MADISON, Wis. -- Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said that he wants city residents to have the chance to weigh in on his proposal to install street cars.

The mayor said that he will propose a binding referendum on any streetcar proposal that comes out of a city committee studying the idea. His plan would require a referendum before the city moves forward with a streetcar project, WISC-TV reported.

The mayor has argued that building miles of streetcar tracks downtown would encourage development in aging neighborhoods, fight urban sprawl and reduce traffic congestion.

The mayor's opponents in the April election have hammered him in recent weeks over the idea and alleged that he was trying to force it on the public. Even some of the mayor's allies say the idea is unpopular and is hurting his re-election bid.

Cieslewicz said that the reason for the referendum is to provide city leaders with firm direction on this project. He said that the move isn't meant to distance himself from the streetcars proposal heading into this spring's elections.

"I want to make it clear that I'm not going to go forward until the public is convinced it's right for Madison," he said.

The mayor said that he will make the recommendation at the next Common Council meeting. His plan would allow the city's streetcar committee to complete its proposal sometime this summer and review the plan along with other transportation committee plans. If there is agreement to move forward, then take the final proposal to a referendum vote, WISC-TV reported.

The mayor said that with 100,000 more cars expected on Dane County roads in the next 20 years, nothing can be ruled out as a way to deal with increased congestion and pollution.