Wilton P&Z Approves Field Lighting, New Package Store and Bids Farewell to Chair

WILTON, CT — The Wilton Planning & Zoning Commission approved new athletic field lighting and a special permit for a curated package store on Nov. 17, while postponing several other hearings and marking the final meeting for its longtime chair.

The commission opened the meeting by noting that three scheduled public hearings — all tied to proposals for 254 Danbury Road — were postponed to Dec. 8. Two applications proceeded: a town-led request for lighting upgrades at Guy Whitten Field and a special permit for a new package store at Old Post Office Square.

Town Planner Michael Wrinn reported the commission had received extensive written testimony on the lighting project earlier in the day. All timely submissions were added to the public record.

Commission Approves New Lighting at Guy Whitten Field

The first public hearing focused on Special Permit 537, submitted by the Town of Wilton Parks & Recreation Department to install four 70-foot LED light poles at Guy Whitten Field and additional fixtures to illuminate an adjacent parking lot.

Parks and Recreation Director Steve Pierce said demand for practice space has increased across youth and adult sports, especially in fall months when darkness limits usable hours. The new LED system would replace temporary lighting approved in past seasons and, he said, would improve both safety and performance.

Lighting consultant Mike Mahoney of Musco Lighting described the design as fully compliant with dark-sky principles, with sharp light cutoffs and minimal spillover beyond the field. He noted that nearby facilities — including Wilton High School’s stadium, softball field and Kristine Lilly Field — already use Musco’s 70- and 80-foot poles.

Commissioners asked whether existing poles could be repurposed to reduce the number of new structures; Mahoney said they could not support the required load. Several commissioners also highlighted the need for better lighting in the parking lot due to safety concerns during school and athletic events.

Public comment strongly supported the project, with residents and youth sports leaders citing longstanding field shortages and safety improvements. Wilton Youth Sports Council representatives said more than 700 residents had signed in support.

After discussion, the commission voted unanimously to close the hearing and later approved the permit with minor edits, including clarifying operating hours and correcting typographical errors.

Curated Package Store Approved for Center Street

A second hearing considered Special Permit 536, filed by Folkways Wilton LLC to convert a former real estate office at 1024 Center Street into a curated wine and spirits shop.

Attorney Liz Suchy, representing the applicants, said the 1,100-square-foot space lies within Wilton Center zoning and meets all distance requirements from schools and houses of worship. The proposal involves no building additions or exterior changes.

She noted that Wilton is allowed up to seven package stores under state population limits. The town currently has five.

Residents from Wilton and neighboring South Salem praised the owners’ existing business in North Salem, describing it as a community hub known for curated products and local programming. No opposition was raised.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the special permit, enabling the owners to seek state liquor licensing in hopes of opening before the holiday season.

Commission Adopts New Recreational Lighting Regulation

In addition to project approvals, the commission unanimously adopted a new regulation — Section 29-9.8.5 — governing municipal recreational lighting. The rules establish standards for light levels, shielding, efficiency and operating hours for town-owned athletic facilities.

Members said the update fills a longstanding gap in Wilton’s zoning code and will serve as the basis for evaluating future lighting proposals.

Chair Rick Tomasetti Delivers Farewell Remarks

The meeting marked the final session for Chair Rick Tomasetti, who delivered prepared remarks reflecting on more than a decade of service.

Tomasetti cited the commission’s work on the Plan of Conservation and Development, commercial overlay zones, accessory dwelling updates, and the Wilton Center form-based code. He emphasized respect for property rights and collaborative, bipartisan decision-making.

Vice Chair Melissa-Jean Rotini and other commissioners thanked Tomasetti for his leadership, technical expertise and commitment to modernizing Wilton’s planning framework.

Other Business

• The commission briefly discussed a forthcoming application from ASML regarding emergency access improvements.
• Wrinn updated the board on the state’s newly released housing bill, which WestCOG will review with towns in the coming weeks.
• The commission approved minutes from Nov. 10 and adjourned shortly afterward.