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WILTON, Conn. The idea of designating Wampum Hill Road as a scenic roadway, a request made by Weston residents, will be the subject of a public hearing Sept. 19 with the Wilton Board of Selectmen.
"Scenic roadway is a designation the town can make on roads of special interest," said Wilton Director of Planning and Land Use Bob Nerney. "It doesn't preclude development, but it sets forth standards on how the road is treated moving forward."
For example, said Nerney, the road could not be widened unless there was a compelling reason to do so. Also, residents along a street designated a scenic roadway could be limited in changing the grading of their properties abutting the road, he said. It could also be more difficult to remove a stone wall or relocate a driveway, said Nerney.
"The intent is to try to preserve the general character of the road," he said.
Although the Board of Selectmen has final say on the designation, multiple town departments supply input, said Nerney. Selectmen plan to gather information from the conservation, police, fire and public works departments. "Planning and Zoning is just one of the cogs of the wheel," said Nerney.
Wampum Hill Road runs along the northeastern border between the two towns. Although the asphalt lies in Wilton, most of the homes that front the street are in Weston. The scenic roadway petition came from residents of Weston.
"Most if not all (Wampum Hill Road) residents are Weston residents who gain access through Wilton," said Nerney.
Wilton selectmen plan to discuss the issue at their next meeting Sept. 6.
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