Town of Wayland, MA- Town Info

	05/13/06

Spring, 2003 Town Meeting Warrant Article Overview

In April, 2003, Town Meeting will consider three articles covering historic preservation-related initiatives offered by the Historical Commission directly or in conjunction with the Community Preservation Committee.

DEMOLITION OF SIGNIFICANT BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES

This article asks Town Meeting to approve a “demolition delay” bylaw, the purpose of which would be to protect Wayland’s historic and aesthetic qualities by encouraging owners to preserve, rehabilitate or restore structures whenever possible and by creating public review of proposed demolitions of significant structures. Important aspects of the bylaw include:

Applies to all buildings and structures at least 50 years old
Historical Commission must deem structure “preferably preserved” to initiate delay period
A 12 month demolition delay period can be applied
Delay can be waived or shortened if an accommodation is made with the owner or developer
This bylaw cannot prohibit demolition after the delay period has ended
Does not apply in cases of internal demolition only

Demolition delay bylaws are a popularly used planning and preservation measure and this bylaw responds to concerns of Wayland residents about maintaining the town’s aesthetic and historic character. Demolition delay bylaws exist in each of Wayland’s abutting towns and in scores of other Massachusetts communities.

Click Here for the Demolition Delay Home Page

Funding for Repair of the Town’s Historic Gravestones

Sponsored by the Community Preservation Committee, this article asks Town Meeting to approve funding for the repair of damaged and endangered gravestones in the Town’s cemeteries. Last year’s Town Meeting approved funding to study the extent of damage and ascertain requirements for amelioration. The article asks that up to $65,000 of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds be appropriated for this project. These funds have already been collected by the Town and are part of a CPA fund that, by law, can only be used for certain approved uses, including historic preservation. Upon approval at Town Meeting, the Historical Commission would commence repair work immediately.

Click Here for Gravestone Home Page

Planning Study to Create a Railroad Interpretive Site

This article, also sponsored by the Community Preservation Committee, asks Town Meeting to approve funding to commence a planning study that would consider ways to create a public site to showcase the historically significant railroad artifacts that exist in Wayland Center. Wayland possesses a unique collection of intact assets that reflect railroad activity in town that commenced in 1881 and ended in 1980. These artifacts sit at or near the railroad right-of-way that passes through Wayland Center, starting east of the intersection of Routes 27 and 126, including the 1881 freight house in the Library parking lot, and across the intersection, including the 1881 Wayland Depot, a National Register of Historic Places building. In addition, numerous partially obscured objects abound, including the engine house foundation, turntable pit, water tank foundations, and other foundations, signs and posts that have been identified in a preliminary archaeological survey. The article asks that up to $15,000 of CPA funds be appropriated for this project. Upon approval at Town Meeting, the Historical Commission expects consultant bidding to commence.

Click Here for the Railroad Home Page

This site was last updated on May 13, 2006.