MEDIA ROOM

Public Input Guides and Bolsters Madison's Development Efforts

Madison, Maine's main street

One core value of the International Association for Public Participation is that "The public should have a say in decisions about actions that affect their lives." This is a sentiment that the town of Madison takes to heart and one that guides its economic development efforts.

While the town holds a regular annual meeting to gather feedback from resident on various municipal projects, other issues of importance that come up throughout the year are addressed by special town meetings.

As the town pursues various opportunities for economic development, whether it is creation of the MBG business park, an application for federal grants or conducting an assessment of improvements residents would appreciate, town officials seek public participation to guide their decisions.

Not only is the public participation process an integral part of Madison's town governance - it is a benefit for prospective businesses. All too often, community decisions regarding development are made in closed sessions or small meetings - and then public hearings are held. Decisions regarding planning and development can be particularly divisive - pitting residents and officials against each other over decisions to site and build landfills, parking facilities and other business and infrastructure projects. Businesses depending on controversial development investments can suffer damage to their reputation if they become associated with projects that haven't been previously vetted by the community.

Currently, there are two development issues before the town requiring the public's participation. One is a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) agreement with Backyard Farms. State laws have changed and changes to the TIF are being considered so that the town can maximize the benefits from this business incentive. A town meeting is scheduled for February 11, 7:00 pm at Madison Junior High's Auditorium. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more and vote to amend or sustain the current agreement.

Additionally, the town is investigating resources to bring additional development and improvements to the downtown region. One possibility is a grant application to refurbish housing above retail shops on Main Street and other related improvements. Gail Chase from the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments will be speaking about the grant process and Madison's options at a meeting on February 28, 6:30 pm at the Old Point Avenue School in the Selectman's room. Residents are encouraged to attend this session and provide ideas and feedback to town officials.

For more details on these meetings and how Madison collects public input for its decisonmaking, please contact Town manager, Norman Dean at ndean@madisonmaine.com.

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