Here Is The Status Of The Madison Downtown Center Project

MADISON, CT — The Madison Board of Selectmen recently held a discussion on the Downtown Center Project at a meeting held earlier this month.

Here is a recap of those discussions via meeting minutes:

Public Works Director John Iennaco stated that in terms of the utility easements, the Town is working on resolving these issues. There are lots between 690 and 710 Boston Post Road which need finalized designs for service to these properties.

The service may be supplied by making internal modifications to the building and costs are unknown on this option as of today. The other alternative might be to bring underground infrastructure through the narrow alleyway.

Once the design details are worked out, the owner has verbally agreed to execute the easement. This should resolve the issues on the south side regarding the utility easement.

On the north side, the eminent domain proceedings are underway. While this process has been underway, we have continued to look into design modifications that might be agreeable.

Eversource has come up with a modification that would push the infrastructure to the corner of the lot and the owner objected to that proposal. The owner has countered with a limited easement being extended around the corner and pushing the electrical infrastructure over to the opposite corner of the building. Eversource has determined that this is not feasible.

The solution is still moving through the eminent domain process. Selectman Goldberg asked if there was anything the board could do to push the negotiations along.

First Selectman Thomas Banisch stated that he was trying to exhaust the negotiations process before moving to the eminent domain. The town needs to have three appraisals done of the property in order to move forward with the eminent domain proceedings and the Town has three firms lined up if that moves forward. Selectwoman Ferris asked if there was an end-date for the work and if the eminent domain proceedings would hold up the process.

Mr. Iennaco stated that the issues on the south side can be addressed independently so the project was not stalling due to the eminent domain proceedings. Selectman Goldberg questioned if there was a timeline for completion and Mr. Iennaco stated that the issues on the south side are at least moving along in the right direction and this portion could proceed soon.

Selectman Murphy questioned if there was anything the First Selectman’s Office could do to move the process along and First Selectman Banisch stated that the south side easements are close to being resolved and so there isn’t much more to do. Regarding the north side, Rob Russo, Assistant Director of Public Works, feels that he may have a solution that will satisfy all parties and the Selectman’s Office will follow up with this potential solution.

Selectman Goldberg asked if the budget for Eversource was agreed upon and if the funding was in place. First Selectman Banisch stated that this part of the work would be completed at no cost to the Town, as he had negotiated this agreement two years ago.