The District 3 Dispatch | How you can make a difference; the country’s first ‘dementia village’
Barbara Rottman shares her experience organizing a “Learn to Ride Metro Transit” day for active seniors in Fitchburg. Courtesy: FACTv.
On December 3, a group of 10 determined Fitchburg seniors set out on a journey to learn how to use Metro Transit. Despite poor weather making the sidewalks treacherous, no ability to pick up Fast Fare cards in Fitchburg, and a confusing stop layout at their destination (the Chazen Museum of Art), the group persisted – and then shared their observations with me and other city leaders.
The challenges they described show we have work to do to make riding public transportation easier, which is especially important this year as we prepare to launch all-day bus service on Routes 65 and 75.
I’m happy to report, though, that we’ve already made improvements as a result of their advocacy. You can now pick up a Fast Fare card within our city limits at the Fitchburg Public Library, rather than having to visit Metro Transit headquarters or a Madison library. We’ve also started conversations about how we can improve outreach this year and connect our residents with existing transit resources.
I share this story to highlight the impact you as a member of our community can have in making Fitchburg a better place. Advocacy doesn’t have to be intimidating – if you see something that can be better, all it takes is saying something. You can email me any time (logan.reigstad@fitchburgwi.gov), attend a city council or committee meeting, or even submit a request directly to city staff online. Even if it’s something “small” like an uneven sidewalk, a burnt-out streetlight, or a city tree that needs trimming, we want to hear from you so we can take care of it.
Local government works best when all of us – residents, elected officials, and city staff – are working together to solve problems big and small. Together in 2025, we in District 3 got multiple crosswalks painted, sidewalk tripping hazards addressed, and safety improvements put in place at multiple intersections, to name just a few examples. I look forward to working with you in 2026 to continue the momentum.
Yours in service,
-Logan
What’s “Growing” On
Here’s what’s being built in Fitchburg.
A proposed single-family home development along Notre Dame Drive is moving forward. This development proposes creating 24 lots for new homes and completing the missing portion of Notre Dame Drive between Lacy Road and the Fahey Fields/Highfield Reserve neighborhoods. A rezoning and preliminary plat will be discussed at the next Plan Commission and Common Council meetings later this month. If approved, construction is expected to begin later this year.
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Agrace is proposing a significant reimagining of its current campus on East Cheryl Parkway to incorporate an innovative concept called a “dementia village.” This concept would create a 64-bed memory care facility that feels more like a small themed community than a traditional assisted living facility.
According to Agrace, this would be the first “dementia village” in the United States.
The number of hospice beds would decrease from 50 to 27. If approved, construction could begin in May.
A view of the proposed layout for Agrace’s campus with the incorporation of a “dementia village.”
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Winter weather isn’t stopping construction on our new Police Services Facility. Check out the monthly progress report from FACTv for more information.
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Working For You
Here’s how city staff and elected officials are working on your behalf to make Fitchburg a better place.
It takes a small army to keep our streets clear of snow and ice, and I got to see that firsthand in late December. Our plow drivers are on the job long before most of our alarms go off to make sure we can get around safely.
Here's how you can make their jobs a bit easier:
If you're parking on the street, don't park directly across from another vehicle – this can make it too narrow for a plow to get through
Give the plows plenty of room – they may need to back up to make a turn or make multiple passes through an intersection
A view of a snowy Fish Hatchery Road on December 29.
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Earlier this month, I was able to hear from the three finalists hoping to become the next superintendent of the Oregon School District. This week, the school board picked Dr. Shannon Anderson to assume that role when Dr. Leslie Bergstrom retires at the end of this school year.
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It may be winter, but there’s plenty of work happening outside! You may have seen the progress on the Quarry Hill Pond dredging project, and more maintenance is happening now through February at the Techlands Infiltration Basin along Nobel Drive.
Quarry Hill Pond dredging work, as seen on January 13.
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Metro Transit staff are working hard to address a backlog of maintenance, but Route B (and A) riders may notice some canceled routes in the meantime. Check Metro Transit's website for updates and download the Transit app for real-time bus tracking.
Get Involved
The draft of the city’s Strategic Urban Forestry Management Plan is now available. If you have thoughts about trees and forests in Fitchburg, here’s your chance to share them (by February 24)!
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Have thoughts on the future of the Beltline? The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has extended its public comment period on the Beltline Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study until January 31. This study is examining not only the Beltline itself but also opportunities to enhance local streets and bike paths to reduce pressure on the highway. Learn more and share your thoughts by visiting the study webpage.
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A new community gathering space is looking to call District 3 home! The Hive is described as a cafe/event venue catering to small groups. The owner, Melissa Rushdi, is holding a neighborhood meeting to introduce the community to the business.
Meeting Details:
🗓️ February 7, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
📍 Fitchburg Public Library, large meeting room | 5530 Lacy Rd., Fitchburg, WI 53711
The Hive anticipates opening in the fall.
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Fitchburg Chamber Events Calendar
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Once again, our neighbors on Hollyhock Street in Swan Creek lived up to their street’s name. Hollyhock was voted the holly-est road in Fitchburg for the annual Holiday Lights Tour. 2754 Hollyhock Street was voted the top individual display. Congrats, and thanks for spreading some light and cheer!
One Last Thing…
A new e-newsletter directly from City Hall called Fitchburg Connect is coming soon! This monthly newsletter will share information about city projects, resources, events, and more. Be sure to sign up so you don’t miss any updates, and then tell your neighbors to do the same (And don’t worry, The District 3 Dispatch isn’t going anywhere).
