Building a Better Wilton – A Construction Advisory from Bill Brennan

Last year the Town of Wilton applied for and was successfully awarded a Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant from the State of Connecticut for $200,000.

These grants are primarily focused on support of community infrastructure improvement projects to help Connecticut towns improve streetscape projects, community centers, senior center facilities, village paving/sidewalk projects, etc. Last year 123 Connecticut towns received various dollar amount awards. The wide breadth of awards also serves another very practical state objective – economic development, as all projects when implemented, involve raw materials and local labor, which translates to jobs and economic stimulation across the state!

The Town of Wilton eagerly seeks these economic awards, which allows us to make needed infrastructure improvements when local budgets are very constrained. For information – for every dollar in various tax revenues that the community sends to Hartford, Wilton receives less than two cents back from the state! So when we receive a STEAP grant award, we take the money and use it as intended!
To that point, during the week of July 11 the town will start the installation of new cast concrete curbing along the west side of River Road and up into the village center and also on Old Ridgefield Road. Sidewalk improvements will also be made in some areas.

New concrete curbing improves pedestrian safety, as automobiles rarely jump the rigid curbing, as the curbing is a very perceivable warning barrier to drivers. Surface water drainage control is another advantage along with winter snow plowing benefits. The new curbing will also improve the ‘look’ of Wilton center, which will continue to make our village a more attractive destination to shop, dine, entertain or simply stroll around with family or friends.

Better village infrastructure also supports our local retail businesses and professionals and helps to attract new businesses to our community. Increased economic activity is a win/win/win situation for the town, our citizens and the state!

But as the saying goes: “No pain, no gain”! This construction activity (the pain) is scheduled to take several months, which will mean some inconveniences to all of us who use River Road and the other center streets that will be impacted.

Traffic will be slowed due to the construction trenching in one lane. Please be patient and follow the instruction of the flaggers controlling the traffic. The job will be done as quickly as possible and is being started in the summer when many citizens are away. When the project is completed, the west side lane of the road will be completely repaved, which will substantially improve the condition of the village center roads involved.

Thank you again for your understanding and patience during the construction activity, as we continue to build a better Wilton!

Bill Brennan, First Selectman
July 5, 2011