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Consensus on the Fix

It’s been a while. I’m reaching out to all who have supported the efforts of our grassroots organization and everyone interested in Academy School with an update: Academy–Save the Heart of Madison has been attending town meetings and monitoring Board of Selectmen (BOS) efforts.

As many of your readers know, back on April 12 the BOS moved to appoint a town committee to assist in finding a solution that can be endorsed by Madison residents. I am told the new committee will gather information and provide a cost/benefit type analysis of several options to bring to public poll. I am certain the majority of townsfolk support saving our town-owned land and oppose high density development in the heart of Madison’s historic district.

Consensus on the fix is less clear, ranging from demolition of the building for park space to adaptive reuse of the existing structure as a community center. I encourage Madison residents to stay informed and involved. Our group will continue to collect signatures to protect the five acres of Academy land, and we will continue our modest beautification efforts to keep the exterior of the school looking optimistic.

In the meantime, we are pleased to introduce a new series titled “Lessons on the Lawn,” sponsored by the Deacon John Grave House and Academy-Save the Heart of Madison. The series will offer casual evening talks on the lawn at the Deacon John Grave House, presented by Madison residents about Madison topics. The first presentation is Friday, June 29 at 6:30 p.m. Don Rankin, a retired surgeon, noted archaeologist, and local historian, will speak on the life of Madison’s own Daniel Hand, a successful businessman and progressive philanthropist. I encourage your readers to bring a lawn chair and picnic basket.

Kathryn Hunter

Madison