WILTON – With the removal of purchasing The Horseshoe from their agenda, the Economic Development Committee has established a new list of priorities. They will focus on developing a new business package, community engagement and Phase 2 of the Riverwalk. Use of and access to the New Reservoir and Garwin Falls are still on the list.

At their meeting on June 25, the committee listed their high priority projects:

• Brew pub and/or restaurant

• Business Development package

• Community engagement and education

• Memorial Park

• Riverwalk Phase 2

• Property match-making

• Residents wants and needs

• Signage

• Return of the tourist train

Chairman Jennifer Beck noted the current economic climate they have to work with: rising property taxes, increasing business competition from Milford and Peterborough, and residents desire for minimal change. There is little space for industrial development and Beck said residents do not seem to favor it.

After the meeting, Beck said the question is, For whom are we building the town? Retirees? Young people? Visitors? That question has not been answered, she said, but it is obvious “the people who live here don’t want it to change.”

The Riverwalk extends from the Police Station parking lot and Wilton House of Pizza at the western end to the Riverview Mills at the other. It does not include development of a walking path at the rivers’ edge because of the many property owners involved. Earlier plans, proposed at various times over the past 20 years, have included steps down from the Proctor lot as well as access from the Main Street Park.

“That is still a nice idea,” Beck said, but not feasible at this time.

A foot bridge to connect the parking at the police station with Forest Road at WHOP is still under consideration, with several variations including a new bridge or moving the historic pony truss bridge from Route 101.

The plan includes sidewalk improvement, reconstruction of Memorial Park to provide truck traffic on Route 31 with an easier turn onto Forest Road.

Beck said there have been discussions with TDS, owners of the historic Stimson Building and other property along the river, to improve that area.

Discussions are also being help with Peter Leischman, owner of the Milford-Bennington Railroad, for the return of the tourist train, and the location of a new station. That type of tourist development is seen as essential.

Development of the riverbank along the parking lot at Riverview Mills is also in progress, with a possibility of connecting that area with the Label Art Building on the other side of the river. Improved landscaping between the parking area, the railroad tracks and the Post Office is being worked on.

The next meeting of the Committee will be Aug. 27, 5:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.