Wayland extends turf moratorium and adopts MBTA zoning at town meeting

WAYLAND -- May 14, 2024, Wayland extends turf moratorium and adopts MBTA zoning on night two of town meeting. Voters at the May 14 Annual Town Meeting, presided over by Moderator Miranda Jones, approved a three-year extension of the synthetic turf moratorium, 235 to a smaller minority, after petitioner Paul Dale asked, "Why risk our kids' health if they can play on natural grass fields instead?" Planning Board Chair Annette Lewis's 50-acre multifamily overlay bylaw passed on a simple majority after a referral motion from Colts Way resident Bill Steinberg failed 108-247. A citizens' petition from Karen Kelly to rezone a Cochituate parcel for self-storage collapsed after voters rejected a study referral 108-211. Community Preservation Act articles passed for $400,000 in open space work and $450,000 for the Cochituate ball fields and community pool. Voters rejected an Athletic Fields Planning Committee 45-96 after Town Manager Michael McCall warned of "unnecessary duplication" with a new capital planning group.