How Will MBTA Zoning Law Affect Wayland? Forum On Changes Coming

WAYLAND, MA — Wayland will do its part to adhere to a new state multifamily zoning law connected to MBTA stations at spring Town Meeting, but residents can get a preview of the plans this month at a public forum.

The MBTA law requires dozens of communities across the state that either have T stations or border communities with them to change zoning rules to allow for the construction of multifamily residential buildings. Wayland borders three communities with Commuter Rail stations: Framingham, Natick and Weston, and so is counted as an MBTA community.

Wayland's plan to comply with the law involves creating four zoning overlays (zones placed on top of existing ones) where multifamily developments will be allowed by right. The state law requires the zones have no age restrictions, allow buildings that would be suitable for children and families and have a gross density of 15 units per-acre.

The town's overlay districts include areas that already have multifamily buildings, including the River's Edge development and the Town Center area. All of the overlays are along or close to the Boston Post Road.

Town Meeting will vote on the proposed new bylaw formally creating the overlays in May. A public forum going into greater detail on the plan will happen April 24 at 7 p.m. at town hall, with a virtual option available.

The MBTA communities law has been controversial in some parts of the state. After Milton Town Meeting approved the town's new zoning changes, voters overturned them, sparking a showdown with state officials. Holden has also avoided complying with the law, and was sued for it.