EAST WILTON -- A house on Temple Street could become town property, following a petition drive by local citizens.

The petition, signed by 43 people, requests that the town put the property under the authority and control of the Wilton Parks Department, said Town Manager Peter Nielsen.

"Residents of the area have asked the town to seize the building for demolition and create a park, of sorts," Nielsen said. "The selectmen have said that they would prefer to take ownership before deciding the building's outcome."

Nielsen said that after receiving the petition, the town immediately began steps to determine the true owner of the property.

"We were first led to believe that the property was owned by a bank in California," Nielsen said. "We have, since, determined that the building is owned by David Swett of Farmington".

Nielson said Swett does not want to own the property.

Nielsen described the vacant building as a serious safety concern and said the town plans to go forward with a tax lien to assume possession. As soon as that happens, Nielsen said, the town will board up the windows and doors and do what is necessary to make it secure.

According to town records, there has been no tax payment made on the property since 2001.

Residents of the area are concerned with the unsafe nature of the property. They said the building has been empty since at least 2003.

"There have been vandals in that have stolen the plumbing and wiring," neighbor Chris Krauss said. "What is next, kids playing in there and maybe a fire?"

Krauss described East Wilton as a beautiful community that takes pride in its esthetics. She said, ideally, it would be great if someone could come in and properly restore the building, but questions if there is enough to save.

Krauss said residents in the area agree that if the building cannot be saved, demolishing it and creating a park and community garden would be a great alternative.

"We just felt that the town needed to take immediate action," Krauss said. "And apparently they agreed."