Historic District Commission adopts solar guidelines, OKs depot mast repair

WAYLAND — February 14, 2023 — Wayland Historic District Commission adopts solar design guidelines and approves depot signal mast repairs. The commission voted 5-0 to accept the solar panel review guidelines, with member Desmond McCauley calling the language "very crisp and clear" and "durable" enough to accommodate emerging technologies. A second 5-0 vote authorized modifications to the rotted train order signal mast at the Wayland Depot at 1 Cochituate Road, where facilities project manager Steve Patello said crews would cut "the minimum amount necessary to get to solid wood" — likely about a foot from each end — and add a new footing. Of roughly $90,000 in Community Preservation Funds originally awarded, about $17,000 remains. Commissioners also previewed a state DCR plan, presented by Paul Jahnige, to pave the remaining unpaved rail trail segment from the depot west to Route 20 using MassDOT federal funds, with a virtual 25 percent design hearing set for March 2.