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.