Alders on Madison’s city council could reconsider a previous vote tonight regarding a rezoning request for a new high-rise apartment building downtown, WKOW reports.
Developers intended to tear down 10 buildings near the intersection of West Johnson Street and Bassett Street for construction of a 12-story luxury UW–Madison student apartment building.
The council vote on June 20 was six for approval and 13 against, with those in opposition citing concerns that the new development would result in students paying higher rents; however, city attorney Michael Haas has said Madison could face legal consequences due to state law, which says cities in Wisconsin cannot control rent.
While the city has not been sued, Haas and his staff have stated their concern that alders had not established a sufficient legal record for denying the rezoning request, which opens the city to a potential lawsuit from the developers.
Beyond discussions of the proposed apartments’ rent prices are concerns that the project does not meet the comprehensive plan for the city calling for mixed-use spaces.
Alders will vote to reconsider the proposal this evening; if the vote passes, another discussion about the rezoning itself and a second vote to approve the development will follow.
