Ald. Bridget Maniaci, 2nd District, set the agenda and didn’t leave time to talk about the height of the project, proposed at the former site of the Don Miller auto dealership.
Now that is one way to run a meeting.
Not the honest and forthright way, mind you.
There are concerns about the height of buildings in downtown Madison, and near the downtown area. To act in such a flippant manner shows the disregard Maniaci has not only for the issues that impact the city, but more importantly for those who might have wanted to weigh in on the concerns about the proposed height of the building.
While I strongly support a new beginning in the 700 block of East Washington, I also want smart use of space, along with restrictions on height.
Gebhardt Development has proposed a $31.5 million, mixed-use project for the 1.5-acre site on the north side of the 700 block called Constellation. The plan includes an apartment tower with 185 units, 21 townhouse-style rental units, commercial space and a three-level parking garage with up to 270 stalls.
The project fits with the neighborhood’s design plan but exceeds the city’s 10-story height limit by two stories. Maniaci plans to introduce a measure to allow the tower to be 12 stories.
I think we see now why the agenda was tortured in such a way not to allow for discussion.
I think Bridget Maniaci has a future in Chicago politics.
CAFFEINATED POLITICS 
What does “smary” mean?
Thanks for the heads-up.
The regulation of building height in relation to the prominence of the Capitol dome (which can be view from miles away, especially to the east) should not be abridged. Many a lover of this city, elected or otherwise, have fought hard to make sure that the People’s House can be viewed proudly as a diamond on the hill. Maniaci is demonstrating that wisdom comes with age. She hasn’t achieve wisdom about this community.
Thanks Tim. Perfect comment on this matter.
Thanks for the update, had a work meeting and couldn’t make it. More of the same.
I agree that Bridget should be engaging people on height since it breaks with planning. However, I think the neighborhood is more concerned about the effect on the east mifflin bike blvd. Height was brought up twice, once by Jim Bower from the city, and myself. No one present seemed interested in discussing it. Opening up the intersection of East Washington and Livingston to allow traffic to go East on East Washington seems to be one of the highest priorities. Design and materials also of higher interest.