Wayland Finance Committee defers vote on Route 20 West housing zoning amendment

WAYLAND — April 6, 2026 — Wayland Finance Committee defers Article 25 vote and learns water project appeal failed. Planning Board Chair Anette Lewis walked the committee through the Multi-Family Housing Route 20 West amendment, which would raise density to 32 units per acre and height to 58 feet to match Alta Oxbow and ensure "financial feasibility" on the district's four lots. Vice Chair Carl Barnes said the Select Board opposed the article 2-3; member Phil Giudice said members appeared to want to "strong-arm" property owners for concessions. Barnes also reported the April 2 appeal of the State Revolving Fund's denial of zero-percent financing was unsuccessful, sending the town toward conventional bond financing. The committee approved March 16 minutes 6-0-1 and flagged a roughly $1.4 million Snake Brook dam grant that has now come through. Member April Methot said she will not seek reappointment; at least two other seats are also up.