Wayland ZBA closes Veritas Christian Academy permit appeal hearing, sets February deliberations

WAYLAND — January 26, 2026 — Wayland ZBA closes hearing on Veritas Christian Academy appeal, will deliberate Feb. 10. The board voted 5-0 to end testimony in case ZBA 26-02, filed by abutter Adam Mascari, and 5-0 to continue to a 6:30 p.m. session. Chair Thomas White narrowed review to three issues: Aquifer Protection Overlay District compliance, lot coverage and setbacks. Attorney Jonathan Silverstein, for Veritas, cited 21.9 percent impervious coverage, 4.1 percent building coverage and a 108-student cap, calling a disputed handicap ramp encroachment "petty." Hydrologist Scott Horsley countered that the Planning Board diluted density calculations across land outside Zone 2, undermining the bylaw's "intent and purpose." Parent Alene Caldwell said the school has signed a $6 million construction contract. Attorney Gail Hire said the Planning Board "made no findings" on the APOD.