Wayland panel hears Vinfen pitch for 212 Cochituate Road housing

WAYLAND — January 7, 2026 — Vinfen executives brief Wayland committee on group-home model for Cochituate Road parcel. Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Chines and Senior Vice President Joe Gomes told the 212 Cochituate Road Advisory Committee on Jan. 7 that the $320 million nonprofit operates roughly 200 group residences serving about 1,100 people and focuses new development on three state-funded populations: adults turning 22, those with acquired brain injuries, and emergency respite. Gomes warned the town's request for proposals must avoid specifying a disability, calling it a potential "discriminatory" minefield. Resident Heather Ryan, who has MS, urged the panel to "focus a bit" rather than try to serve every population. Member Gene Milburn's financial modeling points toward 36 to 40 residents as most sustainable; Bill Adams and Stephanie Lynch favor two smaller buildings of six to eight. The committee approved Dec. 8 and Dec. 17 minutes and adjourned at 8:50 p.m.