Key Points:
- Wilton’s Historic District & Historic Properties Commission raised no objections to two new proposed demolitions and renewed it’s opposition to proposed federal legislation they fear could weaken legal protections for historic properties.
- Findings of a conditions assessment on the historic Gilbert & Bennett building will be shared at a Board of Selectmen special meeting, expected to be scheduled the week of Nov. 30.
- HDHPC are pursuing discussions with the developer to advocate for preserving the Vollmer house and accepting a historic preservation grant for approved renovations at the Ambler Farm Yellow House.
Why It Matters: Decisions about redevelopment, restoration funding and future uses could shape which of Wilton’s historic properties are preserved and how.
Efforts to preserve the Vollmer House, consider whether to restore or replace historic windows at Ambler Farm’s Yellow House and determine the future of the Gilbert & Bennett school building were among the issues before Wilton’s Historic District and Historic Properties Commission (HDHPC) Tuesday evening, Nov. 10.
Commissioners also raised no objections to two proposed demolitions — including the Arrowhead Rd. house on property ASML acquired for an emergency access road — and renewed their opposition to federal legislation that preservationists say could weaken protections for historic properties.
Vollmer House
Commissioners discussed the historic Vollmer house on the School Sisters of Notre Dame property (329-331-345 Belden Hill Rd.), where developer Hines‘ initial plans for a senior living community called for the building to be demolished. Hines withdrew that application to allow for more discussion.
Commission Chair Lori Fusco noted that Hines had reached out to the commission for input.
“They are engaging with us to have a better understanding,” Fusco said. “They’re open to learning more.”
Fusco says the engagement with Hines at this juncture is critical. After plans are made, HDHPC has limited authority or opportunity to promote preservation.
“We [HDHPC] all understand what it’s like once we get a [demolition] permit request… we don’t have a whole lot of time to do anything about it,” she said. “At that point, it’s kind of almost — I don’t want to say too late — but our resources aren’t as strong.”
Fusco proposed inviting Hines representatives either to a site walk of the Vollmer house with the commissioners or to an HDHPC meeting to discuss the property’s significance.
Ambler Farm Yellow House
As discussed by the Board of Selectmen on Oct. 19, the town has yet to decide whether to accept a $55,000 state preservation grant to help cover lead remediation costs at the historic Yellow House at Ambler Farm.
The unresolved issue is whether the historic windows should be restored or replaced. Fusco noted the BOS is awaiting the outcome of further discussions between Wilton’s DPW Interim Director Jeff Pardo and the State Historic Preservation Office about the specific requirements that would come with accepting the grant.
Fusco is urging the town to keep working with SHPO rather than “turn away money that other towns have applied for and not received.”
“This is a gift, and one that I think should seriously be considered before it gets turned down,” Fusco said.
Fusco told commissioners she would watch for Board of Selectmen meeting agendas and attend the next time the grant is discussed.
Gilbert & Bennett
Fusco updated commissioners on two studies currently in progress — a conditions assessment and a feasibility study — that will help guide the Town’s decisions on the future of the historic, Town-owned Gilbert & Bennett school building (49 New St.)
- Conditions assessment: The report is complete. Fusco expects the Board of Selectmen will schedule a special meeting during the week of Nov. 30 when the consultants will present their findings.
- Feasibility and adaptive reuse: The study is about 50% complete, Fusco said. Preliminary findings will be presented at the BOS special meeting, with a final report to follow at a later date.
Demolition Permits
Commissioners discussed two new applications received by the Town’s Building Department for demolition permits.
- On Nov. 4, HDHP was notified of an application to demolish a house built in 1952 at 39 Arrowhead Road. ASML recently acquired the property as part of its plans to create an emergency access road connecting the residential cul-de-sac with ASML’s campus at 77 Danbury Rd. Wilton’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved the project in May.
- On Nov. 5,HDHP was notified of the intent to demolish a cottage built in 1945 at 105 Seeley Rd. The cottage is one of several outbuildings on the property, but is not the historic, circa-1760 home.
After consulting historical references and experts, commissioners agreed the structures did not have architectural, historical or cultural significance. They voted unanimously to issue no objections to the demolition permit applications.
Proposed Update to Section 106 Federal Preservation Protections
Commissioners continued their discussions about proposed federal legislation, The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 — a U.S. Senate bill introduced on Sept. 30.
The bill’s sponsors say the legislation would help expedite permitting for energy and infrastructure projects and lower energy costs. However, preservationists fear it would roll back legal protections for historic properties under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 — specifically Section 106, which requires federal agencies to follow a review process to determine the effects of projects they undertake, fund or approve on historic properties, something preservationists hope will minimize negative impacts on those properties
“In the historic preservation community, it’s widely being criticized,” HDHPC Vice Chair Jeff Bendremer said, citing several national preservation groups. “We could go on and on — how many organizations are dead set against this.”
At their last meeting, commissioners voted to authorize Fusco to send a letter stating HDHPC’s concerns to Sen. Chris Murphy, Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Jim Himes. Fusco reported she received a written response from Blumenthal, who said he is “also very concerned” about the bill “and other efforts to undermine the National Historic Preservation Act,” according to the portions of his response Fusco read aloud.
Fusco was expressed concern that the Senate was advancing the bill, potentially with a vote in just a matter of days. She told commissioners the National Alliance of Preservation Commissioners was urging local boards to continue highlighting the flaws they see in the bill and continue pressure on lawmakers.
Fusco suggested sending another letter to Himes, in case the legislation proceeds to the House of Representatives. HDHPC voted unanimously to authorize Fusco to do so.
