Wayland Finance Committee defers Cochituate self-storage zoning recommendation

WAYLAND — April 1, 2024 — Wayland Finance Committee defers self-storage rezoning amid unanimous opposition from residents and Planning Board. The committee voted 4-2 Monday to hold its recommendation on Article KK, a citizens' petition allowing retail self-storage in Cochituate's Business B subdistrict, after the Planning Board chair said her board would again recommend rejection on the revised language. Six abutters and village business owners spoke against the proposal, with property owner Joseph Strisula calling it "zoning for dollars" and resident Mike Lowry warning the chance of "a two-thirds vote at town meeting are remote at best." Member Brian Harley argued unsuccessfully to vote no immediately rather than defer. The committee unanimously deferred companion Article NN, approved a vehicle-disposal article 6-0, and accepted Steve Correa's resignation as co-chair, leaving Pam Romine as sole chair. A $65,000 Children's Way shortfall was closed with retroactive indirect reimbursements.