'Happening all over Connecticut.' Wilton neighbors divided over proposed development on Belden Hill Road
Developer Hines Acquisitions has submitted plans to convert and expand the old convent into a 280-unit senior living village. But residents who live nearby are torn over what should become of of the 38-acre property that used to house retired and semi-retired nuns.
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What should happen to the massive former retirement community for the School Sisters of Notre Dame nuns in Wilton?
It depends which neighbor you ask.
Developer Hines Acquisitions has submitted plans to convert and expand the old convent into a 280-unit senior living village.
But residents who live nearby are torn over what should become of of the 38-acre property that used to house retired and semi-retired nuns.
"This is happening all over Connecticut," Alissa Brady, of Wilton Neighbors Alliance says. "This project is just wrong for this neighborhood."
Brady says she doesn't think the area has the infrastructure to support the project.
She's concerned about added traffic and how the environment will be negatively impacted.
"They are connected to the public sewer, but it has a significant public wetlands component to it," Brady says. "We're very concerned that the construction, and even what they intend to put in, is actually going to harm the wetlands."
Brady's neighbor David Rintoulm of "Support the Sisters," says senior housing is the best realistic option for the property.
When the project is completed, Rintoul says traffic shouldn't increase, and the project will ultimately help grow the town's tax base.
"The school sisters need to make a return on their property, and they're legally allowed to get a return on their property," Rintoul says. "The school sisters and Hines development is the best one for reducing traffic, maintaining the beauty of the property, and providing a useful service for the town."
Wilton's First Selectman Toni Boucher couldn't comment because the application is in the middle of the public hearing process.
It would then have to pass through planning and zoning to become a done deal.
"We want development that makes sense for where it is zoned in our town," Brady says, "and not cramming something in because a property has become available."
"Everyone for the development or against the development," Rintoul says, "is doing it and being involved because they love Wilton, and they want to make Wilton a better place."
