Wayland economic panel hears Route 20 master plan back on track

WAYLAND — October 13, 2023 — Wayland's Route 20 master plan resumes after payment delay, with December forum and February finish line. Town Planner Robert Hummel told the Economic Development Committee on Oct. 13 that Beta Group is back at work and that a public forum is tentatively set for Dec. 5 or Dec. 12, though Chair Rebecca Stanizzi suggested January would draw better attendance. Hummel said the Planning Board is preparing parallel MBTA Communities articles ahead of a Jan. 15 deadline, including a mixed-use backup modeled on Newton, because the town "can't start with one and then substantially amend it later." Ron DeSimone of National Development said Chocolate Therapy opens this month and four to five Town Center vacancies remain, while Gaila Liana of Zurich said Elissa Avenue furniture funded by a state Shared Streets grant must be installed by year's end. Town Manager Michael McCall said the town is helping Liberty Pizza, displaced by a Main Street fire, secure a food truck site and permanent space. The committee approved July and September minutes 4-0.