To the Editor:
Let your local Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) members know if you support or oppose these two historic proposals. The Zoom public hearing will be on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.. There is a link on the agenda for the P&Z meetings on the town website.
P&Z is proposing one of the most dramatic changes to Wilton’s local zoning regulations in our town’s history. They are supporting plans for the development of Wilton Town Center and large swaths of Route 7 that would forever alter the look and character of downtown Wilton.
On Oct. 19, there will be a public hearing to approve [among other regulation changes] the construction of buildings with new heights of four stories, with principal permitted use, or of up to five stories if the developer includes a bonus area for the community’s use. These five-story buildings will be allowed to reach 58 feet for residential buildings, or 64 feet for commercial if the design includes a public benefit. [Editor’s note: this can be considered in only certain situations.]
You can tell P&Z how you feel about this at the public hearing on Oct. 19 or send them a letter now.
I have lived in Wilton for over 50 years and for many of those years have been a realtor in town. I recently read the article in our local paper that discusses the Planning and Zoning changes proposed in the Master Plan for Wilton. I feel strongly that the changes in zoning to allow 4 to 5 stories in both residential and commercial developments are not what new residents to town are looking for or support. It will forever change the appearance and character of the community that draws residents to our town. More apartments are not what buyers are seeking. They want to own a home or a townhouse that has the look and feel of a bedroom community and not Stamford or Norwalk. I can tell you that most people come to Wilton for the schools and are homeowners rather than apartment renters. As a suburban community with many children, they may use our restaurants but are home by 9 p.m. to put their children to bed for school the next day or get up early for a long commute to work. They are not apt to sit at a bar until midnight.
It is unfortunate that the article reports that the current P&Z Commission seems to be rushing these changes to be passed before the next Planning and Zoning is [elected] after Nov. 7. The public hearing is on October 19. Will they be considering any public input before making their decision or have they already decided to pass these new zoning laws without any changes no matter how the public may feel?
I have asked them to consider downscaling the proposal to restrict building heights to no more than three stories with a possible bonus of a recessed fourth floor as the bonus if a public good is achieved instead of five floors or waiting for the new P&Z to be seated.
Dagny Eason
Great post and agree 100%
I haven’t studied the proposed changes to the masterplan; however, this letter is insulting, arrogant and out of touch. The reason many people don’t/can’t come to Wilton to rent is because there are barely any rental units and the ones that are here are priced beyond the ability of the average person to afford. As a former homeowner who relocated to Wilton to scale down, my 2BR apartment rent is north of $4,000 in AvalonWilton and increasing each year. There are young and older professionals, retirees, and many beautiful families with young children living in our awesome community! More rental units, which will lead to more affordable housing, is a must here in Wilton to keep it thriving! The current and future renters aren’t the villains here!
I agree. The feel here has always been a small town atmosphere. Let’s keep that and not build up too much!!
I have recently moved to Wilton and so far love this vibrant community. Drawing upon my prior experience in the City of Norwalk as a zoning and planning commissioner, I understand the significance of thoughtful planning and community-driven development.
One of my primary concerns is the increasing number of proposed apartments in the development plans. While I acknowledge the concerns about the Wilton Avalon complex and its exorbitant pricing, I would like to advocate for a more balanced approach. Encouraging the construction of condominiums, especially three-bedroom units, can better serve potential homebuyers and downsizers who seek a sense of ownership and permanence in our town. Wilton is attracting residents who are committed to making this their long-term home.
Another critical aspect that appears to be overlooked is the issue of street lighting. In this day and age, street lights are an essential feature of any urban or suburban environment. They significantly contribute to better visibility and safety while driving. Adequate street lighting not only enhances safety but also contributes to the overall quality of life in a community. It’s a suggestion worth bringing up in discussions related to infrastructure improvements.
Moreover, I strongly recommend a focus on the development of activity-based buildings. Facilities like indoor Pickleball courts, indoor spaces for Lacrosse, skating rinks, turf fields, and a movie theater are integral to creating a thriving and vibrant community. These amenities encourage community engagement and provide recreational options for residents of all ages, making Wilton an even more attractive place to live. In contrast, an overabundance of apartments can strain our resources, particularly in the areas of education and transportation.
In conclusion, my experience in Norwalk has taught me the importance of community-driven development. Wilton’s future should reflect the desires and needs of its residents. I am deeply committed to advocating for these ideas and engaging in constructive discussions with fellow community members. Together, we can make informed decisions that serve the best interests of the Wilton community.
In summary, it’s essential to steer Wilton’s future in a way that truly aligns with the desires and requirements of its residents and taxpayers. Having witnessed in the City of Norwalk how attorneys, developers, and builders played a significant role in shaping the city, resulting in overcrowded schools, drainage problems, increased crime rates, and congested roads, I am deeply committed to advocating for these ideas.
Sincerely,
Nora King
Wilton Resident
If you Google it you will discover that crime rates in Norwalk are trending down significantly over the last 15-20 years.
It baffles me that people care so much about the aesthetics of if buildings are 3 stories or 5, when there are so many important practical benefits to our town adding more housing and usable space in the town center. As a recent Wilton home buyer who plans to live here for a long time, I very much support the master plan and the ideas it puts forth. There is no reason Wilton can’t retain its charm while allowing for very reasonable development in a concentrated area.
Furthermore, I find the authors tone and words insulting, out of touch, and rude in a number of ways. She claims to speak for Wilton and act like the board is going over the heads of the town without public opinion, when 1) the board members are elected by town residents 2) there was a public hearing on this literally last night and 3) there will be more public hearings on each of the regulation changes 4) many residents, myself included, support this plan. And her claim that “the changes in zoning to allow 4 to 5 stories in both residential and commercial developments are not what new residents to town are looking for or support” is hilariously out of touch, I can assure you as a new resident of the town and a friend of many potential new residents in their late 20s and early 30s. The primary complaint myself and my peers have is the lack of middle housing to enable transitions, housing costs being overall too high, and the town center being okay rather than vibrant. All of those concerns are addressed by this plan.
I’d also like to add that realtors in many cases benefit from the high housing prices imposed by the overall lack of housing in the area, which could possibly be coloring the author’s point of view. And although it may well not be, I’d have appreciated an acknowledgement of that.