Wilton P&Z Approves Overlay Zoning Changes For 20-Unit Mixed-Use Project

WILTON, CT — The Wilton Planning and Zoning Commission on July 14 approved a series of zoning amendments and a site development plan to allow a new 20-unit mixed-use development at 118 Old Ridgefield Road.

Meeting electronically via Zoom, the commission unanimously approved three applications submitted by 118 Old Ridgefield Road, LLC. The approvals included a change in zoning from the Wilton Center District to the Wilton Center Overlay District, revised parking requirements for multifamily mixed-use developments in the overlay zone, and a site development plan for the new residential project.

A key point of discussion centered on a proposed public access agreement for a small area behind the site, where benches and a sidewalk would provide access to the Norwalk River area. Originally, the agreement allowed the grantor to revoke access with 60 days’ notice and included a sunset clause if the town failed to construct a riverwalk within five years. Town counsel recommended removing those conditions to make the easement permanent.

Vice-Chair Melissa-Jean Rotini successfully amended the site plan resolution to require the applicant to strike the revocation clauses and instead grant a perpetual easement, maintain the sidewalk, and secure town counsel approval before filing the agreement with the Wilton Land Records. The commission passed the amendment unanimously before approving the revised site plan.

The commission also approved a signage request from Revity3 Fitness at 5 River Road, contingent on matching the monument sign’s existing font style. A request from Starbucks for alternate signage at the same plaza was postponed until the Sept. 8 meeting.

In pre-application discussion, the commission reviewed an early proposal for a 10-unit multifamily development at 254 Danbury Road. Attorney Lauren Indellicati, representing the applicant EAT, LLC, presented revised zoning text amendments allowing for a floor-area ratio of 0.5 and limiting applicability to properties meeting specific criteria—including 1.6-acre size, 350 feet of frontage, and restoration of a historic structure. The revised language also adjusted affordability requirements, stating that affordable units would only be mandated for projects exceeding 10 units.

The commission entered executive session to discuss hiring a consultant for a zoning regulations update but took no formal action.

Commissioner Eric Fanwick made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from July 14, which passed 6-0-1, with Commissioner Christopher Pagliaro abstaining. The meeting adjourned with no further business. The commission will reconvene for its next regular meeting on Sept. 8.