WILTON – A request for a tax abatement by the management of Edgewater Estates, the elderly housing complex on Howard Street, prompted officials to look into complaints of residents parking on neighboring properties and whether the facility is operating as originally intended.

The housing complex was built in 1989 under a federal program for elderly housing, those over 62.

At the regular meeting of the Select Board on Monday, Police Chief Eric Olesen said he had been receiving complaints “over the past six months to a year” of residents parking at the nearby Post Office, former railroad station and on the Riverview Mills property.

Selectman Chair Matt Fish said the facility was established as “age-restricted residence,” and the town approved an ordinance to allow the construction.

A representative of the management company said “demographi8cs have changed.” Under federal guidelines, such facilities have to include disabled persons regardless of age, and Edgewater now has a higher percentage of disabled than elderly. She said 27 residents have cars and there are 27 parking spaces. “We don’t have spaces for visitors.”

There are 33 units in the complex.

Selectman Kermit Williams noted that the neighborhood has also changed. “When it was built there was a grocery store, a hardware store, and other shops within walking distance, and (an organization in Milford) provided transportation to doctors’ visits. Those are now all gone, and residents need cars.”

Fish said the Planning Board needs to do a new site plan review.

It was agreed that such a review, while probably needed, was a separate question. The abatement was approved “to keep elderly housing in Wilton.”

In other business on Monday, Olesen said a “plan needs to be devised” to handle traffic around the elementary school during Trick-or-Treat night.

Many residents of remote areas bring their children to the school where there are town-provided treats.

“It’s mayhem,” he said, and he was concerned about safety. A plan will be worked out.

Peter Howd was re-appointed to the Souhegan River Local Advisory Council, SoRLAC.

In closing remarks, Williams said, “The town and the Water Commissioners need to work together more. Affordable housing depends on providing water and sewer. We need to move in that direction.”

The other selectmen agreed and they will discuss it further.

The next meeting was set fort Monday, July 24, 6 p.m., in the Town Hall Court Room.