MADISON, Wis. – Long awaited plans for a pedestrian and bicycle mall on State Street could be a small step closer to reality on a portion of the iconic street.
With the Madison Metro Redesign set to limit city buses on State Street to the section closest to the State Capitol, people who have been advocating for a pedestrian mall for years see the change as an opportunity.
“What we're looking do to is to attract and to draw more people to come,” said Downtown Madison Inc. President Jason Ilstrup. “We need to create things that people are interested in seeing in places that are alive and vibrant."
City Planner Dan McAulliffe said Thursday so far the new vision for the 400 to 600 blocks is just a concept because they first need to work through a lot constraints.
He explained plans would need to include ensuring access for people of all abilities, enough room for emergency services, and city maintenance. They also have to consider the shops, bars, and restaurants in the area.
"Many of these businesses don't have alternative access," McAuliffe explained. "They're front door on state street is the only door that they have,"
Still despite the obstacles, enthusiasts like Ilstrup, believe the possibilities are endless and the potential gain is big. They are also is taking not of the success the city has had in the past.
Ilstrup said the pedestrian mall wouldn’t be the first time Wisconsin’s main street was reimagined along similar lines. In the late 60s and early 70s the tail end of State Street, often mistakenly referred to as Library Mall made the switch.
Ilstrup, calling the potential project the next big thing, is hopeful city leaders will be able to find a plan that works.
“If we can create these unique places where people want to come and be, we're going to create a stronger downtown where everyone feels like they belong,” he said.
McAulliffe said as the plan is still in its very early stages, to approve even a pilot with limited hours would require some action by city council.
The Downtown Coordinating Committee, which was tasked with researching the idea was scheduled to present its findings and potential next steps to city leaders Thursday night.
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