1st Selectwoman Madison Center Project Update: On Path To Completion

MADISON, CT — Getting closer.

The Madison Center Project is a multi-phase project that seeks to expand economic opportunities within Madison’s central business district, improve pedestrian safety and access, facilitate access to public transit, and enhance the charm and aesthetics of Madison’s downtown area.

The final, outstanding electrical easement agreement associated with selected properties on the north side of Boston Post Road downtown has been completed and recorded with the Town Clerk. The Town has been eager to achieve this important milestone as part of the long-running Madison Center Project, a decades long community improvement project that has spanned several Town administrations due to protracted negotiations between selected property owners and local utility provider Eversource.

Following on the completion of the utility project, the town hopes to move forward with plans to extend streetscape enhancements to Route 79 and further additional traffic, pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements. It's actively pursuing additional state grants to assist in funding this next stage of the project.

“When I took office almost three years ago, there were three outstanding easements relating to multiple properties that prohibited the completion of the utility work, and no funding was budgeted to finish the project," First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said. "Now, after working cooperatively with impacted property owners, Eversource, and Town Boards, I am excited to say we are solidly on a path to completion. I want to thank the many current and former elected officials, planning committee volunteers, Town staff, Eversource personnel, and property owners for their vision and commitment to keeping this project moving forward."

Earlier this summer, the town awarded a construction contract to A&S Electrical Services, Inc. to complete the electrical and telecommunication infrastructure work needed to remove the utility poles. This work has been underway and will soon be completed in the coming days on both the north and south sides of the Boston Post Road. The next steps will be to coordinate with local property owners on property specific electrical work and then coordinate with Eversource the transition of electrical service from the poles to underground conduit. This work will be launched in the fall with the poles targeted for removal after work is complete.

“Although I have shared in our community’s frustration and dismay over recurring delays in removing the utility poles, the positive long-term benefits to our downtown will ultimately outweigh the challenges we faced, allowing Madison residents, business owners and visitors alike to enjoy the many improvements for decades to come,” added Lyons.