WILTON — Lights, sidewalks, parking lot steps or streetscape amenities are the focus of the Downtown Revitalization project, Town Manager Rhonda Irish told Planning Board members Thursday.

As part of Phase II of the project, Irish sought a letter from the board acknowledging their approval of the potential work and confirmation that the project aligns with the Comprehensive Plan.

The board agreed to draft a letter and determined it did not need to review items that were being replaced, such as lighting, but did want to see plans for new work, including in the flood zone.

The town received a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant to improve the downtown area — something not usually given on a first application — but they said Wilton turned in an exceptional application, Irish said.

She is working on the paperwork needed for Phase II. The next step is to hire a design consultant/engineer to create the plan for the intended project. Those plans include replacing aging, decorative downtown street lights with an upgrade to LED or solar ones, she said. There have been some issues with the lights.

Other projects being considered include replacement of concrete sidewalks, some of which are now 30 years old, upgrading steps to the High Street parking lot and, if there is enough funding, upgrading the monument, she said.

Streetscape work could also include benches, bike racks, trash cans or signs — things to help the downtown look more appealing, she said.

The work does not cover buildings. Other grants may be sought to help property owners with facade work.

Funds may also be used around the Forster Mill as a Depot Street gateway into the town, she said. 

The program no longer allows funds to be used for building demolition, but a small amount, perhaps $25,000, may eventually help with cleanup of the mill.

Following the environmental review of the mill property, with more information expected within the next week, the town will likely apply to the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfield grant program, as was done for the Wilton Tannery, she said.

The Downtown Revitalization project is a two-year endeavor. After the Phase II paperwork is completed and plans designed, Irish anticipates time this season to start on one project, perhaps the lighting, she said.

Most of the work will be undertaken next year.

abryant@sunmediagroup.net