Spring Harbor Neighborhood Association (SHNA) Plan

Steering Committee – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Date – Question – Answer

October 13, 2005 – Question: Why did a separate U.S. Post Office mailing get sent for Forum #2, when the SHNA Newsletter was delivered in early October? Answer: Three reasons. One, the grant from the City of Madison requires the SHNA Steering Committee to include adjoining areas of the formal SHNA as “integrated” input. Therefore there are areas like the University Place (Taco Bell corner), other Capital Avenue buildings, and buildings (residences and businesses) one lot deep on University Avenue to Allen Boulevard that need to be notified for planning and input purposes. Second, the SHNA Newsletter gets hand delivered by volunteers from and with the SHNA Board. Sometimes, it is difficult to get flyers/newsletters into the rental, condo, and multi resident buildings. Third, owners of property in the SHNA Plan area often are absent or remote users (e.g. out of the neighborhood, out of the city, and even out of state). The Plan calls for all property owners to be included. Therefore, the U.S. Postal mailing of the notice for the two neighborhood Forums (one in June and the one in October) assures us that more than adequate notice is given for input and review as the Steering Committee continues the work.

June 7, 2005 - Question: Why is money still needed if we have met our residential goal? Answer: The original fund drive was to raise at least $15,000 in order to receive up to $15,000 of city grant money. When the Steering Committee met to implement the Plan Project, it was determined that additional costs (such as gym rental, postage costs, copying costs, etc.) would need to be covered over and above the SAA Contract. Therefore based on projected expenses, an additional amount of money is still needed.

June 7, 2005 – Question: What if there is money left over from the SHNA Plan Steering Committee project? Answer: The remaining money will be turned over to the SHNA Board when the Steering Committee is dissolved at the end of the Project.

June 7, 2005 – Question: Why are there so many businesses on the Steering Committee (5/13 = 39%) while the businesses only have such a small percentage of land compared to residential property? Answer: The requirements by the city to obtain matching funding up to $15,000 for the Planning Process was to create a Steering Committee consisting of good representation for both residents and businesses. Because the city is restructuring the land use plan into City of Madison Comprehensive Plan, a core
component to be reviewed is the business impact in the community.  And
with University Avenue dissecting our neighborhood, it is a major piece
of our planning process due to the impact on residential areas.

In addition, the following items were part of the grant guidelines and grant application.

The Grantee must create a project team consisting of at least seven
neighborhood resident members. Up to 50% of the members must consist of
business owners along University Avenue. The purpose of the team is to
plan, manage, and ensure project completion.

The SHNA proposes to develop a comprehensive neighborhood planning document that enables residents and businesses to plan strategically for the future and to address anticipated development along University Avenue corridor.

The (neighborhood's) focus for the grant is on University Avenue
Corridor because it is most likely to see the biggest changes with
potential commercial redevelopment, both businesses and the neighborhood
will benefit from creating a common understand or vision for the
corridor. With the emphasis on commercial redevelopment along University Avenue is why there is the number of businesses requested on the committee.
Planning staff have found that active participation from the business
community is important for the success of many of our neighborhood
plans. In general, it is difficult to get businesses to fully participate
so hopefully SHNA will encourage the businesses to be active in this
planning process.

June 7, 2005 – Question: Can I (resident) attend the SHNA Plan Steering Committee meetings? Answer: Yes. Steering Committee meetings times and places will be posted on the respective Task of the Project Phases. The Steering Committee will provide an agenda item for public input or comment. However, if a formal vote is needed to determine decisive action in order for the Planner (SAA) to move ahead, the Steering Committee members will cast the votes. (Note: See www.springharboronline.com and then click on Neighborhood Plan for meeting status and minutes.)

June 7, 2005 – Question: When did this planning process start and how come I didn’t hear about it? Answer: The planning process started about two and one-half years ago. The SHNA formally passed a motion in April, 2003, to pursue the city grant funding. Since that time, SHNA newsletters and events and meetings have highlighted the progress of the Ad Hoc Grant Planning team. (Note: See www.springharboronline.com and then click on Neighborhood Plan, and then click on the History document.)