After years of delay, Madison will move ahead with a $1.1 million remake of long-troubled Lisa Link Peace Park on State Street.

The plan, approved by the City Council early Wednesday, includes a new building with an ATM machine, which will trigger a city law and eliminate a much-used, legal panhandling spot in front of the park.

The law, which prohibits panhandling on State Street near an outdoor ATM, sidewalk cafe or businesses, leaves one legal spot on the 500 block of the street.

Ald. Mike Verveer, 4th District, said improvements are "desperately needed" and that the homeless can still use the park, just not panhandle near it. "This is not about dissing the homeless community or street people," he said.

Ald. Marsha Rummel, 6th District, unsuccessfully sought to remove the ATM from the building facade, questioning its public purpose and symbolism for the homeless. "The message sent is you're not welcome," she said.

The new building includes a visitor center, police office and public bathrooms, a stage and amphitheater, spray water fountains, moveable furniture and storage building.

Project funding includes $650,000 in tax incremental financing and $385,000 in private money. Construction will begin next year with an August reopening.

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