Wayland economic committee logs 1,000 survey responses, eyes $200,000 in state earmarks

WAYLAND -- November 22, 2024, Wayland economic committee banks 1,000 survey responses and $200,000 in state earmarks. Chair Rebecca Stanizzi told the Economic Development Committee on Friday that the governor's newly signed economic development bond bill includes $100,000 for further Route 20 master plan work and $100,000 toward a part-time economic development staff position, which the committee is asking the state to spread across two fiscal years at roughly $50,000 each. Karen Kelly reported the committee's resident survey on Route 20 and town center uses cleared its 750-response benchmark in 48 hours, passing 1,000 entries and giving the group what she called data with "teeth." Members also weighed a splash pad and playground for Town Center, funded in part through tenant common-area charges, and resident Jean Milburn pressed the committee to overhaul Wayland's now-preempted accessory dwelling unit bylaw. Route 20 sidewalk design is now pegged near $800,000.