Madison Media Digest: Buildings and Construction, Education and Community

Here’s what we were reading while acknowledging that yes, it probably is going to snow tomorrow.

Buildings and construction

Madison spent 11 years and $15.5M to replace every lead pipe in its water system, but other cities in the county have not followed. Chris Rickert thinks the Streets Division should let people scavenge metal left out for trash pickup. The Capital Times hosted a panel discussing the city’s housing needs. You can relive the event by following the tweets, including some from our own Cara Lombardo, from the #ctapartments hashtag. A city committee proposed a focus on senior housing and incentives for young people. The city will help with financing of a high-rise apartment building slated for East Washington Ave. Willy Street Co-op is considering a third location on the North Side. Feed Kitchens on the North Side, a food business incubator, has overcome a difficult start and is growing steadily. Neighborhood residents near the proposed public market expressed concerns about traffic. Madison residents want to preserve trees during construction projects.

Education

Schools of Hope has been a success in many ways, but the growing racial disparities in education suggest new approaches should be added. The Justified Anger Coalition unveiled a history course aimed at addressing Madison’s racial climate. The State Journal praised the school district’s announcement it would cancel its 90-minute last day of school. Players wore shirts trying to raise awareness about racism at Saturday’s boys basketball game between Middleton and Madison East. Operation Fresh Start offers a different approach to education, year-round. 

Community

More than 125 groups have launched initiatives aimed at reducing racial disparities in Madison since the 2013 publication of the Race to Equity report that detailed the problem in the city and county. Paul Fanlund praises outgoing City Council President Chris Schmidt, who is leaving the council. Madison attorney Sam Owens has created an app to help people access the criminal justice system. The city released data on bike traffic. Madison365 sat down with Madison’s new poet-laureate. The Madison Network of Black Professionals has a new leader. Volunteers and businesses support local efforts to provide “Books for the Globe.” The city posted a video to tell residents how to haze coyotes. A downtown retirement home has entered bankruptcy. Madison’s faith community is mobilizing against human trafficking. The Dane County Beekeepers Association plans classes on the practice.