Madison Media Digest: Housing, Business, Education & Health

Here’s what we were reading after filling out Justified Anger’s community input survey about racial disparities in the Madison

Development & Housing

Despite development in the downtown area, rent costs remain high for many Madison residents, especially disabled and low-income individuals who are dependent on Social Security income. Increased energy costs and MG&E’s decision to change rates, which could discourage household efforts toward energy efficiency, are also causing concern over affordable living costs in Madison. One effort to aid in the housing deficit, the Tiny House project, has been cited as an example of Madison’s social experimentation in the 100 objects series.

Business

College Barber Shop on State Street, an institution that’s been in business for more than 80 years, will be closing after its landlord declined to renew the lease. Although the closure signals the end of an era, development continues in other areas of downtown. MadCity Bazaar, a new flea market, brought 18 vendors and over 500 people to the Chamber of Commerce last Sunday. Organizers see the trade as a potential addition to Madison’s public market, a permanent indoor retail hub being planned. In another discussion on development, Madison Magazine featured Madison’s food cart scene, showing how local flavors are reflecting a larger nation-wide trend toward mobile food.

Education and Health

The Wisconsin State Journal spoke out in support of the Common Core Standards in an editorial, urging Governor Walker to support higher educational expectations and to avoid repealing the standards. The Red Caboose day care center received community support after the state revoked its license due to the alleged sexual abuse of a two-year-old when the Marquette Neighborhood Association issued a statement supporting the daycare center’s efforts to appeal the decision. The Survey of the Health of Wisconsin is increasing its sample to include children and elders.