On July 12, President McKaig met with WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson. The discussion focused on the Village’s high level goal of maintaining Lake Drive’s current configuration with the “Replace in Kind” design alternative because it maintains the trees, provides additional room for cyclists and maintains on street parking for the public. President McKaig reviewed the Village’s history, extensive public input process that resulted in the current reconfiguration in 2018, and data available. President McKaig asked specifically if there was any action that the Village Board needed to take to improve the likelihood that the reconfiguration of 2018 could meet federal funding guidelines; however, Secretary Thompson did not indicate that this would be necessary.
Secretary Thompson encouraged the Village to check-in the with biking community and seek their support for the “Replace in Kind” design alternative. President McKaig has reached out to the Wisconsin Bike Federation on this item. Secretary Thompson confirmed that he would convey to his team that it is the Village’s expectation that WisDOT schedules a Q&A with the public later in August to address questions on the design alternatives. President McKaig made it clear that a meeting with the Village Board would not take the place of a WisDOT Q&A session with the public. The Village requested WisDOT officials be more specific on exactly who will make the decision on the design alternative selected, how the decision will be made and when the decision will be made. President McKaig also requested WisDOT advise as to how a design decision by WisDOT may be appealed. The Village awaits a response.
On July 15, the Village was informed that WisDOT will be unable to attend the August 2 Village Board meeting. Village Board members will submit questions to WisDOT for written response in lieu of their attendance at the meeting. WisDOT also communicated that they are unwilling to provide a Q&A session in August; however, intend to provide a second Public Information Meeting (PIM) in October. The current project schedule notes a second PIM would be held after WisDOT finalizes the scope for the project. Today, WisDOT relayed there will still be alternatives presented at the next PIM in October. While WisDOT has relayed their intention to reconstruct the roadway within the current curb width, this is not confirmation that the current roadway configuration will be replaced in kind. How the roadway between the curbs will be designed remains unknown and may or may not accommodate on-street parking. The Village will continue to provide updates as WisDOT communication changes.
Following receipt of WisDOT’s written responses to Village Board questions, the Village Board will evaluate the need for a future meeting with WisDOT on this matter. President McKaig will provide an update on her meeting with Secretary Thompson at the August 2 Village Board meeting.
The Village of Shorewood encourages everyone to complete WisDOT’s survey here. You can also view responses to completed surveys here. The survey will close on July 31, 2021. Questions on the project can be directly to WisDOT via their website.