What's Up With Wayland Storage Facility Zoning? Find Out At Forum

WAYLAND, MA — One of the most anticipated votes coming up at spring Town Meeting will be to change zoning in the Cochituate area to make way for the construction of a storage facility.

To prepare for the vote, supporters of the project will host a public forum to answer questions on Tuesday. Two key parts of the project supporters want to relay: the project would be subject to strict aesthetic standards, and would be required to have space for a community arts and recreation center.

The goal is for that space to be the new home for Arts Wayland. The organization had to leave its space at Town Center in 2022 when the owner reclaimed it, leaving Arts Wayland without a base ever since. Arts Wayland has still been hosting events around town, including the upcoming Arts Wayland Expo on the town green, plus classes, performances and gallery shows at First Parish.

Article 27 at Town Meeting would only change zoning for a piece of property at 193 Commonwealth Road. Former state senator George Bachrach and SSG Development's Jerry Cohen would then seek approvals to construct the storage facility.

A group of Wayland residents supporting the zoning change — led by article petitioner and Economic Development Committee Chair Rebecca Stanizzi — have put together a website aiming to answer questions about the zoning change and the project.

The public forum begins Tuesday at 7 p.m. at St. Zepherin Parish Hall, 99 Main St.