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Would Be a Lively Hub

Heads up! We in Madison have a decision to make. Residents shouldn’t miss the opportunity to make their voices heard about the future of Academy School. Our selectmen are asking Madison residents to give their opinion online on seven proposals for the building. Four would develop the building for commercial or residential use. Two would have it serve a community function, and one would demolish it and develop the land as a town park. Look for link to the online survey on the Madison Town website (www.madisonct.org) through Sunday, Dec. 16.

So, what is at stake? Madison now offers us an abundance of community resources. We are on the brink of hosting a new, 21st-century library. Bauer Park’s community gardeners reap a harvest of vegetables from the rich farm soil. A town gym, tennis courts, and ballfields nurture our bodies and promote community spirit, and our beach rejuvenates us in the summertime.

So what are we missing? We are missing a town’s heart. We are the only shoreline town that does not have a vibrant community center. Neighboring town centers are constantly humming with a rich variety of programs, musical performances, study groups, and activities for all age groups. Why must we travel to other towns to participate in these types of activities and cultural events?

The Academy School has two theaters, a gym, large classrooms, facilities that could be used for lifelong learning classes, music, dance, and discussion groups. Performances and space rentals would bring in revenue, and this town would be a lively hub of learning and fun.

I encourage your readers to check out the online survey and voice their support for developing the Academy School as Madison’s Community Center.

Susannah Graedel

Madison