Wayland Conservation Commission orders peer reviews on three contested projects

WAYLAND — April 16, 2025 — Wayland Conservation Commission orders peer reviews on three projects, including a 49-tree clear-cut. The commission, meeting April 16 without Administrator Linda Hansen, unanimously authorized outside review of a riverfront redevelopment at 40 Loker St., a 21-tree removal at 11 Hearthstone Circle, and a stormwater and ADU plan at 46 Bent Ave., where builder Joe Dufina conceded 49 trees had been removed before any permit was issued. "If you'd come to us beforehand, more likely you wouldn't have been able to have done all of this," Chair Sean P. Fair told Dufina. At 40 Loker, Nicole Hayes of Goddard Consulting defended a plan adding 448 square feet of impervious surface within the riverfront area against 1,695 square feet of mitigation plantings; member Luke Legere called peer review "typical" and "routine." The commission also approved an invasive-plant amendment at Greenways and issued chapter 193 permits at 37 Orchard Lane and 47 Barney Hill Road.