Historic District Commission approves lantern atop Wayland Depot signal mast

WAYLAND — March 27, 2024 — Wayland Historic District Commission approves illuminated lantern atop Depot signal mast. The commission voted unanimously Wednesday to amend a 2022 certificate of appropriateness, authorizing "a black lantern reminiscent of a railroad lantern" with lumens "to mimic a kerosene lantern." Facilities Department staffer Steve Vitello, who retires in April, presented solar-insert, low-voltage LED and no-illumination options for the restored period lantern, donated by Wayland Historical Commission member Rick Conard and refurbished pro bono by Scott Sweeney of Yankee Lighting Workshop. Commissioner Alex Finlayson, who moved approval, urged a warm tone: "It's going to be yellow in color. It's going to be pretty dim." Temporary chair Margery F. Baston, Chair Greg Dale, Lynn Cohen and Finlayson voted yes; the commission also waived a public hearing, triggering a 10-day abutter objection window. The 2023 amendment had shortened the rot-damaged mast by 12 inches.