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Wilton Residents Oppose Norwalk Trail Near Homes

WILTON, Conn. – Several Wilton residents are hoping plans for the Norwalk River Valley Trail will not include development near their neighborhood.

Residents living along Dumplin’ Hill Road, a private drive in the northern end of town, said they object to any use of the road for the 27-mile, five-town recreational trail project.  In a letter to Sen. Toni Boucher (R-Wilton), the residents said they specifically object to a route that would connect their road with Thunder Lake Road. 

The proposed route “would directly affect multiple houses and the trail would lie within 30 to 50 feet of adjacent private homes,” the letter indicated.

Charles Ambuhl, one of the Dumplin’ Hill Road residents, cites security, privacy, litter and noise among the concerns he has.  “There are much better alternatives,” said Ambuhl, who noted that he supports the trail otherwise.  Ambuhl and neighbor William Chapo also mentioned that the area where the trail could be placed would also require some grading.

The proposed trail will stretch 27 miles from Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk to Danbury. The project is expected to connect train stations, schools and offices. Two miles of the trail have been completed in Norwalk and Wilton while the rest is in the study and design phase.

Wilton Selectman Harold Clark said during Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting that the residents have valid concerns and that he assured the residents no final decisions regarding the trail have been made. “This is not being done in the middle of the night,” Clark said.  

First Selectman William Brennan said the trail review is going through a “normal process” and it would take several years before it is completed.

The NRVT’s proposed trail can be viewed online.

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