WILTON – A detailed plan and a public hearing on the beautification project at the head of Wilson Lake is needed before selectmen vote on the project.

When a couple of residents voiced concerns about parking and proposed changes during an update on the project at the board’s meeting Tuesday, members of the board opted to hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. May 19 at the town office.

Paul Gooch, chairman of the Board of Selectmen and member of the Improvement Committee, told the board about plans for 16 parking spaces with two handicap spaces, a public walkway, grass buffer to the lake and removable stairs into the lake. The estimated cost is $7,534, all from fundraising.

He was looking for the board’s approval so the committee could proceed with the plan. What he heard Tuesday was more concerns, mostly about parking, from residents and then board members.

Commending the Improvement Committee for the work it has done, Bruce Jellison asked the board if the plans for parking didn’t put in more restrictions than necessary.

“People have parked and looked at the mountains for 200 years,” he said, while explaining how his 15-foot minivan would stretch out into the road with the planned walkway, grass and paved parking slots.

“You have good intentions but what if MDOT says it can’t be done?” he asked.

He told the board benches and flowers are good but they can’t compete with the view. He also thought a decision to change the foot of the lake should be up to a vote of the people not made by selectmen.

The spaces are planned for standard parking slots, 20 by 9 feet, Gooch explained. The committee, working since last fall, has held several public meetings to give residents a chance to state their concerns or offer suggestions, he said. While the meetings have brought in a good representation of residents, many have voiced complaints to him outside but won’t attend the meetings.

Gooch, visibly frustrated, explained he has continually worked to keep parking spaces and became involved in the committee because he thought the head of the lake was an eyesore with the gravel parking area against the retaining wall.

A conservation group and selectmen parked there Tuesday to assess the retaining wall and there wasn’t enough space for eight vehicles, Selectman Terry Brann said. He also said the group did not recommend paving the parking area.

Representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection have visited the site and reviewed the plans and approved the proposed changes, committee member Betty Shibles said.

A small group of people seek the board’s approval yet a lot of people want it left alone, Brann said.

Raising another concern, Alice Masterman wanted to know who was going to be responsible for upkeep of the area.

Selectmen Irv Faunce and Russell Black agreed they need to see a more detailed plan including what costs the town could expect to be responsible for in the future and a chance to hear public comments before they can vote.