To the Editor,

In regard to the sale of 4-plus acres of property on the corner of Hwy. CV (CV Property) and Wheeler Road (address: 2103 Larry Lane):

We are members of the Fieldstone Neighborhood Association (FSNA). We are owners, renters, landlords and interested parties in and around Larry Lane, Dennis Drive and Fieldstone Lane. We have organized as an association to improve our neighborhood, tackle problems and get to know each other. We are going on our sixth year as an organization.

The CV Property — more than 4 acres of wooded land, trees and shrubs — has been clear-cut. The sale, proposal and clear cutting of the property have gone on with no notification or consideration to surrounding properties. 

The FSNA members have questions. We have concerns. A visit to the City of Madison Planning and Development offices has resulted in the following information: “a permit was issued for a temporary driveway off Hwy CV.” This is the only information that has been provided to our members after a person-to-person visit in November 2019 to the Municipal Building at 215 Martin Luther King Drive, Madison.

After direct contact with the new owners — Northshore Rentals, LLC (aka Gebhardt Construction) — a timeline of events and a drainage plan map were provided.

The Grading and Erosion Control Plan provides a DNR “no comments” notation on Aug. 26, 2019. Why was no information provided when asked in the face-to-face meeting with Planning and Development personnel in November? There was obviously a plan in place at the time of the request for information.

Why are the neighboring properties not being contacted about erosion and drainage control? Clearly, elevating the site 4 feet above current grade will affect adjoining properties.

After speaking with the owner, Gebhardt Construction, we are told there is a plan to build apartments. When? How big? What are the traffic considerations? What kind of apartments? It appears there has already been planning and development talk with the owner and the city. Why are the properties in the area not being notified?

FSNA has been in contact with Pam Dunphy of the Highway and Transportation Maintenance Division for several years now and have asked to be included as a stakeholder in any public meetings regarding improvements to Hwy. CV. We are concerned about the safety of traffic turning onto Fieldstone Lane and now any additional traffic due to the new construction that is being proposed.

When reading about proposed developments in the City of Madison, it is reported that there are conversations with city officials and those in the community where potential development and redevelopment happens. As the Town of Burke becomes part of Madison, DeForest and Sun Prairie, let us be an example of how to work together for everyone’s benefit.

Please contact us at our email address (FSNA2015@gmail.com) so we can meet to discuss the current events.

Sincerely,

FSNA