koconnor@wiltonvillager.com

WILTON — Plans for a more environmentally friendly town were discussed at Monday night's planning and zoning commission meeting.

David Hapke, the conservation commissions chair, suggested a new Wilton center tree plan along with a 20 foot setback for walkways.

According to Mike Lindberg of the Wilton Energy Commission it is very important for Wilton to start promoting mass transit in town.

"We need to promote and get people to use mass transit," said Lindberg. "It would be very useful to get people to ride bikes or carpool instead of using their own vehicle, I think this is important, we need to work together."

Lindberg also made a suggestion to promote pedestrian traffic and also agreed that more walkways in Wilton would be a good idea for the town.

Jessica Kaplan of the ad-hoc tree committee and Wilton Garden Club said that planting around 1,000 more trees in Wilton is one of their goals.

"Community trees influence the perception of the environment and preserve the quality of town," said Kaplan. "Trees are an important environmental resource."

Kaplan also had a few ideas she proposed to the committee such as having tree festivals in town and encouraging Arbor Day throughout Wilton.

Paula Birdy of the Wilton gardening club spoke about an idea to put tree landscaping along Route 7.

"I spoke to some of the people living around Route 7, and businesses around there," said Birdy. "I think this would be a good idea."

According to Chairman of the planning and zoning commission Sally Poundstone, the themes for the new plan will start to be made around the end of the summer and the early fall months.

"All of the information we heard was very important and useful," said Poundstone. "Anymore ideas or comments that people have are always encouraged."