Historical Commission tightens house plaque age rule to 75 years

WAYLAND -- October 8, 2025, Wayland Historical Commission tightens plaque rule and prepares to end cemetery contract. The commission voted unanimously Wednesday to require that buildings be at least 75 years old to qualify for a historic house plaque, replacing what member Sherry Anne Bryant called the unflattering "advanced age" standard. Chair Bradford Carver said vendor Epic has told the town that inflation has put its cemetery restoration work "at a loss" and that the contract, funded through the Community Preservation Act, likely must end. Carver reported the contractor is 69 percent complete on priority-one stones but just 11 of 170 priority-two stones, or roughly 0.06 percent, and 36 percent of 639 priority-three cleanings. Member R. Richard Conard said the town could withhold the latest payment if Epic is in breach, but the commission deferred action pending advice from town staff.