To the Editor:
The completed 2019 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) was a comprehensive effort that involved significant time, taxpayer funds, and community input, providing a crucial framework for the Town’s development vision over the next decade. The subsequent endeavor in 2023 by the Planning and Zoning Commission to implement form-based zoning in designated districts, namely Danbury Rd. and Wilton Center, further underscored the commitment to translating the POCD into actionable plans.
Now, at a juncture where the economic stimulus from commercial development is paramount for our Town’s tax base, it is essential to avoid squandering the eight years invested in fostering good economic growth. The repercussions of neglecting this carefully crafted development plan will reverberate for decades, affecting not only seniors on fixed incomes but also young adults facing housing affordability challenges or desiring upscale multi-family living options.
These young adults are potential homebuyers whose decision to settle in Wilton could contribute to the vitality of our community. Experience has demonstrated that sustaining local businesses, particularly restaurants, and retailers, requires a broader consumer base than our current population of approximately 18,000.
The Board of Selectmen‘s 10-Year $105 million School Facilities Assessment and Proposed Funding Plan, dated Nov. 15, 2023, highlights proposed multi-family developments at 15 Old Danbury Rd. and 131 Danbury Rd. as integral components of funding sources.
Taking cues from neighboring towns like Darien and New Canaan, embracing multi-family housing has proven to bring substantial economic benefits outweighing potential downsides. The Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) must align with the POCD vision and responsibly initiate discussions with the City of Norwalk, which treats Wilton’s sewage. This proactive approach is essential for securing future additional capacity required to implement the POCD. Engaging with Norwalk directly will provide valuable insights into their intentions, replacing speculation with informed decisions.
Inaction is not a prudent option. The WPCA must play its part, allowing Planning and Zoning to regulate and guide the development strategically, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for Wilton.
The pivotal question before us is whether, as a community, we are committed to advancing and securing the necessary resources to fund critical school facilities and other essential budgets. Alternatively, do we choose to regress, imposing a heavier tax burden on single-family residences? Such a step backward would impact everyone, particularly placing strains on seniors with fixed incomes and young adults.
Consider also the implications for those who serve our community, such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers. While they may wish to join and contribute to our community, the prospect becomes challenging due to the deterrent of high taxes and less-affordable housing options.
In this pivotal moment, maintaining silence is not a viable option. The stakes are high, emphasizing the crucial need for active engagement in endorsing the years of commendable efforts invested by both the community and volunteer board members in formulating the 10-Year Plan of Conservation and Development. It is incumbent upon us to safeguard the future of our community and communicate to the Water Pollution and Control Authority that responsible actions are paramount. You can convey your concerns by email to Town Engingeer Frank Smeriglio, First Selectwoman Toni Boucher, and the Board of Selectmen.
Scott Gance
To Scott Gance’s letter: “AMEN!”
Thank you Scott. Agree with you on EVERY single point.
Thank you Scott. Let’s develop in a smart and strategic manner to maintain the “village feel” while providing amenities and businesses that residents want and need. Such development could not only boost the grand list and ease the tax burden on residential property owners, but also bring additional vitality to our community (seniors downsizing and singles or young families getting established), and mitigate some of the issues of the housing crisis we’re seeing in our area and across the country.
Yes, totally agree! Our family is new to Wilton and I’m still learning about all the issues and challenges currently facing our community. It seems like in the past a lot of cans have been kicked down the road and now we need to deal with those problems or risk Wilton’s status as a desirable place to call home.
Bills deferred come due eventually and paying for them needs to come from either higher taxes on current residents/businesses, cuts to current budgets or net new revenue from new growth and development. I think most people would prefer the last option over the other two, so long as we do it in a sustainable and responsible way that stays true to Wilton’s history and character.