Wilton’s Historic District and Historic Properties Commission (HDHPC) held its regular meeting on Tuesday, Apr. 14, with important updates on the status of grants the commission has pursued for two studies of the historic Gilbert & Bennett school building, among other news.
“We’re on our way”
HDHPC Chair Lori Fusco announced that the Town was awarded a $20,000 Historic Preservation Enhancement Grant to fund a conditions assessment for the historic Gilbert & Bennett school building, which has been vacant since Wilton’s Health Department deemed it “unsafe to occupy” in September 2024.
Fusco noted that unlike other state grants, the award does not require the Town to match any funds — so the conditions assessment will come at no cost to Wilton taxpayers.
Now that the grant has been awarded, the process is moving quickly. A formal request for proposals has already been posted on the Town website, and a walk-through for interested bidders is scheduled for Monday, Apr. 20, at the G&B site. They will have the opportunity to ask questions before submitting their bids.
In addition to the conditions assessment, the commission is also pursuing a grant for a feasibility study, which would evaluate adaptive reuse possibilities and explore realistic alternatives for the property while keeping preservation as a goal.
HDHPC began publicly advocating for the two studies earlier this year, when Town officials held discussions about a proposal from Wilton-based Twelve Gods Brewery to purchase the Town-owned property and open a brewery and restaurant.
Fusco framed both grants as an example of how the commission can leverage outside funding to benefit Wilton’s preservation efforts.
“It’s a win when our commission is able to pitch in and to bring something that I think we [HDHPC] are all very passionate about — the value-add when we’re able to tap into these resources that don’t cost the town anything and that give us some really good information,” she said. “There’s a lot to be gained, and I’m excited that we’ve gotten as far as we are.”
With one grant awarded and the second application pending, Fusco said, “We’re on our way.”
Public Comment
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Wilton resident Kelly Morron, who said she lives in an antique house, effusively praised the commission’s actions and advocacy.
“I am so thrilled, so proud that Wilton has such an active, thoughtful, concerned Historic District Commission,” Morron said. “I’ve just got to say, every time I attend one of your meetings, I am just thrilled.”
“I know that it takes so much time, so much effort, and I so appreciate your work on Gilbert and Bennett and all these other things as well,” she said.
She thanked commissioners for their “beneficial activism” that she believes is getting results.
“Things finally seem to be turning the corner here. The Yellow House at Ambler [Farm] finally seems to be getting some attention,” Morron continued. “Of course it costs more now than it did last year… or the year before, or 10 years ago or 20, so thank you for persevering.”
More HDHPC News
- Police station demolition: commissioners voted unanimously to offer “no objections” to a demolition permit application for the former police station at Wilton’s Town Hall campus. Plans to demolish the 1974 building were expected to follow construction of Wilton’s new police headquarters, which was recently completed.
- Certificate of appropriateness: Commissioners unanimously affirmed a COA for a new storm door installed at a historic home (29 Redding Rd.).
- HB5508: Fusco informed the commission she had written a letter on her own behalf as a resident objecting to proposed state legislation, HB5508 “An Act Concerning Historic Districts and Historic Preservation” which Fusco considered “problematic”. Commissioners agreed to submit a letter signed by the full HDHPC with their objections to aspects of the bill which would impact the commission’s authority. GOOD Morning Wilton has requested a copy of the draft letter.
The next meeting of the Historic District & Historic Properties Commission will be Tuesday, May 12.