Deny the Application
In 2002, we moved from Greenwich to Madison. Before moving, we considered all shoreline towns between Guilford and Essex. We chose Madison for its distinctly residential character. Ours has always been a quiet and peaceful residential neighborhood. The homes are on one-acre-plus lots, and today, they are million-dollar-plus homes.
Recent developments pose an existential threat to the residential quality of life that we have enjoyed in our neighborhood for the past 22 years.
The Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation (the Foundation) has purchased 6 Opening Hill Road (6OHR), a six-acre site with a single-family home, and has submitted to the Madison Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) an application for a Special Exception Permit, which specifically requests approval for outdoor events open to the public for 150 persons with live music running until 10 p.m.; a bed and breakfast for 12 paying overnight guests; the Foundation’s 1,500 square foot administrative offices plus on-site parking for all employees; a service kitchen and dining area supporting all of the above; a 1,000 square foot retail store; and supporting lighting and signage.
What the Foundation seeks approval for is not much different from having the circus permanently encamp at 6OHR.
The Foundation’s application is antithetical to all of the quiet, wooded neighborhoods along Opening Hill Road. Moreover, approval of this application would set a precedent that will open the door for future commercial exceptions in residential neighborhoods, thereby irreversibly eroding Madison’s unique character as the shoreline’s residential town.
The PZC should summarily deny the Foundation’s application.
All Madison residents opposed to the Foundation’s application should attend the PZC meeting on Thursday, May 16, at 6 p.m. at Town Campus. Let your voice be heard now!
John and Carolyn Dugan
Madison