Zoning board accepts Veritas appeal, declines to halt construction

WAYLAND — January 13, 2026 — Wayland ZBA accepts Veritas Christian Academy building permit appeal but refuses to halt work. The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-1 Tuesday to take up an appeal from abutters Adam Mascari and Patrick Cavanaugh challenging the Oct. 30 building permit for the Veritas campus on Cochituate Road, with Justine Paul dissenting. Attorney Peter Durning of Verrill Dana argued the project violates the Aquifer Protection Overlay District's 70-percent preservation rule, breaches 30-foot setbacks for a loop road, sports court and parking, and that a construction fence encroaches on Mascari's property. Veritas counsel Jonathan Silverstein countered that the Nov. 18 letter to the town clerk was not a proper appeal and that the Planning Board reviewed the project over "nine months and over 12 public hearings." Town Counsel Carolyn Murray said the board lacks authority for a "temporary stay" without finding a zoning violation. Resident Luke Shavo said the cut-and-fill plan moves 23,000 cubic yards and serves a 450-person capacity against a 108-student traffic study. The board continued the matter to Jan. 26.