To the Editor:
Wilton should seek to allow for significantly more sewage to be delivered by Wilton to Norwalk under the terms of the two towns’ agreement capping the flow of sewage Wilton can send to Norwalk’s sewage treatment facility. This is highly important for a variety of reasons, including especially future development in Wilton of, among other things, congregate housing as well as other commercial development that will likely be severely impacted if those capacity limits cannot be increased.
Wilton’s 2019 Plan of Conservation and Development establishes specific areas within Wilton Center and along Route 7 as the locations where congregate housing can be placed, and that limitation is very significant and good for our town. However, sewage-capacity limits add an additional and unwelcome constraint — unwelcome because the benefits to Wilton from new congregate housing development are very pronounced:
- First, congregate housing development will allow for greater population density in central areas of Wilton while not impacting already existing beautiful bucolic areas that abound around our town. The resulting increased population density allows local businesses to prosper and also encourages the development of new businesses through the creation of a much more lively downtown Wilton area. As underscored at the Wilton Board of Finance meeting last week and the remarks of its Chair Matt Raimondi even more recently, Wilton very much needs new commercial development, and an increased population base in a more vibrant central area of Wilton will provide the foundation for that kind of additional commercial development, particularly that aimed at serving retail customers.
- Second, under the provisions of section 8–30g of our state statutes, it is very likely that new housing development will include an affordable housing component within it. That feature means the opportunity for increased diversity within our town and also offers the opportunity for persons who work in Wilton (including at ASML, with its very significant employment expansion plans) but otherwise cannot afford to live here to have housing that will meet their needs at price levels they can afford. Those young people who come to live here in that way are likely future home buyers here as their careers advance — a further benefit for all of us.
The figure on Norwalk’s present excess capacity (in the multiple millions of gallons) seems to make our additional needs (capped now at a 12-month average 650,000 gallons per day) a drop in their bucket, but I also can understand First Selectman Toni Boucher’s point that helping Wilton may not be something Norwalk will perceive as in its best interests to the extent that a constraint on us pushes development projects that would otherwise be Wilton’s in Norwalk’s direction. On the other hand, more than a few development projects are not that mobile (particularly in terms of repurposing existing commercial office space into residential housing) and being able to charge Wilton for what for Norwalk is unused capacity could offer a real and very immediate financial benefit to Norwalk, allowing it to share (albeit in a small way) in the benefits from new development in Wilton that would not otherwise flow to it.
So I encourage Wilton actively to pursue with Norwalk as soon as possible significantly increasing the present cap on Wilton’s permissible sewer flow to Norwalk’s sewage treatment facility.
Sincerely,
Steve Hudspeth
Correction: the original letter was incorrectly published with GMW Editor Heather Borden Herve’s byline. It has been updated to show that this was written by Steve Hudspeth.
Agree with all of this, but I’d also add that if it somehow does turn out that the constraint on further development in Wilton is Norwalk’s refusal/inability to sell us the sewer capacity we need, that’s a point where we can start to get the state involved – with money or legislation or both – and indeed a rare example of us being the Good Guys in one of these development arguments.
Please keep in mind that not everyone wants more development in Wilton. I think that the residents of Wilton need to be educated on the sewer issue and what it really means for tax payers and those who recently moved into Wilton from high density areas. Let’s be transparent and clue them into the fact that there are forces in Wilton that are controlling narratives. Why are we not having a conversation that residents of this town can be part of that doesn’t require staying up at night to have your say! Why is it that the same few individuals control what happens in Wilton! I’ll be that not everyone in Wilton agrees with destroying the Wilton Village feel… and if you want cluster and dense housing go to Norwalk and flush all you like!
Steve, I fully agree with you. Fully in support of more development in housing and commerce in Wilton for revenue generation and overall benefit of the town.
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 Road 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 Dollars School Facilities Assessment and Proposed Funding Plan, dated Nov. 15, 2023, highlights proposed multi-family developments at 15 Old Danbury Road and 131 Danbury Road 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 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.