Capital panel approves first FY27-31 report to town manager

WAYLAND -- January 14, 2026, Wayland's Capital Improvement Planning Committee unanimously approved its first FY2027-2031 report to the town manager. The 5-0 vote authorized Chair Kelly Lappin to finalize and submit a recommended FY27 capital program totaling roughly $53.4 million, including a $38.6 million MWRA/Happy Hollow well project and about $14.8 million in other departmental requests. Members left roughly $6.5 million in FY27 requests off the recommended list, including a $2.5 million Phase III high school stadium project and a town building improvements package, with most expected to "cascade" into FY28. Member Brian O'Herlihy criticized the absence of financial parameters from town staff, saying the committee has "been asking for and haven't received" them. Members also bumped an FY28 road improvement request from medium to high and added a $1 million FY30 placeholder for elementary school planning tied to a possible MSBA application. Vice-Chair Bradford Carver will review the final draft.