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August Update: Health Alert, Recreational Cannabis, Fireworks and Other

Posted on: August 3, 2021 - 6:20pm

Health Alert

On Friday July 30th, the CT Department of Health (DPH) issued a Public Health Alert for Fairfield County recommending masks be worn by anyone older than 2 years old while indoors in public spaces, regardless of one’s vaccination status.  As of Sunday August 1st, similar health alerts had been issued for six of Connecticut’s seven counties.

The reason for the alerts and the recommendation was that those counties had increasing cases due to the Delta variant and were classified as substantial transmission counties by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  Substantial transmission is defined as more than 50 new cases per 100,000 residents during a 7-day period.  As of Sunday, Fairfield County had a 7-day rate of 61.06 new cases per 100,000.  Neighboring New Haven County had a rate of 71.6.

As of last night, Wilton had a 7-day rate of 38 new cases per 100,000 residents, more than 2 times last week’s rate.  Recent case data is as follows:

  • Actual new cases one week ended 8/1/21:                 7
  • Actual new cases four weeks ended 7/25/21:            7
  • Actual new cases four weeks ended 6/27/21:            5

In light of the increasing rate of new cases, we are reconsidering the indoor masking policy for municipal buildings.  In the meantime, the following is the current policy for visitors to municipal buildings:

  • Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear masks at all times while inside any municipal building
  • Vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a mask while inside municipal buildings, but consistent with CDC and CT DPH recommendations, we strongly encourage vaccinated individuals to wear a mask while inside municipal buildings.

Recreational Cannabis

The Board of Selectmen had hoped to put questions on the November municipal election ballot related to the sale of recreational cannabis in Wilton and the smoking or vaping of such on town-owned or controlled land.  Unfortunately, last night we were advised by our attorney that CT statutes do not provide the Board of Selectmen the authority to do so.  The enabling statute only allows for specific questions submitted by a petition signed by 10% of registered voters to be placed on the November ballot.  

We will be pursuing alternate means of gauging resident input.  In the meantime, Planning & Zoning Commissions in many neighboring towns have been temporarily addressing the matter as we all wait for more information.  Based on the new information received, we anticipate Wilton’s Planning and Zoning Commission will now do the same. 

September Fireworks  

Traditional July 4th style fireworks will be held on Saturday evening, September 4th at the Wilton High School (WHS) Complex at 395 Danbury Road.  Parking passes must be purchased in advance.  Look for an email with information later this week.

Other

  • The WHS track is nearly complete.  Look for an email later this week.
  • The replacement of the Middlebrook tennis courts will begin in August and be completed in mid-September, weather permitting.
  • Tickets are on sale for the Hideaway Circus presentation of Stars Above on August 27th, 28th and 29th.  The open-air performances will be held on the field behind Comstock Community Center.  Parks and Recreation is excited to be the host for this unique event. 
  • The Planning & Zoning Commission selected a consultant to assist them with master planning for Wilton Center and the surrounding RT 7 area.
  • In an effort to expand diverse housing options in Wilton, last night, the Board of Selectmen authorized Land Use Director Michael Wrinn to prepare and issue an RFQ for a consultant to study and make recommendations for two underutilized town-owned parcels totaling almost 4 acres on the corner of New St and Danbury Rd.  The properties currently house two single-family homes, one of which is leased and one which requires $40,000 to $55,000 in repairs/renovation prior to being leasable.  Based on the investment required, the board thought it prudent to consider other options for the properties.  The proposed RFQ, which will be presented at a future Board of Selectmen meeting and which is subject to public comment, will seek recommendations for low-density affordable options.
  • The RFQ related to the possible cell monopole behind the bus barn on School Rd was released in late July. Submissions are due by 8/16/21.  Initial discussions of the results are expected to occur at the August 17th or September 7th Board of Selectmen meeting.
  • Superintendent of Wilton Public Schools Kevin Smith notified parents of enrolled students that the upcoming school year will be held in-person, five days per week.  I’m sure you all join me in celebrating that accomplishment. For more information, click here.

If you have any questions, please contact me at lynne.vanderslice@wiltonct.org.

Otherwise, have a wonderful rest of your summer.

Lynne Vanderslice

First Selectwoman