At issue is the Wilton Inland Wetlands Application WET#2519(S) WILTON HEIGHTS - 300 Danbury Road - redevelopment of properties with two buildings that will consist of retail space and residential units within a wetland.

9/27/18 UPDATE: WET#2519(S) has been withdrawn and replaced with WET#2531(S) WILTON HEIGHTS - 300 Danbury Road, Whitewood Lane (Assessor's Map #58 Lot #37), Whitewood Lane (Assessor's Map#58 Lot #39), 3, 7, & 11 Whitewood Lane - redeveopment of the properties with two buildings that still consist of retail space and residential units within a wetland with a watercourse crossing, and upland review area, and an extended upland review area.

The wetlands at issue in the above titled application include wetlands on the currently residential zoned property that include a stream and wooded habitat that is home to a myriad of creatures and native plants. These creatures live in and around the wetlands and forest on the Whitewood Lane property where they breed, feed and nest. The proposed development is the placement of a high traffic facility within/adjacent to a natural area with significant wildlife habitat.

We, the undersigned, ask that the Inland Wetlands Commission deny application WET#2531(S) which replaced withdrawn applicatoin WET#2519(S) for significant regulated activity on these wetlands for the following reasons:

• The proposed pavement extensions and walking paths will result in loss of wetland acreages.
• Blasting of bedrock through the use of explosives will negatively impact the functions of the wetlands, including trees, plants, insects, aquatic life, animals and birds that live there.
• Night lighting from this drastically increased height and density development will disrupt the functions of the wetlands, including the trees, plants, insects, aquatic life, animals and birds that live there.
• The increased height and density of buildings adjacent to/between the wetlands have a potential for bird strike kills to resident and migratory birds.
• While the proposal will “replant” trees, it will degrade and replace existing natural ecosystems (forest and wetlands), and have an impact on the natural flow of surface water and reduce wildlife connectivity.

Thank you for your service on the Inland Wetlands Commission and for your consideration of our position on this issue. We appreciate the work that you do on behalf of our town.