Wilton Select Board designates Economic Revitalization Zone for Fairway Electronics

With a state tax-incentive program set to expire in less than two years, the Wilton Select Board voted Monday to designate Route 31 South as an Economic Revitalization Zone, clearing the way for Fairway Electronic to seek state tax credits for an expansion of its industrial site.

Frank Edelblut was also sworn in Monday to fill the Select Board seat vacated by Gareth Krausser.

This is not Edelblut’s first time as a town or state representative. He has served as a New Hampshire state representative for Wilton, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Education from 2017 to 2025, and on the Wilton Water Commission for more than a decade.

He said he plans to serve out the rest of the term.

Economic Revitalization Zone

After Edelblut was sworn in, the board continued with the agenda, including designating Route 31 South as an Economic Revitalization Zone.

Already home to Fairway Electronic Inc. as an industrial zone, Jennifer Beck, chair of the Economic Development Leadership Team, explained that approval of the ERZ would allow four additional lots owned by Fairway Electronic to apply for tax credits, if approved by the state.

ERZs are geographic designations that provide tax credits and fee waivers from the state directly to businesses to create more jobs and investment in a town.

Beck said the incentives “encourage businesses to come to Wilton to do proper development.”

While Fairway Electronic already has a building there, Beck said the company plans to expand and the designation will allow it to do so.

There are two other ERZs in Wilton, including Mill Worx downtown and the site along Route 31 North with Atlantic Prefab.

Beck explained that while these developments are not retail or consumer businesses, they pay the same tax rates as residents without using town services such as the school district, allowing the tax base to widen without increasing the town’s cost of services.

Now that the town has officially designated the site for an ERZ, the application will be sent to the state for approval. Beck said the state usually approves applications that meet eligibility requirements, which she believes this one does.

The state ERZ program is set to sunset Jan. 1, 2028, so Beck stressed the importance of getting the site designated.

If approved, the business can then apply for tax credits through the state.

Town-sponsored grant

Gateways Community Services asked the town to sponsor and manage a Community Development Block Grant application to the Community Development Finance Authority. The Select Board voted to approve the request but required the organization to provide more information about its plans going forward.

Based in Wilton and serving surrounding towns, Gateways Community Services is a private nonprofit corporation that provides services and programs to children, seniors, and people with developmental disabilities, brain disorders and autism.

Sandra Pelletier, CEO and president of Gateways Community Services, said the Wilton home has been active in the town for 30 years.

“This is part of the community collaboration,” Pelletier said.

With the request approved, Town Administrator Nick Germain will assist in the application process.

With the grant money, Gateways Community Services hopes to fund an accessible bathroom renovation, driveway rehabilitation and tree removal to preserve the property. The estimated total cost of the projects is $97,250.

According to the request shared with the town, Gateways is responsible for the project and long-term management of the property, while the town is considered the official applicant, as required by the Community Development Finance Authority.