News From The Wilton First Selectman's Office - Oct. 31, 2025

Press release from the Town of Wilton:

October 31, 2025 - 1:37am

NEWS FROM THE FIRST SELECTMAN'S OFFICE - OCTOBER 31, 2025

Wilton, it has been a glorious fall, replete with fiery colors on the trees and warm days sliding into frosty mornings. We are in the midst of a long, early voting period where everyone eligible to vote has important decisions to make about new Board members for our town and which vision for the future of Wilton aligns with their own. I hope people were able to attend the candidate debates, or watched them online via the Good Morning Wilton website Good Morning Wilton Special Voter's Guide Issue 2025. Multiple points of view were expressed, something that is essential to the proper function of any government, and it was reassuring to witness how much talent and intellect live in this one small corner of Connecticut.

As leaders and administrative personnel at Town Hall continue to solidify staff positions and operating systems, we look forward to the continuation of existing relationships and fresh partnerships with newly elected volunteer board members. As we have learned, there may be surprises that take us all aback, but when the spirit of cooperation and collaboration prevails, anything can be accomplished. With so much yet to be done rebuilding our town and school buildings, balancing business growth with preservation, we must put our considerable energies toward creative problem solving and visionary, detailed planning. I am excited to see what ideas our newly elected officials will bring to Wilton.

Voting

The Wilton Registrars would like to thank all of the early voting poll workers. They also remind all voters that Wilton has been consolidated into a single voting district. Voting on Election Day (November 4th) will only take place in the lobby of the Clune Center at Wilton High School. There will be no voting at Cider Mill or Middlebrook Schools. Early voting continues each day at the Clune Center from 10am - 6pm and concludes on Nov. 2 at 6 pm. Voting starts again on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the Clune Center, from 6am to 8pm.

Building Department’s Online Permitting and Licensing System

Wilton’s Building Department is excited to announce that their new Online Permitting & Licensing System through the OpenGov platform has launched. It is now 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

Access the system by visiting: https://wiltonct.portal.opengov.com/

This link is also on the main page of the Wilton Town website:

and on the landing page of the Planning and Zoning, Health and Building department’s webpages, as well as the Office of Environmental Affairs webpage.

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.

Aquarion Sale Information Site

The Connecticut Water Fairness Coalition has set up an information page for residents and businesses concerned about the proposed sale of Aquarion, currently owned by Eversource, to the South-Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA), a quasi-government utility. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), is expected to decide on whether to allow the sale to move forward within the month. If they vote in favor of the merger, the result will be a new semi-public, non-profit entity, the Aquarion Water Authority, that will operate under the auspices of the RWA. This will allow the RWA to expand its service to over one third of all water customers in Connecticut.

The pros and cons of this sale are myriad and complex. RWA customers have paid more for their water over the last ten years than Aquarion customers. RWA rates are not subject to an outside regulatory authority the way that PURA has monitored Aquarion’s prices. But supporters of the merger say that RWA will make investments in water delivery systems that will bring them in line with state and federal environmental regulations, including paying significant remediation costs to remove forever chemicals in this area’s water supply. Critics warn that RWA is likely to pass on those expenses to their new customers. RWA claims that their significant resources will allow them to keep costs down by getting lower interest rates on infrastructure loans, for instance. They argue that their size will provide stability and improve things like worker satisfaction, service efficiency and customer responsiveness.

There are other serious concerns about fair representation in RWA’s governing board of directors, who set prices and make major decisions like land acquisition and capital projects. According to the proposed board structure, each municipality will be allowed a certain number of representatives based on the number of customers in that municipality and the amount of land owned by RWA in that area. The largest number of customers will be in our area than in the existing RWA area territory, yet they will have 6 votes to our 5 votes. This means our towns will have a much weaker presence next to RWA towns. RWA says they will create an Office of Consumer Affairs to respond to the public’s concerns and that this office will be especially sensitive to Aquarion customers.

Finally, there is the question of property taxes that Wilton will lose with this merger. RWA is proposing a PILOT program, or Payment In Lieu of Taxes, where they give municipalities a flat fee instead of the personal and property taxes we receive from Aquarion. RWA promises these payments will be in line with the amount of tax revenue Wilton currently expects from Aquarion. But there is nothing to prevent this cash payment from turning into an investment in infrastructure or research and development that RWA deems equally valuable.

There are numerous articles that argue both sides of this merger and we encourage every Wiltonian to read further into these questions. This link, provided by the Connecticut Water Fairness Coalition, is an opportunity to share your thoughts about this impactful decision. Connecticut Water Fairness Coalition (https://waterfairness.org)

Wilton Senior Center Receives Distinguished Award

The Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA) awarded the Wilton Senior Center the designation of Community Focal Point. The Community Focal Point award honors community organizations serving the needs of seniors and people with disabilities in Fairfield County. For the Wilton Senior Center, it acknowledges the exemplary care Stephanie Rowe and her staff give to our community’s older adults. By providing information and referrals effectively, they ensure that Wilton’s seniors receive all the services they need for quality of life, including meals and nutrition, health, fitness and wellness resources, transportation, public benefits counseling, employment help, volunteer and civic engagement, social and recreational opportunities, education and the arts. Only sixteen area senior centers and organizations earned the prestigious award this year at a ceremony at The Inn at Longshore, in Westport, where a Red-Carpet, Oscar themed program celebrated the honorees.

History of the Wilton Senior Center

In the fall of 1973, a basement room in Center School was designated as the Adult Social Center. By 1977, the Wilton Presbyterian Church and Our Lady of Fatima Church initiated a weekly luncheon program to be served there. And the Woman’s Club supported this early venture by arranging programming for lunch-goers.

