Wayland capital committee weighs $19.6 million in FY28 requests against $8 million target

WAYLAND — January 21, 2026 — Wayland CIPC begins triaging $19.6M in FY28 capital requests toward an $8M target. Chair Kelly Lappin told members the committee's final FY27 report had been delivered Jan. 20 to the town manager and key board chairs, then pivoted to FY28-31, where requests run more than $11 million above last year's plan. Members recommended roughly $4.5 million in "high" priority items, including $915,063 in road improvements, $540,000 for elementary HVAC air conditioning, $470,000 for a Wayland Middle School HVAC replacement and $375,240 for a Loker fire alarm upgrade. The committee elevated the Public Safety Building HVAC project to high priority after Director of Buildings Michael Faia reported one of four compressors had failed. Most Town Building repair requests — including $1.085 million in envelope work and $700,000 in bathrooms — were deferred pending a long-term decision on the building. Select Board Chair Carol Martin said her board's "primary focus is generating new tax growth" through possible development of town land off Holiday Road. Members voted 4-0 to approve revised Jan. 14 minutes; Elizabeth Lusky was absent.