📝 Recovering from the storm

⛈️ Weathering the Storm

• Madison Schools closed, streets were blocked, and power was cut off for countless residents following the massive storm that rolled through Tuesday night. The Madison Fire Department responded to at least 69 storm-related calls, mostly about downed power lines and fallen trees. Dozens of roads across Madison were partially or fully blocked by trees and debris.
• Madison Gas and Electric said more than 250 separate outages impacted more than 42,000 customers, making it one of the largest outages in MGE history.
• On the plus side, it was a great night for anyone with a rain barrel. [MFD, City of Madison, WKOW, Madison Minutes]

🏗️ Downtown Development Updates

• State Street demolitions: City Council denied an attempt to overturn the rejection of the proposed demolition of several buildings on the 400 block of State Street. The Plan Commission previously rejected JD McCormick Properties’ request to tear down the buildings and construct a six-story, 25-unit development with commercial space. The developer contends that the buildings are in a state of disrepair, but the city has questioned that claim. What’s next? The developers are exploring their legal options.
• Essen Haus block: The city’s Landmarks Commission approved a proposal to raze several buildings on East Wilson Street, including the Essen Haus German restaurant, in favor of constructing a six-story, 100-room hotel, and an eight-story, 178-unit residential building on South Blair Street. City Council still needs to vote on the project before it’s officially approved. [Wisconsin State Journal]

⛔ West Side Traffic Changes

• Starting May 28, the city will implement traffic pattern changes on University Avenue from Capital Avenue to Heim Avenue that will result in reducing both directions to one lane of traffic on University Avenue. The city says to expect traffic changes in the area through Oct. 1.
• The change is part of the larger Mendota Grassman Greenway project, which will help flood mitigation in the area. [City of Madison]

Your Guide to Foraging Plants in Madison

Spring in Madison is a great time to find delicious food right in your backyard. And foraging for delectable local morsels means hunting much more than mushrooms. There’s ramps, watercress, dozens of edible weeds all around you.