On Saturday, Oct. 8, members of Wilton’s Zoning Board met at 47 and 49 Maple St. to conduct a walk-through of the former Catholic church and rectory, where plans are in place to renovate them into apartments and an office and workshop.
According to Wilton Zoning Board Chair Neil Faiman, Willreign Properties, LLC, requested variances in 2017 to allow two dwelling units in the rectory, and three dwelling units plus an office space in the church. The board approved the variances, and granted Willreign two years to start building. However, Faiman said Willreign did not start construction within the two years.
“They brought a proposal to the board five years ago, but the variances expired before owners could use it,” said Faiman.
Due to the lapse, Willreign requested identical variances in September 2022.
According to Realtor Kristi Legere, who represents Willreign Properties, the plan is to build three apartments ranging from 850 to 1,100 square feet on the first floor of the church, and second floor will be designated as an office space. The basement of the church remains in good shape, but the use of the space is still under deliberation.
Legere also said developers are planning to install 14 parking spaces for the tenants and owners along the left and back side of the church. Lastly, developers are planning to install a new sewer system for the church that will connect to municipal water, which the church currently lacks.
The Zoning Board is scheduled to discuss the proposal Tuesday, Oct. 11, at Florence Rideout Elementary School at 7:30 p.m.