West Wharf Land Swap
Town of Madison and Madison Beach Hotel
Key Information

The Town is poised to gain Waterfront access once again. The acquisition of this property has been passed upon on two previous occasions due to the financial cost. This time the land is being offered as a swap for land currently used by the Madison Beach Hotel along with a small portion of the current town beach located on the West end of the town property.

The Madison Plan of Conservation and Development compiled in 2000, urges the Town of Madison to expand upon land allowing access to Long Island Sound (page 51). The plan also urges, on page 68, that the Town of Madison consider acquiring any waterfront site that can provide for community benefits (such as expansion of the Surf Club or other Public Facilities). This Land Swap fits within the plan.

The Land Swap before the Townspeople provides a net overall gain of direct waterfront access of 102 feet. This would increase the eastern beach area to a total of 202 feet of waterfront property. New uses would include, but are not limited to, a new sheltered swimming area, expanded beach to handle more residents and expanded parking. The beachfront being gained as well as the land we are gaining will give the Town the opportunity to expand parking to allow for 32 more vehicles; doubling the current capacity of the area. The Land Swap is fully supported by the Beach and Recreation Commission to acquire this valuable resource.

The Town would be gaining a property containing 11,648 square feet (including buildings) with 102 feet of direct waterfront and an appraised value of $1.4 million. The Town would be giving up a parcel of land containing 10,716 square feet with approximately a 40 foot wide strip of beachfront and an estimated appraised value of $54,000. However, the net yearly loss in revenue to the Town would be approximately $17,000.00.

Please attend the Special Town Meeting on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 7:00 pm in the Polson School Auditorium, to place your vote on this Land Swap. Please come to the meeting prepared with your license or other proof of residency. The auditorium doors will be open at 6:15 pm.