MADISON, Wis. — A group of residents in one north Madison neighborhood is urging city leaders to protect their wetlands and reconsider an area development proposal.
As a part of their plans to develop the old Oscar Meyer site, the city is weighing a proposal that would bring a 550-unit affordable housing development to what is currently the Hartmeyer Natural Area, raising some concerns.
Christine Elhom has lived in the area for almost 30 years and serves as a board member of the Sherman Neighborhood Association. She said because of the site’s proximity to the former meat processing plant, she’s worried it will jeopardize the wetland’s survival.
“Once the soil is disturbed during the building process, very serious alarming contaminants may be released, and not only during the building process but may linger after the buildings go up and residents move in,” Elhom said. “We don’t think it’s right that people are forced to live on a site that is known to have dangerous chemicals.”
Elhom said she and other self-titled “Wetlanders” have been pushing the city for years to protect their neighborhood’s nature preserve but feels their concerns have not been heard by city leaders.
She also said their group understands the need for more housing in Madison is high and supports the city’s efforts to bring more affordable living spaces but doesn’t believe their marsh is a good fit.
News 3 Now reached out to city leaders about these concerns Friday but they did not immediately respond. If the project moves forward, groundbreaking isn’t expected for at least another several months.
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