Housing Partnership schedules December meeting on stalled solar compact bylaw

WAYLAND -- November 13, 2024, Wayland Housing Partnership sets Dec. 18 session on stalled solar compact proposal. Architect Wynn Lepkowski told the committee his medium-density, net-zero housing bylaw remains at an impasse with the Planning Board, which wants to amend the existing conservation cluster bylaw, unused in nearly five years, rather than create a new section. Grafting the concept onto current rules would be "completely unbuildable and unapproachable," Lepkowski said. Chair Mary M. Antes noted any spring warrant article must reach the Select Board by Jan. 25. Members also began drafting questions for Town Planner Annette Lewis and Planning Board member Robert Hummel on Wayland's accessory dwelling unit bylaw, which the state's Affordable Homes Act will override on Feb. 2, 2025, making ADUs up to 900 square feet allowed by right. Member Rachel Bratt said a 2019 town list identified roughly 80 apparent existing units, none on record as permitted.