Home :: Report from Connie Threinen on CRANES

Report from Connie Threinen on CRANES

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February 11, 2011

This is my second report as LWVDC representative to CRANES. It begins in August 2010 where the first left off and covers from then to the present.  There is much to report  regarding matters that relate to League interests.

CRANES—As planned,  CRANES Partners did  meet in an Assembly in September 2010, elected a Board of Directors, adopted an action plan, and set up 3 Task Forces (Land, Water, and Air). Although the structure is now set, it has not yet begun to function as planned: The members of the old Board have been so occupied in following up on matters related to  preceding projects that too little time has been available for moving forward to establish a system for joint and coordinated operations.

CARPC—Most of those “continuing” matters relate to the Capital Area Regional Plan Commission (CARPC) and to problems of stopping unwise development in Dane County.  For example:

  • CARPC initially denied Mazomanie’s application  to extend urban services (sewer and water) to a large block of agricultural land at the northwest quadrant of the junction of U.S. 14 and County Highway 78, but the village took their case to Court where it was remanded to DNR.  The previous DNR administration did not act, and the matter is now in the hands of the new DNR administration. How much DNR can overrule CARPC has become a question that may need to be decided by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
  • DeForest’s application  for three separate urban service areas  was approved by CARPC in spite of the fact emphasized by CRANES that DeForest already has more available platted lots than it can sell in many years and further development will only increase the likelihood of flooding  in the Yahara chain of lakes.
  • Middleton-Westport’s application to permit a very large development north and east of the present Bishops Bay Golf Club is still in contention  with CRANES being the only group trying  to limit its impact on the natural resources on the north side of  Lake Mendota. CRANES is at present trying to find a compromise that might retain some of the open space for future parkland. However, little time remains before final approval is to be given.

The above-mentioned projects and other developments have required much research, analysis, and action, as League members can understand  well. While victories have been few, CRANES’ work is gaining attention and slowly increasing support for the same positions that matter to the League, such as stopping unwise development of the land.

Questions about CARPC’s effectiveness continue. Neither CRANES nor the League nor any of the Partners is satisfied with the progress CARPC has made towards stopping “sprawl.” Neither is County Executive Kathleen Falk. There has been behind-the-scenes questioning of its value.

FUDA—However, in addition to their power to rule on urban service extensions, CARPC has a second tool for influencing wise land use. Its charter directs CARPC to create a  “Future Urban Service Development Area” (FUDA) plan that would specify  where development should be allowed and where not.  There is some controversy over how much the FUDA plans should accept the existing “Comprehensive Plans” required under the state’s Smart Growth law. Furthermore, unless there were to be a moratorium on urban service applications, it is likely that potential open space would be eaten up by development before FUDA could become effective. Meanwhile, aware of the pressure for a FUDA , the CARPC staff has begun to work. It has divided the county into four quadrants, each of which is in a distinct  watershed. Having worked on an urban service area in Verona, they have begun on a FUDA there. However, with concerns over flooding in Lake Mendota and the Yahara chain of lakes, many people would like that area to take precedence. Funding for staff will continue to be a matter of concern until the future of CARPC is settled.

As I write, the four Parties are trying to reach agreement on several issues, and CRANES is pressing for a moratorium on urban service applications until the FUDA is done.  If no agreement can be reached, the County and the Towns may take action to end the CARPC and pass its responsibilities to another agency, possible the County’s Lakes and Watershed Committee or the County Planning Department. This crisis is of great significance for the County and the League. CRANES may be able to play a part in the outcome. The action and the outcome should be reported in the newspapers, and I will try to keep the Board informed.

COUNTY  BUDGET 2011—At the fall budget hearings, CRANES again supported the county’s Conservation Fund that allows the purchase of land for parks and open space.

REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY—At a hearing on February 4, CRANES supported the newly created Regional Transit Authority and its “Phase I” proposal for an expanded bus system and a referendum or support for financing it with a 1/4 cent addition to the sale tax. Any commuter rail program  would be adopted only in Phase II and very likely after another referendum.

FINALE—I hope this report gives you confidence that the League’s Partnership with CRANES is the best way to take actions in support of our long-held positions. I would be happy to give you an oral report at any time.