Wayland EDC advances pickup-window zoning article to Planning Board

WAYLAND -- December 13, 2024, Wayland EDC advances pickup-window zoning for Route 20 to Planning Board. The Economic Development Committee voted unanimously Friday to send a redrafted overlay article that would allow restaurant pre-order pickup windows as an accessory use for fast-casual restaurants and coffee shops with dining rooms of at least 600 square feet, while explicitly barring fast-food restaurants in the district. Chair Rebecca M. Stanizzi and Town Planner Robert Hummel walked members through definitions clarifying that the window "is not to be used for placing, paying for, idling or waiting for orders." A town-wide survey drew more than 1,500 responses; 92 percent backed some or all fast-casual uses, while only 11.5 percent supported unrestricted fast food. Stanizzi also flagged a $250,000 town budget ask to unlock 75 percent state funding for Route 20 sidewalk design, and $100,000 in a state bond bill for continued master planning. The Planning Board takes up the draft Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ahead of a Jan. 7 public hearing.