Wayland Select Board defers Giacomo's liquor license transfer to June 24

WAYLAND -- May 20, 2024, Wayland Select Board defers Giacomo's liquor transfer, welcomes returning member Doug Levine. The board voted 3-0 to continue a public hearing on the transfer of the all-alcoholic beverages license at Giacomo's, 14 Alyssa Ave., from Testa Restaurant Group LLC to JG Asset Group LLC until June 24 at the applicant's request. Chair Carol B. Martin swore in Levine, who previously served from 2017 to 2020. Resident Iris Hoxha pressed the board to cut spending before pursuing an override, citing a $100,000 library RFID system and a $130,000 Ford F-350 in the capital budget: "I really question whether the capital budget is really prioritized." Town Manager Michael McCall said staff working groups have prepared pro forma figures for FY26 and FY27 and "don't believe that we're going to encounter an override in FY26." The board also approved a nine-item consent calendar 3-0, including a finalized equity audit contract with the Center for Strategic Diversity Leadership and Change, led by Dr. Damon Williams.