August & July 2022-First Selectwoman’s Update

With almost half of Wilton households having children back in the Wilton Public Schools this week, it is certainly feels like summer is over.   Hope everyone had a good one.  

Stage 2 Drought Conditions

Wilton has been in Stage 2 drought conditions for approximately a month.  During that month, we have continued to see little rainfall, communities to the north moved to Stage 3 and some Wilton residents are reporting insufficient or no well water.  The following are measures to conserve water for your benefit and those of the community. Although voluntary, the measures are strongly encouraged.  Wilton does not have an ordinance requiring enforcement as some residents have requested.  

Reduce watering of lawns, gardens, or other landscaped areas.  If essential, water after sundown. 

Fix leaky plumbing and fixtures

Take shorter showers

Run dishwashers and clothes washing machines with full loads

Shut off water while washing dishes, shaving, brushing teeth, and lathering up to wash hands, rather than running the water continuously

Avoid washing vehicles or power-washing homes and other buildings

Avoid filling residential swimming pools

Town departments have taken measures to reduce their water usage.

Pedestrian Bridge Construction

Construction work began earlier this month.  Installation of piles for the bridge foundation is scheduled to start next week.  Trail access from Red Rooster Pub to the Merwin Meadows soccer field is currently closed. The current work area is too large to create an alternative route.  Please heed signage and look for future updates. 

Some residents have asked why the bridge isn't being built further south to allow it to connect directly into the Center, such as behind the Village Market.  The land up to the river, south of the RT 33 overpass to Schenck’s Island, is privately owned.  The location of the bridge is the only location proximate to the train station with sufficient publicly-owned land on each side of the Norwalk River.  Residents can check it out for themselves by using the GIS function on the town website. 

Once completed, the pedestrian bridge will connect walkers, bikers and runners to the Norwalk River Valley trail and facilitate access to Wilton Center and recreational facilities north of the center from residences on the other side of the river and the trail station.  The bridge is expected to encourage further development around the train station and is fully funded by a state grant.  

Motor Vehicle Tax Assessment Appeals  

The Board of Assessment Appeals is hearing motor vehicle appeals on September 20^th, 21^st and 22^nd at 7:00 p.m.  If you would like to schedule a hearing, please email [email protected].   Reminders, 

- As required under Connecticut State Statute 12-71d, motor vehicles assessments were determined at 70% of clean (average) retail value, not trade in or private sale values.  The State Office of Policy and Management directs the usage of NADA guides to obtain value and provides the amount to each municipality. 

- Assessed values are as of October 1, 2021.  Used vehicle prices increased significantly leading up to that date.  Another municipality compiled news articles on this topic.  

Field Lightning Detection System

As you return to sports fields, please note in July the town installed a lightning detection system at Merwin Meadows and the following fields,  Comstock, Middlebrook, Wilton High School, Allen’s Meadows, Ambler Farm, and Lions.  The system is equipped with a strobe light and siren.  If you aren’t at the fields, you can check lightning status on the Parks and Recreation page of the town website here.  Learn more about the system here.

State Small Business Loan Program

In July, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development launched a loan program through the CT Small Business Boost Fund.  Learn more here. 

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