From the moment the first beam settles into place, I can’t help but wonder what type of destination the work in progress will become and how much fun my friends and I will have there. In the lovely town of Wayland however, my high hopes are always dashed – unless my hope is that our town holds the suburban record for highest density of banks.

The construction of banks represents missed opportunity. After all, what good is withdrawing money if you have nowhere to spend it?

Well, at least I can drown my sorrows in a mouth-watering breakfast from Finagle-A-Bagel.

Oh, wait.

From the minute our beloved community bagel shop closed its doors, I was sure that the only way to stop these banks would be to camp out on Cochituate Field with my tent and portable sink. But suddenly, as all seemed lost, the Town Center project renewed my hope.

A few years back, when the controversy of to build or not to build was at its height, I can’t say that I was too interested as a dedicated Wayland Middle School student. Now, having graduated from the tweenage to the teenage years, I am relieved that the project went through.

Stop & Shop has signed a twenty year lease with the lot, which will make running errands a lot more convenient. More importantly, there is 170,000 square feet of retail space – think of all the clothing racks that can fill that amount of space!

What I’m most excited for, though, is the green. The possibilities for events are endless: we can build an ice rink, host town wide parties, fundraisers and even outdoor concerts.

Sorry banks, but money can’t buy my love. The town center, on the other hand, can bring us community.