Wilton P&Z Advances New Starbucks Plan, Delays Vote On 20-Unit Mixed-Use Project

WILTON, CT — The Wilton Planning and Zoning Commission approved a proposal to relocate the town’s existing Starbucks and delayed a decision on a mixed-use residential development during its June 23 meeting held via Zoom.

Commissioners unanimously approved a special permit application from Wilton River Park 1688, LLC to move the current Starbucks from Village Drive to 5 River Road, in the Wilton Center Zoning District. The proposal includes an outdoor patio and reconfigured interior, and uses a space previously occupied by two businesses. A parking analysis found existing capacity to be sufficient. No members of the public spoke on the application.

The commission also held public hearings for three related applications by 118 Old Ridgefield Road, LLC that would facilitate a 20-unit, mixed-use development at that address. The proposals include a zoning map change to adopt the Wilton Center Overlay Zoning District, revised parking regulations, and a site development plan.

Attorney Elizabeth Suchy, representing the applicant, said the project was revised to incorporate prior commission and Village District Design Advisory Committee (VDDAC) feedback. Updates included façade redesigns in red or white brick, reduced retail space, a wrapped arcade, and elimination of dormers. A parking study determined that 29 spaces would meet demand, and the applicant requested a 20 percent reduction under shared-use provisions. The plans include 10 percent affordable housing.

Public speakers raised concerns about flooding, runoff into the Norwalk River, parking shortages, architectural design, and the need for more affordable housing and EV charging stations.

The commission closed the public hearing but deferred deliberation on the project to its July 14 meeting.

In other business, the commission approved a revised signage plan for Strong Start at 187 Danbury Road, reducing the number and size of signs. Commissioners also agreed to interview five bidders for a zoning regulations update and discussed Gov. Ned Lamont’s veto of housing legislation HB 5002, with a follow-up meeting planned for September.