A long-awaited easement agreement associated with selected properties on the north side of Boston Post Road has finally been completed and recorded with the town clerk’s office, making way for completion of Phase II of the Madison Center Project (MCP), the removal of telephone poles along Main Street.

According to a press release issued by town officials at the end of August, “they have been eager to achieve this important milestone as part of the long-running MCP, a decades long community improvement project that has spanned several administrations due to protracted negotiations between selected property owners and the local utility provider”.

First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said the effort to remove the poles, though a seemingly easy element of the project, took years to finally negotiate.

“When I took office almost three years ago, there were three outstanding easements relating to multiple properties that prohibited the completion of the utility work, and no funding was budgeted to finish the project,” Lyons said in a written statement. “Now, after working cooperatively with impacted property owners, Eversource, and Town Boards, I am excited to say we are solidly on a path to completion. I want to thank the many current and former elected officials, planning committee volunteers, Town staff, Eversource personnel, and property owners for their vision and commitment to keeping this project moving forward.”

According to Lyons, earlier this summer the Town awarded a construction contract to A&S Electrical Services, Inc. to complete the electrical and telecommunication infrastructure work needed to remove the utility poles. Construction is expected to be completed soon on both the north and south sides of Boston Post Road.

The next steps, according to the press release, will be to coordinate with local property owners on property specific electrical work and then coordinate the transition underground with Eversource. This work will be launched in the fall with the poles targeted for removal after work is completed.

Lyons said this phase of the project has come with some delays and difficulties, but that work is expected to move forward much more quickly in the coming months.

“Although I have shared in our community’s frustration and dismay over recurring delays in removing the utility poles, the positive long-term benefits to our downtown will ultimately outweigh the challenges we faced, allowing Madison residents, business owners and visitors alike to enjoy the many improvements for decades to come,” said Lyons. “The pole removal was held up due to easements needed between the power company and some of the affected businesses. It took a lot of time and effort but we finally found the resolution on that issue.

The MCP, according to the town’s statement, “is a multi-phase project that seeks to expand economic opportunities within Madison’s central business district, improve pedestrian safety and access, facilitate access to public transit, and enhance the charm and aesthetics of the Town’s downtown area”.

Once completed, Lyons said she hopes the town will be able to move forward with plans to extend streetscape enhancements all the way west down Boston Post Road to Route 79 and also is seeking to further additional traffic, pedestrian, and bicycle safety improvements. According to the town statement, officials are actively pursuing additional state grants to fund this next stage of the project. $500,000 in state funding was secured for the project just last week, according to Lyons.

Governor Ned Lamont announced last week that Madison will receive the $500,000 in state funding for road improvements and enhancements as part of Phase Three of the MCP streetscape with a Small Towns economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant. According to town officials, this will be matched with $1,076,417 from the town. The Madison streetscape project includes utility, streetscape, roadway and pedestrian improvements from Route 1 to Route 79.

In a statement released by the Governor’s office, State Senator Christine Cohen said the funds will be critical to the project

"Making Madison more safe and walkable will have a positive impact on the business district by increasing pedestrian access and economic activity," state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) said. “The town’s long-term investment in this project is a testament to the commitment not only to its people and businesses, but also to culture and tourism. Connectivity and walkability are key components to a dynamic and healthy downtown, and I want to thank Madison’s officials for their continued pursuit of this effort, as well as Gov. Lamont for approving this investment in our community and our local businesses."

State Representative John-Michael Parker said he was excited to hear about the funding.

“I'm thrilled that, with the support of the Governor, Madison will be able to complete this expansive project that will ensure our downtown fulfills its true potential for our town—and region—with increased vibrancy and critical economic development for the shoreline," said Parker. "Thank you to our town leaders, employees, and state partners for the continued support, and for ensuring that the Madison Center Project will be a success.”

Lyons said in remarks released via a press release that the state money will be vital in ensuring this long planned and on-going project finally has a completion date in sight.

“I am excited to learn that Madison has been awarded a STEAP Grant to assist us in the next and final phase of the Madison Center Project," said Lyons in a written statement. "This important, high-profile community improvement initiative has been at the forefront of our downtown development plans for almost 20 years. Furthering the streetscape improvements along our main street will continue to expand economic opportunities within our central business district, improve pedestrian safety and access to public transit, and enhance the charm and aesthetics of our downtown area. Over the years, the town — in partnership with the state — has invested almost $3 million to complete several phases of this multi-phase project, and we look forward to using this new grant award toward its completion.

According to the state officials, STEAP funds are issued by the State Bond Commission and can only be used for capital projects.