Opinion/Letter to the Editor: Branford or Guilford?

This letter was written by a concerned citizen. It was posted to Madison Patch by Local Editor Pem McNerney.

To the editor: 

There was a Planning  & Zoning Commission public hearing on April18, 2013 regarding the proposed downtown Madison enhancements. This plan was handed out to the Commission members only at the meeting by the town engineer. Thus the Commission members were expected to read it, digest it, and form an instantaneous opinion.

Fortunately, ACCA had additional information to share with the Commission, so the hearing was held open.

Comments and questions from the public will be called for at the next public hearing. They were not called for at the April 18th meeting. What is the rush?

Although the 2013 Plan of Conservation and Development includes narrowing the intersection of the Boston Post Road and Route 79 for a safer crosswalk (pedestrians cannot safely completely cross the wide intersection currently with the traffic light), no mention of this problem and a solution are included in the Madison Center proposal.

The sidewalks are not wide. Yet, the plan includes two bicycle racks in front of the stores. With merchandise displayed outside store fronts as well as tables and chairs, the sidewalks are narrowed even more.

Since an ordinance prohibits riding bicycles on the sidewalk, is there enough room for pedestrians and bicycle walkers to pass safely ? Who will enforce this ordinance ?

Why not place the bicycle racks behind the stores and let the riders walk through between buildings.

Surely, if the cyclists can ride, they can walk a few feet to the store to enhance the safety of all. Guilford does not have bicycle racks in front of stores on the Green. There is a bicycle rack in front of town hall and at the schools.

Branford, however, clutters the sidewalks with bicycle racks which detract from the ambiance of the town center.

Also mentioned by the town engineer was the fact that the sidewalks will be constructed of pavers, and the town will take over the maintenance and snow clearance of these sidewalks. Most towns, including New York City, require the building owner to maintain the sidewalk in front of his building. There is a hefty fine for non-compliance.

If Madison town employees need to maintain these sidewalks, it seems the town will need to hire more workers. And Madison’s taxes will increase even more. Is this a good idea?

Madison is your town. Get involved in its planning. Attend the next public hearing on the Madison Center proposal.

From A Concerned Citizen

Editor's Note: 

The following information was posted on the town website: 

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 16, 2013, at 8:00 p.m., Meeting Room A, Town Campus, 8 Campus Drive, to consider the following:13-12 DVD.  Madison Center Project.  Applicant:

Town of Madison.  Application for Major Alteration within the Downtown Village District to construct streetscape improvements on the Boston Post Road between Route 79-Meigs Avenue and Wall Street-Samson Rock Drive including new median, concrete paver sidewalks and crosswalks, granite curbing, decorative lighting and street trees and other landscape improvements.  Public Hearing Continued From April 18, 2013.At this hearing written communications will be received and interested parties will be heard.  Information on the above application is available in the Land Use Office, Madison Town Campus.Christine Poutot, Chair