_Mendota_FUDA.html.
“Scenario planning” is part of a joint effort between the City of Middleton, Waunakee, and Towns of Westport and Springfield called Future Urban Development Area (FUDA) planning. These communities are working with the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) to study where and how to best grow or not grow. A local Steering Committee developed scenarios based on existing community plans and residents’ opinions expressed in meetings last fall. The Steering Committee will use resident input to identify and recommend a scenario to Plan Commissions, City Council and Village and Town Boards for use in updating comprehensive plans. CARPC will use the “preferred scenario” to inform regional water quality management and planning.
FUDA planning aims to protect vital natural resources, promote efficient development, and preserve farmland through cooperative planning for long-term growth. This “North Mendota” area project is one of two FUDA pilots; another is underway with the Village of DeForest and Towns of Vienna and Windsor. FUDA planning benefits communities with in-depth data on natural and agricultural resources and demographics, staff support, and is a venue for intergovernmental cooperation.
CARPC is conducting FUDA planning with interested communities as requested in the local resolutions petitioning the Governor to create the Commission. The agency is responsible for regional water quality management planning, and for regional development planning in an advisory capacity in Dane County.
Polling Places:
Middleton Public Library
Waunakee Public Library
Waunakee Village Center
Springfield Town Hall
Westport Town Hall
Rex’s Innkeeper Restaurant
www.CapitalAreaRPC.org/
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