Tremaine Foundation Proposal Approved By Madison P&Z: Report

MADISON, CT — A proposal to build an educational facility in Madison at a 300-year-old historical property was approved by the town's Planning and Zoning Commission, despite opposition by many residents.

The Shoreline Times reports that the proposal by the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation to build the center at 6 Opening Hill Road in Madison was unanimously approved. The foundation focuses on education with an emphasis on art, the environment and learning differences, and it is planning to move its headquarters from New Haven to the Madison property.

Residents opposed the plan, due to concerns over the commercialization of the property, which is in a residential neighborhood. Additionally, residents voiced concerns over the use of a Philip Johnson design, because of allegations over his Nazi past, the Connecticut Centinal wrote.

The P&Z decision can be appealed.

The Planning and Zoning Commission reportedly placed conditions on its approval, including a prohibition on large events at the site; placing no parking signs on Opening Hill and Indigo Way when there are gatherings at the facility; and stipulations on lighting and noise, among other conditions.

Read the Shoreline Times story; read the Connecticut Centinal story.