To the editor:
Yes, there is still a plan to build an asphalt plant in Wilton, not even 1000 feet away from Goss Park.
In 2018, Wilton residents updated the town’s Master Plan. Under the Economic Development Vision section, it reads: “Wilton will encourage growth that supports broad community objectives including those in retail, agriculture, education, and hospitality, and projects that preserve historic structures or foster the arts.”
The Wilton Economic Development Team has just gone on record against the plant: “It is the position of this team that an asphalt plant at the proposed location or any other location, is not aligned with the desire of most residents or appropriate for our roadways, bridges, or in keeping with the protection of our natural resources.”
Wilton Water Works is looking at an additional aquifer to supplement and back-up the town’s water supply. Where? Right underneath the site of the proposed asphalt plant. In case you missed it, here is the EPA short list of toxic chemicals associated with asphalt: arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, cadmium, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, condensed particulates, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxides, nitrogen oxides, and phenol.
I am one of the many Wilton residents who fails to see a positive connection between any of these chemicals and families with children swimming within 1,000 feet of them. I am one of the many that fail to see a positive connection between any of these chemicals and supporting retail, agriculture, education, and hospitality, and projects that preserve historic structures or foster the arts.
If you are a resident of Wilton (or Lyndeborough as a plant would also affect you) and do NOT want an asphalt plant, please come to the Zoning Board Meeting on Sept. 10, Town Hall, at 7:30 p.m.
Chris Balch
Wilton