By June Valliere
On March 26, the League of Women Voters (LWV) hosted a hybrid public forum at the Wayland Public Library, giving residents an opportunity to learn about eleven warrant articles ahead of the annual town meeting. Thirty-four people attended, most online, and heard presentations from Select Board members William Whitney, Carol Martin, Thomas Fay, Anne Brensley, and Doug Levine, as well as from Annette Lewis (Planning Board) and Aida Ginnis (Zoning Board of Appeals). LWV member Irya Priester moderated.
The articles covered topics ranging from finance and infrastructure to zoning changes, library funds, and burial requests. Several generated substantial discussion, notably the ones on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), pickup windows for restaurants, and proposed uses for 193–207 Main Street. Below is a summary organized by topic.
Town Finance & Infrastructure
Article 12 (Department of Municipal Finance)
Carol Martin explained that consolidating the Department of Municipal Finance is largely a formality needed to align Wayland with Massachusetts General Law. She noted the minimal impact on day-to-day operations.
Article 17 (Capital Improvement Planning Committee)
Martin also detailed a proposal to create a dedicated committee for long-term infrastructure oversight. According to her, this proactive approach would prioritize projects based on urgency and help manage the town’s resources more effectively.
Article 22 (Energy Revolving Fund)
Martin introduced a $50,000 annual revolving fund to manage conservation rebates and incentives. Any unused balance could roll over, allowing the Select Board to address energy initiatives more swiftly.
Article 34 (Former DPW Garage Remediation)
Bill Whitney discussed appropriating $250,000 to investigate soil and groundwater contamination at 193 and 195 Main Street, site of the old DPW Garage. Tests would check for metals, petroleum products, and PFAS.
Article 35 (Playing Field Feasibility Study)
This article requests $75,000 to explore creating a playing field at 195 Main Street. The study would consider drainage, lighting, irrigation, and access.
Article 36 (Future Use of 193–207 Main Street)
A nonbinding resolution seeks community input on possible uses for these parcels, including a teen center, multi-use sports facility, or leaving the land as is. Doug Levine described a private-public sports center model akin to the Community Pool. Some residents preferred alternative locations like Greenways or the Town Center, but acknowledged challenges such as cost, infrastructure, and environmental impact.
Library Funds
Article 11 (Millennium Fund)
Aida Ginnis addressed a longstanding issue with library donations, which under current practice could end up in the town’s general endowment. By creating a Millennium Fund, Wayland would honor donors’ original intent from the 1990s, ensuring their gifts are maintained separately from endowment funds.
Zoning & Development
Article 19 (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Annette Lewis noted that Wayland’s current ADU rules conflict with updated Massachusetts law. The new bylaw removes certain special-permit requirements and lot-size minimums, aligning with state regulations. Attendees voiced concerns about limiting ADUs to 900 square feet, especially for seniors or those needing mobility aids. Lewis said that additional amendments could be introduced later, but only after these initial changes are approved.
Article 20 (Pre-Order Pickup Windows)
Anne Brensley explained that to boost local economic development, the town may allow pickup windows where food is pre-ordered, with an indoor dining area required. She emphasized that typical fast-food drive-thrus, such as McDonald’s, would not be permitted. Residents asked for clarification on which businesses qualify, and Brensley described them as “fast casual” establishments like Panera and Chipotle.
Burial Request
Article 27 (Green Burial at 56 Orchard Lane)
Doug Levine explained that Massachusetts law requires both Board of Health and Town Meeting approval for burials on private property. This article would allow two environmentally friendly burials on land at 56 Orchard Lane, with fewer impacts than traditional interments.
