The following Letter to the Editor was sent as an “open letter” to the Town of Wilton and its residents:
To the Editor:
As families across Wilton begin to settle into their holiday routines — decorating homes, reconnecting with neighbors and reflecting on the year — those of us on Arrowhead Rd. find ourselves in a very different season: one of deep concern and growing unease. While this time of year is meant for gratitude and community, our neighborhood is instead confronting the heavy reality of ASML’s corporate overreach and the harm it continues to bring to our quiet corner of town.
This letter shines a light on ASML’s deliberate disregard for its own corporate responsibility and the harm it has inflicted on the Arrowhead Rd. community. In its pursuit of expansion, ASML has chosen profit over principle. What was once a symbol of Wilton’s small-town character and neighborly spirit, Arrowhead Rd. has been disrupted by ASML’s calculated effort to extend its corporate footprint into a residential community. These actions stand in direct contradiction to the company’s public promises of accountability, care and mutual respect.
ASML has been methodically working to push its boundaries beyond its current headquarters, targeting the Arrowhead Rd. neighborhood. This area is more than just property lines — it’s a small community of families who have quietly maintained Wilton’s values of respect, care and stewardship. Yet, ASML has knowingly and intentionally undermined that community through manipulative actions and corporate overreach. The company should be held accountable for violating both its stated principles and the trust of local residents.
According to ASML’s own corporate statements, it is “committed to conducting business in a caring and accountable manner and being recognized as a responsible business partner.” The company also claims to champion “thriving communities that benefit from each other’s presence.” On paper, these values sound admirable. In practice, ASML’s actions tell a different story.
In its latest expansion push, ASML has targeted a single home on Arrowhead Rd. — offering a lucrative buyout to one household while disregarding the well-being of the remaining nine families. When that homeowner, who also served on the Arrowhead Community Association, accepted ASML’s offer, the company ignored the clear ethical conflict, instead of fostering mutual support and listening to engaged stakeholders.
To justify its purchase, ASML has filed [with Planning and Zoning] to rezone one property from R-1A (single-family residential) to DE-10 (a commercial designation), as an “emergency access” to the ASML property; however, they have stated that they reserve the right to modify or add to it in the future. This is nothing more than a thinly disguised second driveway. Arrowhead Rd. is ill-designed to handle this, putting our safety at risk. ASML could build a second bridge over the river or build its “emergency egress” south toward Kent Rd. parallel to the railroad and not destroy a residential neighborhood. This change would open the door to large-scale development that is entirely at odds with the neighborhood’s residential character and the preservation goals the zoning laws were designed to protect.
This summer, residents were blindsided by ASML’s concealed plan to build a 1,000-space multi-level parking garage directly adjacent to Arrowhead Rd. — without community dialogue or transparency. Rather than engage with residents in good faith, ASML chose secrecy and speed, disregarding the well-being of its neighbors.
Even more troubling, Wilton First Selectman Toni Boucher has reportedly stated that “ASML gets whatever they want,” suggesting an alarming power imbalance that prioritizes corporate interests over the rights of town residents.
ASML’s published corporate responsibility principles are clear. Yet its conduct in Wilton tells another story — one defined by disregard, disruption and broken promises. The Arrowhead Rd. community is calling on residents of Wilton to stand with us and demand accountability.
We ask ASML to live up to its stated values:
- Halt its divisive and unethical expansion tactics.
- Withdraw its rezoning application to P&Z.
- Repair the damage done to Arrowhead Rd. residents.
- Engage transparently and respectfully with every household affected.
Help us protect Wilton’s neighborhoods and preserve the integrity of our town’s character. Together, we can ensure that corporate power does not eclipse community values.
Sincerely,
Ericalynn Arnold, Arrowhead Community Association Member
Sue and Mike Barnett, Arrowhead Community Association Member
Kathy and Wilson Contreras, Arrowhead Community Association Member
Sonia and Paul Egan, Arrowhead Community Association Member
Sabrina Gibbs, Arrowhead Community Association Member
Sarah and Al Granite, Arrowhead Community Association Member
Pam and Jeff Musor, Arrowhead Community Association Member
Letters to the Editor provide a platform for community voices. The viewpoints expressed are those of the letter writers alone and should not be interpreted as endorsed by GOOD Morning Wilton, its editors or its staff.
Well written and informative. We agree, and are with you 100%.