The town of Wilton approved the proposal to designate Barrett Hill Road as a scenic town road in a 42-7 majority vote.
On Monday, July 18, community members and the Select Board met for a special town meeting to discuss plans for a scenic road in accordance to state law RSA 231:157. According to Town Administrator Nick Germain, special town meetings require a petition and 25 signatures from town residents to host a hearing. The petition to designate Barrett Hill Road as a scenic road received over 60 signatures from Wilton residents.
During Monday’s meeting, community members expressed interest in the proposal to help preserve the forested areas along Barrett Hill Road.
“It is a beautiful and a quiet place to walk and well worth protecting,” said Marilyn Jonas.
Community members also expressed eagerness to approve the proposal as soon as possible.
“We need more scenic roads in town. We should go ahead and do this…approve this warrant article,” said Joseph Coffey.
Following the 42-7 approval from Wilton residents, the new scenic road will start at the intersection of Barrett Hill Road and Burton Highway and end at the 78-acre private property owned by Gail J. Worthen from the 2004 Revocable Trust, previously the Stonyfield Farm. Currently, there are eight scenic roads located throughout Wilton, including Heald Road, Kimball Hill Road, and newly added Barrett Hill Road.
In accordance to RSA 231:158, the town approved trees 9.5 inches in circumference or greater and stone walls along the route to be protected against destruction unless written consent from the Planning Board.
In an interview on Tuesday, July 26, Select Board Chair Kermit Williams said the majority of voters were pleased with the outcome.
“I think the residents and the abutters will look for opportunities to protect their road,” said Williams. “[The decision] has increased the activism in the community.”