Planning Board recommends against Route 20 pickup-window zoning article

WAYLAND -- February 18, 2025, Wayland Planning Board recommends against Route 20 pickup-window overlay in 3-2 vote. The Feb. 18 split sends the article, proposed by the Economic Development Committee, with Select Board sponsorship and ZBA co-sponsorship expected, to May town meeting with a negative recommendation. Members Anette Lewis, Robin Borgestedt and Ira Montague voted no; Chair Jennifer Steel and Larry Kiernan voted yes. The article would create a narrow overlay along Route 20 allowing up to two pre-order pickup windows, at least 300 feet apart, by ZBA special permit, with a 600-square-foot minimum interior dining area. Borgestedt called the draft definitions "too soft, too squidgy," noting model town Sturbridge has a McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's and Dunkin'. The board unanimously backed companion ADU and FEMA-floodplain housekeeping articles. Warrant drop date is Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.