Wayland EDC backs exploring purchase of downtown accountants' building

WAYLAND — June 13, 2025 — Wayland EDC urges town to pursue 14 West Plain at $283 per square foot. Chair Rebecca M. Stanizzi told the committee Friday that the 5,000-square-foot accountants' building, on the market for the first time in 27 years, could be acquired for roughly $1.5 million — a fraction of the $700-to-$1,000-per-square-foot cost to build, and well under the $11 million the town just spent on 11,000 square feet at the community center. Select Board member Tom Fay said his board reached consensus the property was "definitely worth exploring" and that Town Administrator Michael McCall will study departmental space needs. Sellers want an indication by month's end and would lease back the upper floor. Member David Villari urged a Phase II environmental study given the abutting former gas station. The committee also clashed with Town Planner Robert Hummel over whether the Route 20 master plan is "done."