I had an opportunity to see Connecticut's Legislative process in action yesterday as the Environmental Commission listened to testimony concerning a proposed law to place a one year moratorium on alternative on-site sewage treatment systems.  It is always interesting to see the same data and statistics used by both sides to bolster their argument.The proposed development by Leyland Alliance is in high demand. It is an over 55 "high density" community on a little used airport property in Madison bordered by the Hammonassett River and Long Island Sound.  The proposed development has been in process for over four years (the staying power of developers is amazing) and has already had a positive impact on that section of town with high end shops and office buildings budding up in the area si... 02/26/2007

  MADISON - "This area, formerly part of Guilford and known as East Guilford, was first settled about 1650 on land bought from the Nehantic and Mohegan Indians in 1641.  With population increasing, settlers here sought separate parishes and the Society of East Guilford was incorporated in 1707, the Society of North Madison, called North Bristol, in 1753. The Town of Madison, named for President James Madison, was incorporated in 1826. This was once a center for fishing, shipping, shipbuilding, framing, and crayon manufacturing. Famous people born here included Thomas Chittenden, first Governor of Vermont; philanthropist Daniel Hand; artist Gilbert Munger; and chief sponsor of the Civil War ironclad warship Monitor, Cornelius Scranton Bushnell." The historians tell the tale of the past a... 02/21/2007

Did you ever really look at how your home is taxed?  Prices everywhere seem to be rising so fast that we often feel we are falling behind instead of seeing financial improvement with annual wage increases. The cost of Gas, Electricity, Food... all Up-Up-Up... Taxes are no different, inching up over the years.With the help of the Internet you can do your legwork to determine if you are paying more than your fair share.  The Town of Madison does a great job explaining the PROCESS and Property Assessments are easy to FIND.In Connecticut you have until February 20 each year to file a PETITION to APPEAL the Assessment. Time is running out but you may want to make note in case you are hit hard with revaluation later this year.  Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor for help with Real Est... 02/14/2007

We all need to eat.  In the real estate business our schedule can be hectic and we never know where we'll be when hunger hits. Well, that is not exactly true, a real pro just makes everything look easy. When I develop a showing schedule for out-of-town buyers food is usually lurking somewhere in the back of my mind in case I need to alter the agenda to accommodate a hungry client.  Here are a few places to eat in Madison. Breakfast can be found traveling east into the rising sun to Cohen's Bagel Company at 1347 Boston Post Road just beyond Hammonasset State Park.  If you are venturing west on Route One try Nick's Place near the Guilford line at 200 Boston Post Road.                                                When lunchtime comes if you are in the mood for a sandwich or salad you can... 02/07/2007

The median sales price of single-family homes in Madison continued to shift lower throughout 2006 and the number of homes sold also dropped substantially. Around 290 homes sold annually between '01-'04 before slipping 9% in 2005 and sliding down 14% last year. We are noticing an adjustment in what the consumer is buying, lower and mid-priced homes are selling while potential buyers of the massive McMansions play a waiting game to see if price drops forecast by the media materialize.  02/01/2007