WILTON – A new use for the former Sacred Heart Church on Maple Street is again before the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Owner Christina Rubio-Sprague brought the proposal to the board on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

A similar plan was approved by the Zoning Board in 2017, but with a two-year time limit for the completion of the work. Since that time has passed, a new plan had to be presented. The plans are nearly identical. All but one of the current board members heard the original plan, but it was decided to continue the hearing until October 11 and conduct a site visit on Oct. 8 to consider the neighborhood from the perspective of 2022.

The plan would convert the existing rectory into two dwelling units plus create three units, an office and a workshop in the main building. A variance is required because the ordinance does not allow more than one dwelling unit, more than one dwelling, or commercial uses.

The lower level of the church would be made into three apartments while the upper level would be used for family business.

The ZBA meets at Florence Rideout Elementary School

The church was built in 1888. It was closed by the Manchester Diocese in 2010 following the retirement of Rev. James Walsh, who also served the Sacred Heart Church in Greenville. The Diocese cited the lack of priests. Several other plans were presented for using the building, including a bid by the Wilton Community Center, but none of them were accepted.

The owners have pledged to not change the exterior of the building.