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Take Sufficient Time

At the Jan. 22 Board of Selectman meeting, four Academy School development proposals were approved to be reviewed at public workshops to be scheduled in February.

It is of critical importance to ensure clear summary and detailed information is provided, and well publicized opportunities are available for the public to provide input. With a fast-moving timetable proposed for moving this forward, it would behoove town leadership to ensure distribution of as much information as possible and multiple venues for public participation. This will not only help ensure public review of these proposals, but also an efficient road to an up or down vote if and when one of these goes to referendum.

I have concerns about converting this significant amount of public space to private residential development, and don’t want to sell it off for a short-sighted financial gain. Also, I believe a potential arts or performance center should be under consideration for any development.

As this decision will have a long-lasting impact on the center of town, it would also be wise to ensure we take sufficient time to consider them, negotiate changes if needed, or reject them, to prioritize the interests of Madison residents current and future.

Owen Charles

Madison