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<br />According to the developer, there is a pressing need to provide a properly zoned lot for a specific user, which <br />will continue on the momentum of the Novation Campus, and provide some increment for the TID which will <br />spur on other potential users in this area. While I have some concerns about the compatibility of County zoning <br />with Fitchburg's zoning, that issue is really a broader question that we will need to continue to work on. <br /> <br />The fundamental issue really rests on trying to reconcile long-term land use goals with short-term opportunities. <br />I am very concerned about the long-term viability of the Southdale Neighborhood, of which this petition is a <br />part. I am also concerned about losing quality development opportunities while we try to reconcile some of the <br />longer-term issues. <br /> <br />At this juncture, it appears that this petition complies with the County requirements, and that the Zoning and <br />Land Regulation Committee should approve it. However, this should be done with the understanding that the <br />applicant will continue to work with the City of Fitchburg and the Town of Madison to reconcile the longer- <br />term issues that will impact the property involved in this rezoning. <br /> <br />The applicant has assured me that they will work with the City of Fitchburg to examine some specific issues, <br />including the structure of the existing TID and implementation of an ETZ ordinance for this area, as well as <br />other ideas. I am expecting those discussions to occur in the next few weeks. <br /> <br />Since this area is known by all to be a future part of Fitchburg, it would seem prudent to make certain that <br />Fitchburg is an integral part of the land-use discussions for this area. I understand that the applicant has been <br />working with County staff for quite some time on this petition, but I believe that Fitchburg should have been <br />included in those meetings. In my time as an elected official, I have learned that most conflicts can be avoided <br />by better communication and participation, and this particular petition could surely have benefited from that. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Jay Allen <br />City of Fitchburg Common Council <br />District 4 Seat 8 <br />608-438-9261 <br />jay@fitchburgjay.com <br />