Wayland economic panel races St. Anne's 40B clock as new town manager debuts

WAYLAND — April 14, 2023 — New Wayland town manager debuts as committee tracks May 17 safe-harbor deadline. Michael McCall, formerly assistant town manager in Chelmsford and a veteran of Southbridge development work, introduced himself Friday to the Economic Development Committee, telling Chair Becky Stanizzi he is "always happy to help out." Town Planner Robert Hummel said St. Anne's filed its 40B project eligibility letter with DHCD in early February and the state's response is expected imminently, leaving little time for a Zoning Board of Appeals hearing before the safe-harbor cutoff. A competing 172-unit "friendly 40B" pitched by Mill Creek for the former Whole Foods plaza was presented unchanged, members said, despite concerns about 32,000 gallons of projected wastewater and no ground-floor retail. The committee also advanced plans for a June pop-up beer garden at Town Center and confirmed a rumored Dunkin' deal on the former Bank of America site, where the franchisee has been told no drive-through is allowed.