As 131 Danbury Rd. Preps for Demolition, Historic Properties Commission Fears It’s Unheard in Wilton’s Development Process

At its Monday, July 7 special meeting, Wilton’s Historic District and Historic Properties Commission (HDHP) issued a unanimous opinion with “no objection” to the demolition of the commercial building located at 131 Danbury Rd., a property that was approved last year for a 208-unit apartment building.

However, discussion during the meeting revealed an underlying concern about the process in which HDHP conducts its reviews and a sensitivity about whether its voice is being heard in the fast pace of development in Wilton.

HDHP reviews demolition requests received by Wilton’s Building Department when any building is over 50 years of age or greater than 500 square feet in size. (It must complete its review within 10 days of receiving the request — hence the special meeting.)

The commission does not have the authority to deny a demolition request, but it can voice objection and impose a delay in order to allow for salvaging or other alternatives the owner might consider. The 90-day demolition delay is one of the very limited tools with which the commission is empowered under a Town ordinance — and why HDHP has been vigorously advocating in recent for strengthening the ordinance to 180 days.

In the case of 131 Danbury Rd., commissioners agreed the 25,750-square-foot, commercial 1960s-era construction held no historical, cultural or architectural significance. However, they were dismayed at hearing from Commissioner Jacob Bittner that demolition may have already begun.

“I drove by the other day and they are heavily underway,” Bittner told commissioners, expressing his surprise as he realized the commission had not yet issued its official review of the demolition request.

Commissioners quickly said they did not have reason to believe anyone had deliberately circumvented HDHP’s review, but suspected a “communication lapse” between the Building Department and the developer or contractor may have occurred.

Immediately after the meeting, GMW reached out to Town Planner Michael Winn, who verified that site work has begun, but contrary to Bittner’s impression, no actual demolition has taken place.

“No demo permit has been issued by the Building Department as required,” Wrinn confirmed in an email. “They have started site work, which is allowed, as the demo permit relates to the building, not the site work.”

Wrinn also noted that asbestos abatement is in progress, and the Wilton Fire Department will have the opportunity to use the building for training — “something that the department does in most of the commercial buildings that are going to be razed,” he said.

GOOD Morning Wilton also visited the property after the meeting. A “notice of intent to demolish” sign was prominently posted. The exterior of the building itself appeared intact, though some heavy equipment and at least two dumpsters (one full) were visible, and large areas appeared to have been recently cleared — which could give a passer-by the impression of demolition in progress.

Although commissioners ultimately agreed no harm would have been done if 131 Danbury Rd. had been demolished prior to their review, they certainly don’t wish to see that scenario happen in the future, in the event the commission does find a building has historical, cultural or architectural significance.

HDHP Chair Lori Fusco indicated she would relay the commission’s concern to the Building Department, along with formally offering no objection to the demolition of 131 Danbury Rd.

Fusco ended the meeting with thanks and well wishes to HDHP alternate member Ken MacCallum, who earlier in the meeting had announced his resignation from the board as he prepares to move.

Interested in serving on HDHP or other town board/commission? Information on open positions and how to apply is posted on the Town website.