Madison Celebrates Progress on Center Project

The Madison Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission hosted a ceremony on Tuesday to mark the official end of major construction in 2015 of the Madison Center Project.

Elected officials Noreen Kokoruda, State Representative, First Selectman Tom Banish and Selectman Al Goldberg, Joan Walker and Bob Hale were in attendance as Economic Development Chair Ryan Duques marked the completion of major construction for this calendar year.

Duques and Banish spoke briefly, noting they were satisfied by the amount of work completed during the two-months of construction and its quality. Duques also thanked the merchants and business owners for their patience and noted that Madison is open for business – open for the holidays.

During the ceremony, which took place in front of the Post Office, the Economic Development Commission and Chamber of Commerce recognized two individuals for their commitment to the project over the past few months.

Derek Jackson, traffic safety officer was acknowledged for his friendliness, smile and desire to assist all visitors to town while keeping the project site safe for pedestrians, cars and construction workers. During the presentation, Duques said that he hoped that Derek would be back in the spring, acting as traffic safety officer and unofficial project ambassador when construction restarts.

Mike Ott, town engineer for the Town of Madison was also recognized for his extreme attention to detail and commitment to the project. In addition to his decade of planning, Mike was acknowledged Tuesday for his work during the two-months of construction where he has overseen every detail of the project and could often be seen early in the morning watching light poles and tree grates being delivered with wide eyes and a smile.

While brick paver installation continues in a small section on the western edge of town, the vast majority of the north-side of town has been completed. Remaining areas of construction will wrap up this week. Already, the majority of parking has been reopened in the Center and the remaining blocked spaces will be open soon. Construction signage will be removed or covered soon and the traffic safety barrels and cones will be reduced to only required areas.

The tree grates and light poles have been installed, but the trees and light fixures themselves will not be planted and installed until Spring.

For regular updates visit: http://madisonedc.org/development/downtown-center-project/

PHOTOS:
EDC Chamber Award Mike Ott: On Tuesday, November 17 Ryan Duques, EDC Chair and Eileen Banish, Chamber of Commerce Executive Direct present Town Engineer Mike Ott with a certificate of appreciation for his attention to detail during the first two months of construction.

EDC Chamber Award Derek Jackson: Derek Jackson, Traffic Safety Office was awarded a certificate of appreciation by Eileen Banish, Madison Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and Ryan Duques, Economic Development Commission Chair on November 17 for his dedication keeping people safe during construction and acting as a friendly unofficial project ambassador.