Residents press Select Board on Dover Amendment as Veritas construction continues during appeal

The Select Board opened its Jan. 5 meeting with more than 30 minutes of public comment dominated by concerns over large Dover Amendment–protected developments, particularly the ongoing construction at Veritas Christian Academy at 164-172 Cochituate Road while an appeal remains pending before the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Multiple abutters were concerned about the scale, environmental impacts, and cumulative effects of the project, describing the issues as a broader governance problem rather than opposition to religious or educational institutions.
Luke Shardlow, of Shaw Drive, said Wayland’s current bylaws prevent residents from appealing Planning Board site plan decisions until a building permit is issued, allowing construction to proceed during appeals. Shardlow urged the board to consider forming a task force to review how Dover Amendment projects are evaluated and monitored.
Neighbors of the site said the project was presented as a grades 6-8 school with approximately 100 students, while infrastructure now being installed — including a septic system sized for more than 400 people — reflects a much larger campus buildout.
Additional comments raised concerns about drainage, traffic and water quality impacts within the Aquifer Protection Overlay District. Mary Beth Hagen, Yeager Way, cited inconsistencies in stormwater testing standards and said drainage calculations for the Veritas site did not include permeability testing comparable to that required for smaller residential projects. Hagen also questioned the level of engagement by some Planning Board members on aquifer protection issues during the review process.
Traffic safety at the intersection of Route 27 and Old Connecticut Path, commonly known as Five Corners, was raised repeatedly. Jason Taunton-Rigby of Old Connecticut Path said the traffic study for Veritas evaluated only the first phase of development and did not account for a full buildout accommodating up to 450 students. Taunton-Rigby said Shaw Drive is already used as a cut-through during rush hours and warned that concentrated drop-off and pickup traffic could worsen safety conditions for children living along the corridor.
Residents also linked their concerns to other Dover Amendment projects in town, including the proposed expansion of the St. Philopater & St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church on Rice Road. Brian Morrison, of Rice Road, said the scale of that proposal raised similar traffic and neighborhood character concerns and urged the board to slow the pace of approvals.
Several speakers referenced Sherman’s Bridge, where residents are advocating for a design that preserves historic agreements dating to 1971. Elisa Carter, of Sherman Bridge Road, said accepting state funding could limit the town’s control over the bridge’s future design and asked the Select Board to take a more active role in discussions with neighbors.
Board members reminded speakers that public comment should remain constructive and avoid personal criticism of town staff.
Board members acknowledged receipt of extensive correspondence related to Veritas, the Coptic Church project, and Sherman’s Bridge during public comment. Chair Carol Martin said residents could request an agenda placement for their concerns at a future meeting and encouraged continued communication with the board and town staff.