Willy East to Install Driveway on Jenifer St. Side; Informational Meeting on Aug. 16th

This week 260 letters were sent to neighbors of the Willy East store. The letter reads:

Hello Neighbor,

As you may have heard, the City of Madison plans to reconstruct Williamson Street and its infrastructure between the months of April to November 2011. At times the 1200 block of Williamson Street may be closed entirely.  In light of the construction and ongoing traffic safety concerns – and despite our many efforts to find an alternate solution – we will be installing a driveway at the Jenifer Street side of the parking lot.

In 2008 we contracted with an engineering firm, TransSmart Technologies, Inc. [incorrectly identified in the original letter as "Vierbicher"], to conduct a traffic study in preparation for refurbishing the Co-op’s parking lot. Once the study was completed they [Vierbicher] proposed a design that improves safety at the entry way, allows for better storm water management, and insures access to the Co-op during construction.  We will begin installing a driveway onto Jenifer Street in late August [now September or October] as the first phase of installing our new parking lot.  The work will likely last about two weeks. 

The Co-op will also begin its Jenifer Street façade improvement work this fall. We have developed a comprehensive vision for that area of our grounds that will enhance the lighting and aesthetics, making our Co-op even more welcoming to our community.

Please join us to discuss this project, we have scheduled a meeting on August 16 at 6:30 in the Co-op’s Community Room.

Through many months of study, discussion and deliberation with neighboring property owners, city traffic engineers and our alder, we have worked to design a plan that will observe the wishes of our neighbors while continuing to serve our owners and the larger community.  The need to install this driveway is vital to sustaining our business, which employs over 160 staff and supports other businesses that have come to rely on the Co-op as an anchor to attract potential homebuyers, renters and other patronage.

We hope you can join us on August 16th.  If you have specific concerns or suggestions please feel free to contact me, Wynston Estis, at .

Thank you,

Wynston Estis
Operations Manager