The following is an update from First Selectman Toni Boucher.
Happy Fall! The first day of the fall season in the northern hemisphere, the equinox, arrived on Sept. 22 at exactly 2:19 p.m., when the sun’s rays moved directly over the equator, resulting in nearly an equal amount of daylight and night.
September has also been a time when we remember one of the darkest days in American history. This year marked 24 years since the horrific events of 9/11. Around the country, remembrance services were held, and we listened again to the final messages of people held by terrorists on the planes, or who were caught in the burning towers — moms and dads, sons and daughters saying their goodbyes.
9/11 Memorial
Wilton continued its annual memorial of the victims of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Those who spoke at the Wilton Firehouse shared their memories from that day and the lasting impact the experience had on them. Some were extremely close to the events, or had loved ones near ground zero, while others were in other parts of the world but felt the same horror and terror we in America did. It was noted with amazement that what is so vivid to us who lived through it, is becoming a chapter in history for a generation nearing adulthood. But some things we trust will always survive. Deputy [Police] Chief [Rob] Cipolla offered a remembrance of human indomitability that was echoed by others: There were hundreds who rushed in to help, risking their own lives. He reminded us that the terrorists used the Hudson River as their guide towards the Twin Towers. But after they had wrought their horrific destruction, the first responders, the medical and emergency services personnel, and regular citizens with boats, used that same river to bring aid and carry people to safety. This connection revealed a profound insight about the American spirit that prevailed that terrible day. September 11, 2001, may be history, but what it showed about the heart of the American people lives on.
Sadly, recent tragedies around the country have caused new suffering for families. Someone who was cherished will never join another family meal; a child who experienced terror may carry it forever; some communities will struggle to shake the feeling of unease in a public space.
One danger I fear in times like these is people’s growing concern when differences of any sort are laid bare and rhetoric becomes heated. In Wilton, we combat this by starting with an assumption of best intentions. As a town, as members of a board, as decision makers, we must begin every interaction knowing that we are all Team Wilton. We are so lucky, as a community, to have award winning emergency services personnel; innovative, top-ranking schools that consistently graduate our nation’s best and brightest; a financial outlook that is strong and growing; and some of our state’s most beautiful trails and open spaces. We can also take confidence in our capable and dedicated Town employees who go above and beyond to keep Wilton functioning smoothly and looking beautiful. They deserve our thanks and support. Moving forward together in a spirit of helpfulness, cooperation and positive problem solving will keep Wilton the compassionate, civil community we have always known it to be.
For example, at a recent Board of Selectmen meeting where strong differences were expressed, I responded with, “Although it is normal for board members to disagree, we all believe that we can work together towards reaching a consensus in the end. That is why we had a unanimous vote tonight to keep a town position posted for a while longer until an agreement is reached. Our primary focus now, however, is on the very important Wilton CFO position. We are sorting through dozens of applications daily and look forward to having good news to report as we interview the candidates who, fortunately for us, have excellent relevant qualifications for our current needs.”
In addition, when an act of hate was encountered, the community immediately coalesced and responded with forming an organization, “REACH”, comprised of community members who will support and advocate for victims confronting a [threatening] act. Thankfully, although every community encounters this, these actions are rare in Wilton.
Editor’s note: REACH was formed by a group of Wilton residents following a community-wide forum held in February 2024, “Confronting Acts of Hate in Our Community.” REACH — which stands for Respect, Education, Action, Confronting Hate — “is a community-driven initiative dedicated to fostering respect, understanding, and unity,” according to the group’s materials.
New Online Building Permitting and Licensing System
Wilton’s Building Department is excited to announce that beginning Oct. 15, 2025, the Town of Wilton is launching a new Online Permitting and Licensing System through the OpenGov platform to make it easier and more convenient for residents, contractors, and businesses to apply for permits and licenses.
What This Means for You:
- Submit permit applications anytime, from anywhere
- Track the status of your application in real time
- Receive notifications and updates by email
- Upload required documents digitally
- Pay fees online securely
This new system improves efficiency, increases transparency, and saves time for everyone.
How to Access the System (STARTING OCTOBER 15TH): Visit [the online portal]. Access is also available through the Town’s main website and through each department’s webpages. Need Help? We’re here to assist! Contact the appropriate department for assistance or questions.
Thank you for helping us move forward with smarter, more accessible public services.
