Madison Beach Hotel Gets Support From Key Town Commission In Its Legal Battle With Neighbors

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

MADISON, CT – The Economic Development Commission recently voted to send a letter backing the Madison Beach Hotel in its ongoing legal battle with a group of neighbors of the hotel upset by the crowds that events held at the hotel brings to the area.

A lawsuit filed by the Madison Beach Preservation Association accusing the hotel of several zoning violations is about to be heard in Superior Court.

The suit was brought by some area residents who are claiming that the town does not have the right to hold movies and concerts on the Town-owned grass area near the hotel. They are also fighting against some of the hotel’s wedding activities and its spa services.

Currently the hotel requests Town approval and pays a fee to use this area and sponsors community activities like concerts and movies. The concerts are currently held once per week on a seasonal basis, on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 – 9:30.

The Madison Beach Hotel is a co-defendant with the Town of Madison in the lawsuit.

The hotel has 26 corporate accounts and eight local accounts that use the hotel on a regular basis. Visitors utilize other lodging facilities, shop at local retailers, eat at local restaurants and some even end up being so impressed with Madison that they purchase a home in town.

Hotel General Manager John Mathers told EDC members that the Madison Beach Hotel is very active in participating in the community through the Chamber of Commerce, Planning and Zoning Commission and also donates to local charities and supports local activities.

Mathers reviewed some of the benefits the hotel brings to the Town and State noting that they paid $400,000 in occupancy taxes last year, have a $2.8 million payroll, employ 51 full-time workers and 100 part-time and seasonal employees.

Mathers reviewed the market drawn by the hotel which he said extends to other states and countries who have indicated they came to the hotel as a destination.

After discussion, the Commission voted to authorize the submittal of a letter of support for the Town and Madison Beach Hotel to continue to hold community activities on the Town owned strip of land near the Hotel.