New Town Center owners pitch incremental overhaul to Planning Board

WAYLAND — May 13, 2026 — New Town Center owners outline overhaul as Planning Board continues Hobbs Road housing hearing. NP Wayland LLC principals Jesse Barakon of Fido SP and Anthony Rich of Legacy Capital Partners told the board Tuesday they will return June 10 with detailed plans for signage, an Alyssa Avenue pedestrian zone, a rail trail entry, a fenced dog park and a seasonal skating rink tied to the Eliza Norton Foundation. "We don't believe this project is broken, but there are a lot of things that need to be fixed," Barakon said, adding that tenant interviews identified traffic, not rent, as the chief complaint and that some new leases are being signed below market with percentage-rent terms. The board also continued the public hearing on Oak Tree Management's six-unit supportive living residence at 1 Hobbs Road to June 10 and scheduled a May 29 site walk. Chair Anette S. Lewis welcomed new member William Sterling, who was sworn in before the meeting.