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Madison County supervisors adopt economic development plan, target Route 29 corridor
Summary
The Madison County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt an economic development plan that focuses development along the Route 29 corridor and charges the county committee with implementing actionable items.
Madison County supervisors on Monday adopted a new economic development plan that directs the county to pursue targeted growth along the Route 29 corridor and charges the Economic Development Committee with carrying out specified actions.
The plan, presented by Supervisor Jim Jewett during a public hearing, sets workforce development inventory and site-development outreach as near-term priorities. “People don’t like change, but change happens,” Supervisor Jim Jewett said, arguing the county must be proactive rather than passive.
The nut graf: the board approved the plan and asked the Economic Development Committee to begin the actionable items included in the document, signaling an intent to concentrate commercial growth and hospitality development along Route 29 while preserving rural areas.
Jewett described several implementation items the committee will pursue, including a local inventory of workforce programs, outreach to landowners, examination of tax-incentive policies, and coordination on sewage treatment for the Town of Madison’s 29 Corridor. “One of our biggest treasures here is that 17,000 cars a day that transit Route 29,” Jewett said, saying increased restaurants and attractions could raise local business revenue.
Other supervisors who spoke at the hearing praised committee work and emphasized careful rule and zoning review before recruiting businesses. A board member who identified themselves as John said more hospitality and appropriate business types could boost visitor stays and economic activity without overburdening infrastructure.
The board debated minor edits recorded in committee discussions and acknowledged the plan will be a living document to be refined over time. Tracy, identified in the meeting as a county staff member who has worked on site-development planning, was thanked repeatedly by supervisors for ongoing work on the plan.
After discussion, a motion to adopt the plan and charge the Economic Development Committee with the actionable items was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.
The plan’s adoption does not itself change zoning or grant specific incentives; supervisors said those steps will require separate actions and additional review.
Looking ahead, the board directed staff and committee members to begin the inventory and outreach work listed in the plan and to return with specific proposals or requests as they develop.
