Planning Board approves scenic tree removals, narrows MBTA zoning parcels

WAYLAND — October 10, 2023 — Wayland Planning Board approves scenic tree removals and narrows MBTA Communities zoning shortlist. Meeting jointly with the Board of Public Works on Oct. 10, both boards voted 5-0 to remove roughly 20 trees identified by town arborist William Joseph along scenic roads, including a 30-inch oak at 44 Rice Road. BPW Chair George Uvegis ran the hearing. Planning Board Chair Annette Lewis then walked members through a compressed MBTA Communities timeline — a final draft bylaw by Oct. 31, public forums through December, and a Jan. 15 warrant deadline — and the board agreed to ask consultant Judy Barrett to analyze a short list of candidate parcels totaling 25 acres at 15 units per acre, including an expanded Town Center, the Boston Post Road limited-commercial area, Traditions and the Holiday Road/Orchard Lane town parcel. The board also signaled openness to a separate zoning amendment allowing retail self-storage at 193 Commonwealth Road if it includes 2,500 to 3,500 square feet of rent-free space for Arts Wayland, after residents Robyn Gray and Chris Reynolds spoke in support.