08/21/2026
First Selectwoman’s August 21, 2026 Community Update
SUMMER CONCERTS
The Beach & Recreation Summer Concert Series is back! Running from July 12 - August 30, 2026, the free concerts are held each Sunday evening at 6:00PM on the Town Green.
So, grab your chairs, pack your blankets, and get ready for long summer nights filled with incredible music! The full lineup and additional information can be found by visiting the Summer Concert page on the Town website: https://www.madisonct.org/710/Summer-Concerts
PUBLIC HEARING
The Board of Selectmen will conduct a Public Hearing this Monday, August 24, 2026 at 6:00PM in Room A at Madison Town Campus (8 Campus Drive) and via Zoom for the purpose of reviewing a draft Ordinance establishing the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The draft Ordinance can be found on the Town website: https://www.madisonct.org/Archive.aspx?ADID=915
For more information, visit the Town Calendar: https://www.madisonct.org/calendar.aspx?EID=8836
BACK TO SCHOOL
Please note that Thursday, August 27, 2026 marks the start of the school year for Madison Public Schools.
I want to wish our teachers, administrators, students, and parents a safe, healthy and successful year.
For more information including orientation dates and the 2026-2027 calendar, visit the District's Back to School page: https://www.madison.k12.ct.us/district/general-information/back-to-school
SHORELINE GREENWAY TRAIL PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING
Shoreline Greenway Trail will hold a Public Information Meeting at 6:30PM this coming Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Memorial Town Hall (8 Meeting House Lane) regarding a proposal for a new pedestrian and active transportation enhancements in the area of the Route 1 trailhead in Madison.
Aris Land Studio, the contractor for this State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) funded improvement, will be on site to present the proposal and answer questions.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit their website: https://shorelinegreenwaytrail.org/
FIELD OF FLAGS DEDICATION
On Saturday, August 29, 2026, the Madison Exchange Club will host the Field of Flags Dedication on the Town Green. Beginning at 5:00PM, the event pays tribute to the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country since September 11, 2001, as well as everyday heroes.
For more information, please visit the Madison Exchange Club website:https://www.madisonexchange.org/Home
TOWN BEACH UPDATE
As summer comes to an end, our summer staff members are off to college and lifeguards are phasing out at Town Beaches.
As of Monday, August 17, 2026, there are NO lifeguards at East Wharf for the remainder of the season; however, the Surf Club WILL continue to have lifeguards through this Sunday, August 23, 2026.
There will be NO lifeguards on duty at ANY of the Town Beaches beginning this Monday, August 24, 2026 for the remainder of the season.
A reminder that parking passes are still required at all three Town beaches seven days a week until Labor Day. Beach parking passes for the 2026 summer season are available for purchase online, through the mail, or in person.
RENT REBATE PROGRAM FOR ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS
Eligible participants who are age 65 and older or disabled can receive one-time assistance annually that helps to offset rental expenses. Documentation of 2025 income (income taxes if you file them), and payments made in 2025 for rent, heating, water bills, and electricity, are required to apply. Application Deadline September 30th, 2026. Please note– there is no longer a provision to request an extension of time to file due to medical conditions. 2025 Maximum Annual Income: Single: $46,300 and Couple: $56,500.
Applicants aged 65 and older should contact the Madison Senior Center at 203-245-5627, and applicants under 65 should contact Madison Youth & Family Services at 203-245-5645
SURF CLUB MASTER PLAN
The Board of Selectmen will hear an update regarding the old Sea Wall and Surf Club Master Plan at this Monday’s meeting. The meeting will be held in person at 7:00PM in Town Campus Room A (8 Campus Drive) and online via zoom; for more information, including the zoom link, please visit the Town Calendar: https://www.madisonct.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=8460
Ongoing since fall of 2025, the Board of Selectmen, in consultation with the Beach & Recreation Commission, engaged consultants Kent & Frost Landscape Architects to develop a Master Plan for the entire Surf Club facility, including the beaches, buildings, athletic fields and other amenities. The goal is to help secure the Surf Club's place as an invaluable community asset for generations to come by exploring current and future needs and uses for the park.
So far this process has included site analysis, multiple public input workshops and surveys, as well as many public meetings. A Public Information Session was held at Neck River Elementary to review a proposed Concept Plan for the future of the park. The Town is now seeking additional public feedback and engagement on the proposed Concept Plan for further development. This represents the first step in the design process.
A recording of the Public Information Session, as well as the presentation and other previous reports and documents are available on the Town website: https://www.madisonct.org/1429/Surf-Club-Master-Plan
Any questions about the plan or the process can be submitted to the Town at [email protected]; responses will be posted when available.
Additional public outreach efforts will be made to gather additional public feedback as part of the planning and design process.
FACILITIES COMMITTEE DRAFT REPORT
The Board of Selectmen heard a presentation from the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee regarding a draft report on a proposed Facilities and Land Use Plan. This report is the first step in developing a Town-wide Facilities Master Plan that will also incorporate other planning initiatives including the Surf Club Master Plan.
A recording of the presentation made to the Board of Selectmen, as well as other previous reports and documents developed by the committee, are available on the Town Website: https://www.madisonct.org/1216/Facilities-Committee---Ad-Hoc
MADISON’S BICENTENNIAL
The celebrations aren’t over yet! Additional information on events and ways to support the celebrations can be found on the Bicentennial page: https://www.madisonct.org/1436/Madisons-Bicentennial
Bicentennial Merch
Want a memento of Madison's Bicentennial that supports the celebrations? Visit the online store to view all of the options – including shirts, totes, and more: https://www.tycoprinting.com/madison-200/products/
view all of the options – including shirts, totes, and more!
NOTE FROM THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION- SPOTTED LANTERNFLIES
Spotted lanternflies, an invasive insect, have made it to Madison.
They’ve mostly moved from the nymph form—bright red and black insects with white dots—to moths, which are grey with black dots and vibrant red underwings.
If you see either, you are encouraged to kill them on sight as they damage local trees, plants and crops and put local farmers, winemakers and brewers at risk.
For more information about spotted lanternflies, visit the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://portal.ct.gov/caes/plants-pest-info/spotted-lanternfly?language=en_US
HURRICANE SEASON BEGAN JUNE 1
Forecasters with NOAA’s National Weather Service are predicting a below-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 to November 30, predicts a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of a below-normal season.
The agency is forecasting a total of 8-14 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 3-6 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1-3 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.
For more information on how to be prepared for these storm events,Visit the Town’s hurricane preparation page on the website: https://www.madisonct.org/1070/Hurricane-Preparation
You can also review the Town’s of Madison Hurricane Season Preparation Guide for useful tips and information: https://www.madisonct.org/DocumentCenter/View/208
Have a great weekend, Madison!
Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman
