Neck Road, Circle Beach, Middle Beach, Food Pantry, Electricity And More

Neck Road has been closed to all but town residents, at the top of the road at the intersection of Boston Post Road, and near the entry to Circle Beach. The small streets off of Neck Road, along with Circle Beach, include many homes that were destroyed by Hurrican Irene.

Like Middle Beach, those homes quickly became a sort of tourist attraction for many around town, creating traffic problems, concerns about looting, and tension among residents of those homes who already had enough to deal with.

"We don't need rubberneckers," said First Selectman Fillmore McPherson, adding that members of the media are being given limited access to some areas and that should allow the public to view the damaged areas.

Middle Beach also was closed to public access, as work crews started to work on areas that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Irene. As town directed demolition, repair, and construction work continues on Middle Beach, Circle Beach, and other areas of town, town officials reminded residents that private repair efforts should not interfere with the town's efforts to repair its infrastructure or secure areas that are still dangerous.

On Tuesday, beachgoers disregarded the closed signs at the Surf Club and parked so close to the gate that it couldn't be opened. Their cars blocked a construction company from getting in and getting started on repairs, proving once again that a few thoughtless people can create problems for the entire town, which will now have to wait a little longer for the repairs to be done to the Surf Club.

While some town residents were still struggling with the concept that going into areas that are under construction or damaged, or with downed wires, might be dangerous, particularly when they bring their children along, town officials said many people around town were helping out with recovery efforts.

Everybody is pitching in all over town," said McPherson. Town officials specifically thanked Landon Lumber of Madison on Tuesday for helping to deliver a huge amount of water that was later distributed for free to town residents.

McPherson said "people are coming in by the scores charging up their cell phones and computers, and having a good time" at town hall at the town campus.

McPherson added that water is still being distributed at several areas around town, including Madison Hose Co. No. 1 at the fire station downtown, and the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company at the traffic circle. In addition, water stations have been set up at the on the Boston Post Road.

He also said showers are still available at the town gym from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bring your own soap and towels.

Cell phones can be charged at the town campus from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. as well.

Town beaches are closed, but town officials have said they will do their best to have the Surf Club open for the Labor Day weekend.

Volunteers from the Madison Food Pantry said it would be open as usual on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the usual location.

First Selectman Fillmore McPherson Irene Update 6, at 6pm Tuesday

This is the latest information on several topics.

Electric – Power restoration has started and more crews are arriving overnight. At this point about 5% of the town’s customers now have electricity. It could still take another 5 to 8 days before everyone is back on line. There are still trees and limbs hanging on wires. These will be cleared as the crews progress in their restoration activities. Right now CL&P is concentrating overnight on the downtown area so Stop & Shop and the other gas stations can be full open.

Water – The fill up points are still open at Town Hall and the Madison Hose fire hall downtown. The Tidewater Inn is also allowing water fill up. A tanker truck from Connecticut Water is available in North Madison at the fire hall. Some bottled water is also available there.

Road Closures – Middle Beach Road between East Wharf Road and Island Avenue is closed to everyone except local residents. This includes foot traffic as well as motor vehicles. The road is heavily damaged and we are trying to make major repairs. Circle Beach Road is completely closed. I know that everyone wants to come and check out the damage, but please don’t. Your presence only causes jams and prevents us from the recovery effort.

Beaches – All beaches are closed until further notice. There is major damage at East Wharf, West Wharf, and the Surf Club. Surf Club Road will be closed to all but local residents on Wednesday to allow heavy equipment movement to facilitate recovery. Do not go on the stone wharfs because they may collapse

Food Pantry – The Madison Community Services will have emergency bags of food available from 11 to 3 on Wednesday.

Transfer Station – The transfer station in Guilford is closed until further notice until they get power back.

Showers – The town gym at town campus has limited shower availability from 7:30am to 8pm. Bring your own soap and towels.

Cell phones – You can charge your cell phone and other devices here at town hall from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

Nationwide Insurance – We have been advised that Nationwide Insurance will have a truck at Cohen’s Bagels Wednesday morning to dispense supplies and to advise on insurance matters.

Other Insurance – Just a reminder to keep a photo record of any damage for insurance purposes.
That’s all for now. Thank you, be safe, and good luck.