Town of Wilton — 2025 Road Paving Status [as] of 9/16/2025
The following roads are part of the proposed 2025 Calendar Year Paving program. Please note that the schedule may vary due to inclement weather or other schedule coordinating issues. Updates on the milling and paving schedule will be posted on the Town website, so check back often or contact the Department of Public Works at 203.563.0156 for further information. Road surfaces on these prepped roads may have raised structures until they are paved. Please travel with caution.
These are roads to be scheduled that have not started work, yet, but are included in this year’s program, weather permitting: Blue Ridge Rd., Rolling Ridge Rd., Timber Top Tr. [and] Cherry Ln.
These are roads in progress where drainage improvements have begun: Drum Hill Rd. (partial), Grumman Ave., Signal Hill Rd., Comstock Ln. and Rivergate Dr.
And these are the roads completed: Thayer Pond Rd., Seeley Rd., School Rd., Hunting Ridge Rd., Middlebrook Farm Rd. and Middlebrook Ln.
Household Hazardous Waste Event
The regional household hazardous waste drop-off event for Wilton and surrounding towns will take place on [Saturday,] Oct. 4 at the John Pettibone Center, 2 Pickett District Rd., New Milford, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.. Items accepted include:
- Paints
- Stains and Varnishes
- Paint Thinners & Strippers
- Wood Preservatives
- Resins, Rosins & Adhesives
- Polishes for Furniture, Floor & Metal
- Cleaners for Rug & Upholstery
- Cleaners for Oven, Toilet Bowl & Drain
- Swimming Pool Chemicals
- Pesticides, Herbicides, Insecticides (including Lawn Care Products)
- Flea Powder
- Moth Balls
- Spot Removers
- Dry Cleaning Solvents
- Lighter Fluids
- Septic Tank Degreasers
- Engine Degreasers
- Waste Fuels (Kerosene, Gasoline)
- Carburetor Cleaners, Brake Fluids
- Transmission Fluids, Car Waxes
- Full or Partially Full Aerosol Cans
- Rubber Cement, Airplane Glue
- Photo Chemicals, Chemistry Sets
- Hobby Supplies
- Rechargeable (Ni-Cd) Batteries
- Camera Batteries
- Mercury Thermostats, Thermometers
- 1lb. Single Use Propane Cylinders
Please have your materials ready in the back of your car so that workers may remove it while you remain in your car. And please have your identification ready. Note that Wilton will host this event in 2026.
Economic Development Commission
Wilton’s Economic Development Commission has just published [its] Guide to Marketing Your Business on [its] webpage of the Wilton Town Website.
This is the second guide for businesses in Wilton that the Commission has published, after [its] Guide to Opening and Growing a Business in Wilton, CT was released several years ago. The feedback [EDC commissioners] received from their sign survey of 2023, and their Business Satisfaction Survey of 2024, [has] focused and energized their efforts to help businesses here thrive. Knowing what local business owners are looking for has led to these helpful online tools. GOOD Morning Wilton honored the EDC’s vision with a lengthy article about all they have accomplished and plan to do in the near future [“EDC Launches Three Tools for Local Businesses”.] Thank you to this important board for all your work keeping Wilton a business-friendly environment.
Connecticut Humane Society
A spacious, new animal resource center has opened in Wilton that is a universe of care for all kinds of pets. Sitting on a broad campus of trees, trails and fields, this state-of-the-art facility was designed with the animals’ comfort and health in mind, and the well-being of their caregivers given great consideration, too. Stress reduction features are thoughtfully included throughout. Besides the large outdoor play areas, there is artificial sunlight from solar tube light fixtures, sound proof kennels for highly anxious residents, privacy rooms for pets and their families when pets need to be surrendered or euthanized, a decompression room for staff where they can rest and reenergize, animal meet and greet spaces that are open to the public, and an animal kitchen that is restaurant grade and serves enrichment food mixed in with the shelter animal meals. But the center is far more than just a pet adoption agency. A large surgery offers medical and dental care, and lab services, to both privately-owned pets and shelter animals. A pet pantry gives food and other supplies to pet owners in financial crisis, and offers them assistance so that they are not forced to surrender their furry family member. And there is, of course, a beauty parlor for grooming. The building is bright, airy, and spacious (and easy to clean with non-toxic cleaners!) and is worth a visit if only to appreciate all of the heartfelt decision making that went into creating such a loving home for our animal friends.
