The idea of a mixed use development with its easy access to public transportation is very desirable at this location. However, I believe that with a development this size, the negative affect will far outweigh the positive. I think the abutters are better able to talk about the negative affect it will have on their property. However, I will say that you don’t see buildings of this size in the downtown areas of our surrounding communities.
This development is at the intersection were most political campaigns do standouts because of the high traffic volume. Unless the goal is better visibility campaigning, bringing hundreds more cars into this intersection will only do more to discourage people from making Waltham a destination to shop or eat.
Time after time developers come before the council and ask for more than allowed by right. In the last few months virtually every neighborhood in the city has had a proposal before the council that will negatively affect it. We can start with the overlay district on Totten Pond Rd and go down one exit to the Green St. project. We can talk about the additional parking just granted to Childrens Hospital and the Lowes Store in the River St neighborhood. This proposed development is probably the worst of them all.
A development of this size at this location will be the beginning of the end of downtown Waltham as we know it. We have zoning ordinances for a reason. Yet developer after developer comes in looking for more. Were does it stop? When do we say no? The city council must become more concerned with the neighborhoods, than insuring that developers pocket an extra million on every project.
What we are selling out as we continue to overdevelop every piece of land in the city is quality of life. Once it’s gone we can never get it back.
What I ask the council to do is every time you vote for a special permit or zoning change, give the public a true cost analysis. Before you vote on this proposal I ask you to show how it will affect the city budget. Show the cost to the cities infrastructure. How will it affect the already overburdened sewer system. What effect will it have on traffic and parking. And the last question I would like answered is exactly how much the additional square footage that will be allowed if you pass this change, will reduce my property taxes. I’m guessing it will barely buy me a cup of coffee. I urge the members of the city council to save our city and vote no on the proposed zoning change.