Wayland Select Board deadlocks 2-2-1 on self-storage rezoning petition

WAYLAND — March 18, 2024 — Wayland Select Board deadlocks 2-2-1 on controversial self-storage rezoning. The board failed to issue a recommendation on Article KK, a citizen petition to rezone 193 Commonwealth Road for a 96,000-square-foot facility, after one member abstained on grounds the board should take "no position" on a non-town article. Tom Fay made the motion to recommend approval, calling self-storage "a quiet unassuming use"; Carol Martin opposed, citing maintenance costs and the bylaw's failure to name Arts Wayland as the recipient of 3,500 square feet of community space. The Planning Board and Finance Committee have already voted against the article, and town counsel warned of a likely "spot zoning" red flag from the attorney general. The board separately approved up to $12,000 for the Wayland Multicultural Festival — down from $16,000 last year — and unanimously directed American Rescue Plan Act funds to cover full-day kindergarten after the School Committee removed the line from its budget.