MADAWASKA, Maine — State transportation officials have set new dates for meetings in both Madawaska and Van Buren in which residents will work on plans for revitalizing their downtowns and village center areas.
The Van Buren meeting is now set for March 6 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers of the town office on 320 Main St., and the Madawaska meeting is March 7 at 6 p.m. in the Madawaska High School Cafeteria on 135 7th Ave., according to Paul Merrill, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Transportation.
The meetings were rescheduled from January after a consultant had to cancel because of a health issue.
The meetings will be hosted by state and local officials and feature presentations from Portland-based firm Gorrill Palmer. Members of the public will be able to provide feedback on possible changes to improve safety and accessibility for walkers and cyclists.
The events are part of Maine DOT’s Village Partnership Initiative. To be considered a village center, an area needs to include a religious or civic facility; provide goods, services or housing; and have a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less.
The feedback will be used by Maine DOT officials and consultants as they develop plans for each community. The initiative also helps towns obtain grant funding for the projects.
A Village Partnership meeting was recently held in Fort Kent, on Dec. 5. Residents in attendance primarily shared thoughts and concerns about pedestrian safety, sidewalks and lighting.
