WILTON – Selectmen want to leave the transformation of an empty lot on Main Street into Dorothy’s Garden, an outdoor theater area for children, for the property owner to pursue as a private project, said Town Manager Peter Nielsen.

From a discussion Tuesday during a board meeting, some liked the idea but thought it would be better pursued as a private project rather than having the town take a major role and get involved with leasing the property or assigning parking spaces. The board didn’t want to take on anymore responsibility, he said.

The lot, at 352 Main St., is being looked at as part of a grassroots effort to beautify and revitalize downtown and the foot of Wilson Pond.

Although plans were to center Tuesday’s discussion on the garden and business facade improvements, some lake neighborhood people voiced concerns about the plans for the foot of the pond, he said.

“They expressed what they wanted to see and didn’t want to see. Some were concerned about trees blocking their view,” he said.

During the Dec. 2 board meeting, a discussion about changes to the area at the foot of the pond will be held.

The town has learned that it may be able to seek a state grant under the Community Development Block Grant program for up to $150,000 to pay for some of the proposed projects.