In 1983, the group moved to Ogden House, paying rent to use the great room, library, kitchen, and craft room for activities.

In 1992, the group moved to the Comstock Community Center, where one room was dedicated to the Senior Center. Several years later, it was formally named the Wilton Senior Center, and by 2011 construction of what we now know as the Wilton Senior Center began.

Today, the Center offers weekly lunches, exercises, social groups, card game lessons, special events, history and book discussions. The Wilton Senior Center has a little bit of everything and currently serves over 3000 Wilton senior residents, with over 15,000 visits per year.

We commend the tremendous amount of work and dedication Stephanie and her staff bring to our seniors. Wilton is so fortunate to have them and we are thrilled that their success has received this well-deserved award.

Cell Phone Tower

The ongoing saga of the cell tower on school road finally has an end in sight. The last obstacle blocking completion of the project was resolved when the Board of Selectmen voted recently to approve the easements needed to install the electrical supply and natural gas lines that will power the station. Once the supply lines are in place, the contractor will deliver a final schedule showing project completion date.

We have been informed by the company that the best estimate for the system to go “live” and begin delivering improved cell service is the end of March of 2026. This is more than 100 days past Verizon’s original goal of having the cell tower turned up by mid-December of 2025. We will keep you informed every step of the way.

Coffee with a Cop

Our Wilton Police force embraced the stereotype of police and their love of donuts and turned it to their advantage with their annual ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event, held at the Duncan Donuts on Danbury Road. They and their special guest, Cuppy, were there to meet and greet the public and enjoy Duncan’s finest. Some young recruits were also up early to join us for a cheerful, engaging morning. Thank you, Chief Conlan, and all the men and women who serve with you. We are so appreciative of the many ways you extend your hand to the community.

Economic Development Commission Sits Down with Wilton High School’s Wilton Town Talks

Wilton’s Economic Development Commission Chair, Joe Favarolo, took some time from his busy schedule to join Wilton Town Talks, Wilton High School’s media team. These students interview local personalities about their life in Wilton and broadcast these conversations on their YouTube channel. Joe shared all about the work of the EDC and their goals for a future Wilton. The link below will take you to their session:

https://youtu.be/I9Eu5Hi8030

Domestic Violence Prevention Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month where advocates wear purple in support of this critically important public health campaign. Wilton’s Police Department and community leaders and staff from the Norwalk and Stamford based Domestic Violence Crisis Center gathered to hear our town’s Proclamation to recognize and support Domestic Violence Awareness. Anyone can become a victim at any time, which is why it’s important to know that help is available. If you or anyone you know is hurting, please reach out to the Domestic Violence Crisis Center at this website. It provides emergency numbers, the name of experienced counselors and advocates and a wealth of resources.

Our Social Services Director, Stephanie Rowe, also has ready options for those seeking help, and privacy is absolutely assured. Her number is 203-563-6238.

Bark or Treat

Bring your pets into the Assessor/Tax Collector’s office this Halloween Day for a bag of doggie treats. Costumes will be duly applauded but are always optional. The office is open until 4:30.

2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar

Courtney Elizabeth Allen, who graduated from Wilton High School last spring, received one of the highest honors our country can bestow upon someone so young. In late September, Courtney was named one of the 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars for 2025. Now a freshman at Dartmouth College, Courtney became eligible for the nomination based on her SAT scores, along with 6,400 other high school seniors across the nation. From a pool of semi-finalists, her application rose to the top based on her academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations, transcripts and her commitment to public service, leadership and demonstrated adherence to high ideals. We send our heartiest congratulations to Courtney and her family. Her success is an inspiration.

Wilton Schools’ NICHE Rating

We are thrilled to announce that, once again, Wilton’s School District has received an A+ rating from Niche.com’s 2026 ratings. Wilton schools were ranked #4 in the state, and #88 nationally, and were hailed for their excellent academics, teachers and college preparation. Our hardworking, outstanding students, teachers, administrators and parents continue to make Wilton a top choice for families who value education. Thank you to all whose dedication keeps Wilton on the front pages of ‘Best Places to Call Home.’

Wilton Fire Chief Jim Blanchfield Receives REMA Award

We’re delighted that our very own Fire Chief and Head of Emergency Management, Jim Blanchfield, received that first ever New York Regional Emergency Management Award.

Jim is head of Wilton’s Emergency Management Team and has also helped to create one of the very best CERT teams in the state. Town employees and I nominated Chief Blanchfield for this recognition because of his outstanding contributions to emergency management throughout our region. He is the first to step up and lend a hand solving problems, and by example instills confidence and a can-do attitude in his staff, other departments in town, our schools and our community. He stands as a role model for the first responders under his direction, across the region and the emergency services profession, embodying all the best qualities that this award honors.

It is a great honor that the NY State Citizens Preparedness Corps, a division of Homeland Security, agrees that Chief Blanchfield’ s dedication to public service deserves this recognition. Congratulations, Jim!

Wedding Photos

Fall in Connecticut is one of the most beautiful seasons for a wedding. I’m honored when people ask me to marry them and be a part of one of the most special moments in their lives. We have had more than a few couples choose Wilton Town Hall as the place to solidify their commitment. We wish them a lifetime of happiness!

I hope everyone enjoys a Spooktacular Halloween, full of sweets and shrieks. It is a great night to enjoy living in a small town, where the traditions are long, familiar ones, and the streets may be dark and windy but when the neighbors open their door, warmth and cheer are offered along with the candy. In this way, Wilton is a reminder of what’s best in America.

Toni Boucher

First Selectman

Town of Wilton

This press release was produced by the Town of Wilton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.