Madison Media Digest: Law, Development, Neighborhoods

Here’s what we were reading after scoping out fences to climb at the Vilas Zoo-

Crime and punishment

Scott Resnick, who is running for mayor, wants to study body-mounted cameras for Madison Police officers. Mayor Paul Soglin and others say that this has been under study for many years, and that the price is just too high. Chris Rickert expects the idea to become a campaign issue in next year’s mayoral race. Meanwhile Madison Police Chief Mike Koval is spending a lot of time talking in his new job, says Paul Fanlund. The Isthmus examined the ways police dogs are an asset to the Madison Police. 

The Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism detailed how Dane County’s drug courts, which steer defendants toward treatment and away from incarceration, tend to be used overwhelmingly by whites. City plans to review its house party law, which allows for noisy gatherings to be classified as “nuisances.” The city crime lab will store DNA evidence from sexual assault cases for victims unsure about pressing charges.  

Development

Dave Cieslewicz calls for a total re-do with the Judge Doyle Square plans. Anita Weier suggests that the tax subsidy for a luxury hotel goes against stated commitments to address housing inequality. The Isthmus reports follows up with Ludell Swenson, who was forced out of his rent-controlled downtown apartment. Prairie Bookshop (Mt. Horeb) is closing, but blogger Jeanne Kolker for the Wisconsin State Journal asserts the importance of small, local bookstores.

Neighborhoods

The Capital Times cover story looks at efforts in Meadowood to incorporate kids into neighborhood life through sports and other activities. Triangle Neighborhood held its annual Ethnic Fest. The Willy Street Blog reports that Orton Park Festival celebrated the park's long history and went off smoothly. A dramatic increase in Madison’s wild turkey population is leading to surprise backyard visits.