The members of Wilton’s Historic District and Historic Properties Commission (HDHP) are continuing to pursue a change to the Town ordinance pertaining to the commission’s “demolition delay” authority.
Commissioners are also keeping attention focused on three historic Wilton properties, which were the topic of conversation at Tuesday night‘s (Feb. 11) HDHP meeting:
- 232 Danbury Rd., which was acquired by the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps (WVAC) with plans for a new headquarters on the site — a property owned in the 1800s by John C. Walley, a former enslaved man
- 238 Danbury Rd. (Town Hall), which needs numerous repairs but is also being studied for expansion as part of a potentially larger overhaul of Town Hall Campus facilities
- 49 New St. (Gilbert and Bennett School building), which was deemed unsafe by the Health Department on Aug. 29 and remains unoccupied
Demolition Delay
HDHP Chair Lori Fusco attended the Dec. 17 and Feb. 3 Board of Selectmen meetings to discuss changes sought by the commission to the Town ordinance that would enhance its demolition delay authority.
The demolition delay is one of a very limited set of tools at HDHP’s disposal to protect historic properties. The commission reviews demolition applications that meet minimum thresholds for building age and size, and in cases of historic importance, can delay demolitions for 90 days to provide time for salvaging opportunities or other alternatives.
HDHP would like to see that delay extended up to 180 days, as well as to extend the time for the commission to respond to a demolition application from 10 days to 35 days. HDHP is also proposing changes to “intent to demolish” signage that would more clearly identify historically significant properties that are slated for demolition.
After having multiple opportunities to ask Fusco questions about the proposed ordinance, the selectmen have yet to decide whether to bring the matter to a public hearing. Selectwoman Kim Healy questioned whether the 180-day period might be “onerous” for property owners. Similarly, Second Selectman Josh Cole questioned whether the proposal strikes the right balance between the preservation goals and property owners’ rights.
Fusco updated the commissioners on her recent meetings with selectmen.
“There [were] definitely some questions and definitely some pushback,” Fusco said, which she attributed to perhaps “some confusion” about how common demolition delays are.
In fact, Fusco says there have been only three demolition delays since late 2013 — in cases that represented a “very important, select group of homes that are worthy of being preserved.”
“If you’re looking to make a difference — and our charge is to preserve those significant properties — then 90 days just isn’t going to be enough to do that,” Fusco said.
As a case in point, Fusco cited the John Walley house, where efforts to identify a feasible way to preserve portions of the house have been ongoing since late last summer.
Fusco said she hopes the BOS will discuss the demolition delay ordinance again at the March 3 BOS meeting.
“Between now and then, I’m basically doing a lot of due diligence, getting a lot of information and a lot of facts, because I think it’s important that the public understands, and the Board of Selectmen fully understand what our charge is as a commission, and why 180 days, when necessary, is important,” Fusco said.
Updates
232 Danbury Rd.
Fusco updated the commissioners on the status of the Wilton Historical Society‘s involvement in the effort to salvage historic portions of the Walley house. She reported that WHS Director Nick Foster informed her that a structural analysis is underway that will help assess the scale, cost and timing of any salvaging. The analysis is expected to be completed by the end of February.
238 Danbury Rd. (Town Hall)
Fusco reported she had forwarded a letter of opinion to First Selectman Toni Boucher about the historic characteristics of the Town Hall building.
Fusco had previously sent the same letter to the chair of the Town and Schools Needs Assessment Priorities Committee (TSNAP), which has not made any recommendations to the BOS yet pertaining to Town Hall renovations.
Among other points in the letter, Fusco stated that “preserving the original historic portions of Wilton’s Town Hall is vital for maintaining the town’s cultural identity, honoring its heritage, and supporting the goals outlined in the Wilton [Plan of Conservation and Development].”
49 New St. (The Gilbert & Bennett School building)
Fusco informed the commissioners that the roof tarp promised by Town officials to help prevent additional leaks inside the G&B building has not been installed yet. Fusco explained the tarp had to be special-ordered due to its size, and would also require an installer selected from a bidding process. She indicated Town officials had assured her the tarp was a priority.
On March 19, the Wilton Historical Society is hosting an event, “Destination Georgetown: The Gilbert and Bennett Schoolhouse,” which will explore the history of the schoolhouse and its role in Wilton’s public education. The event is open to the public. The WHS has publicly advocated for the preservation of the G&B building.