Addiction Recovery Month
Statistically speaking, it is likely that most families have been touched by addiction. I count myself among those who have lost a loved one to this terrible disease. For this reason, we were so pleased to host Liberation Programs, Inc. at Town Hall where we honored September as Addiction Recovery Month. Liberation Programs offer prevention, counseling and recovery help for everyone impacted by substance abuse. The event gave me the opportunity to publicly proclaim this administration’s commitment to support those who are struggling and to champion our Social Services personnel who aid our neighbors in recovery every day. Our thanks to Tracy Cramer, Chief Development Officer of Liberation Programs, and her staff; Wilton Social Services Director Stephanie Rowe; [Wilton Police] Chief [Tom] Conlan and Deputy Chief Cipolla; Wilton Youth Council members; and some of my fellow Board of Selectmen members for joining us to mark this important reminder that there is so much hope and healing available for those who are living with addiction and the people who love them.
Weir Farm National [Historic] Park
Weir [Farm] National [Historic] Park in Wilton is Connecticut’s only national park. If you haven’t visited, it is an inspirational artistic and bucolic haven, as the former home and studio of renowned American impressionist painter, J. Alden Weir. The property is open to hikers during daylight hours, but also hosts groups like the Wilton Woman’s Club, who held [its] kick-off event there early this month that included a picnic brunch and a painting session en plein air. The Wilton Woman’s Club is a philanthropic organization that has raised thousands of dollars for local non-profits since its founding in 1966. [Its] hands-on work supports the Food Pantry, meals at Ogden House, meals and gift baskets to our homebound neighbors, beautification plantings around town, and the Junior Leadership program. For those interested in joining them, this is the link to their membership page.
Ice Cream Social
A wonderful Town Hall tradition returned this year with a smile for Wilton employees (and no cost to the taxpayer). The Annual Ice Cream Social was an afternoon sweet spot where staff could indulge and chat on a warm, late summer day. Learning just how your co-workers liked their sundaes was a particular treat. Cap’n Crunch or extra caramel? We will look back on these photos wistfully come January.
Merwin Meadows Pond
We’ve had several inquiries about when Merwin Meadows will be open again, so Steve Pierce, Director of Parks and Recreation, has provided this update:
“After the storm of Aug. 18 2024, we prepared an RFP for design, permitting and construction oversight for the dredging of Merwin. The firm of Weston and Sampson were engaged. They have concluded their wetland delineation, bathometric analysis and plan for sediment removal. The next step is permitting, which will be reviewed by Wilton Inland Wetlands, CT DEEP and the Army Corp of Engineers. Concurrently, bid documents will be posted and a contractor selected. Project costs are being reviewed by FEMA. Work will be permit- and weather-dependent, but the current schedule will have the park ready to open in spring of 2026. This project will address the sediment removal of the pond and rehabilitation of the beach. But people can expect programs at Merwin Meadows to resume next summer.
NAA Business Reminder
For businesses wishing to contribute to the Wilton non-profits whose programs have been approved to receive tax exempt funding through the State Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program, the deadline to file the forms is Oct. 1. This is the link to the form NAA-02 and the NAA website, which explains the program in detail. The document contains the list of approved Wilton non-profits and their initiatives:
Town Hall and Beyond
America is gearing up for its 250th birthday next year. If you visit Town Hall you’ll see we’re already dressed for the occasion, with an authentically recreated dress from the wardrobe of Queen Anne.
Please visit Town Hall and see this remarkable creation first-hand (and practice your bow or curtsy).
Plans are under discussion with our Parks and Recreation Department to host a public brainstorming session for how Wilton can celebrate America’s founding. We hope individual citizens and business owners will be interested in curating or sponsoring special events throughout the year. Possibly a new 4th of July parade with cupcakes for the children may also be in the works. We will report more on this when the date and time have been decided.
In the meantime, the search for the best personnel to work with us at Town Hall continues with excellent candidates under consideration. And a plan to move forward with all of our construction projects is taking shape with the help of the Wilton Capital Planning Committee. Everywhere we look, we can see renewal and reconstruction. What has been damaged is being remade stronger, more efficient and more resilient. Wilton is alive with the best of the American spirit.
Toni Boucher
First Selectman
Town of Wilton