'Historic Moment' in Madison's Downtown Future Begins

Connecticut Governor Malloy and Madison First Selectman McPherson broke ground Tuesday morning on the historic start of the Madison Center Project.

Construction in Madison’s center will begin this July. Since 2002 Madison has been working on the Madison Center Project plan, which will include a complete facelift of downtown. Construction will be split into two phases, which will cost about $3.4 million.

In addition to Governor Malloy and First Selectman McPherson, US Senator Blumenthal, State Senator Kennedy, State Representative Kokoruda and other town officials attended the groundbreaking (see full list below), which was held in the center of Madison’s downtown.

“The start of this project marks a historic moment in Madison as the town demonstrates its commitment to ensuring a strong and vibrant commercial district,” Ryan Duques, Chairman of Madison’s Economic Development Commission said in a statement. “This project will ensure that downtown Madison is enjoyed by visitors and that it is something we are proud of as residents and business owners.”

“For the first time in over 100 years the Town of Madison is making a significant financial investment in our main street,” said Duques. “It is my hope that this project, and our commitment to businesses in Madison, acts a catalyst for future growth and investment and new job creation.”

Elected officials congratulated members of the Madison Center Project Committee and Madison Economic Development Commission, the two volunteer groups that oversaw the 13-year project. Speakers also reminded residents and visitors that Madison will be open during construction and that parking and sidewalk disruption will be kept to an absolute minimum.

Those interested in the progress of the project are invited to visit www.MadisonEDC.org to view the town’s downtown webcam, which features a timelapse view of the project.

Additionally, visitors to the website will find updated construction information and renderings of the project.

Attendees Dannel Malloy, Governor, State of Connecticut, Richard Blumenthal, US Senator, Ted Kennedy, Jr., State Senator, Noreen Kokoruda, State Representative Town of Madison Fillmore McPherson, First Selectman Mike Ott, and Town Engineer Al Goldberg.

Board of Selectmen Diane Stadterman, Board of Selectmen Bob Hale, Board of Selectmen Joan Walker, Board of Selectmen Joseph MacDougald, and Board of Finance Chair Scott Gyllensten.

Board of Finance Sharon Kokoruda, Board of Finance Sandy McKissick, Board of Finance Ryan Duques, and Economic Development Chair Anne Foley.

Economic Development Commission Ed Pellegrino, Economic Development Commission Jim Ball, and Economic Development Commission Eileen Banish.

Madison Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Former Madison Center Project Committee members: Pam McKinnon, Andy Brauer, Joel Stander, Lorey Walz, and Andy Brauer.