Capasso Hospitality LLC located in Newton MA is requesting a rezoning in Waltham along the north-west corner of Prospect and Russell Streets from Residence B to Business B and from Business A to Business B. (Lots 105-11 Russell Street and 17 + 17-NX Prospect Street)

As residents, property owners and taxpayers, we want to maintain the residential character of Russell St (our neighborhood). We think the change in zoning to Business B (from Residence B) would be detrimental to the neighboring residents and the communal fabric of Waltham. Such a zoning change will open doors to higher density construction and more traffic congestion as consequence of its potential (extended) “right of use” as a Business B. As residents, taxpayers of Waltham, we insist that the City Council and Zoning Board NOT grant this request to change the current zoning and protect the neighborhood, by enforcing the current zoning.

What the developers are requesting is a “spot zoning” change. This proposed zone change does not serve a community need or benefit to the neighborhood residents. Rather, it is a request for the sole purposes of accommodating a specific business plan. We strongly believe that if this spot zoning change is approved, it will signal to other developers that they can expand their business footprint at the expense of local residents and compromising the quality of life for the residential communities, by annexation.

We advocate for a more forward thinking urban Waltham development plan that while friendly to business, does not turn its back on residents.

This petition will be sent to the people listed below who are involved with the decision making process. Their emails are included. You are encouraged to write to them individually as well as signing this petition. The more they hear from us residents, the more they will realize our level of commitment and concern. For more information, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/WalthamRezoningRequest (map)

This proposed rezoning is taking place in Ward 5, Precinct 2.

10 votes are required for zone change approval.

Ward 5 Councillor, Joseph P. LaCava - jlacava@city.waltham.ma.us

City Council Representatives:
President, Diane LeBlanc - dleblanc@city.waltham.ma.us
VP/W9, Robert Logan - councilw9@city.waltham.ma.us
at Large, Paul Brasco - Pbrasco@brascofuneralhome.com
at Large, Kathleen McMenimen - kbmc147@aol.com
at Large, Thomas M. Stanley - thomas.stanley@mahouse.gov
at Large, Randall LeBlanc - rleblanc@city.waltham.ma.us
at Large, Carlos Vidal - cvidal@city.waltham.ma.us
W1, Dan Romard - councilw1@city.waltham.ma.us
W2, Bill Fowler - wfowler@city.waltham.ma.us
W3, George Darcy - councilw3@city.waltham.ma.us
W4, John McLaughlin- jmclaughlin@city.waltham.ma.us
W6, Sharline Nabulime - sharline4waltham@gmail.com
W7, Kristine A. Mackin - kmackin@city.waltham.ma.us
W8, Cathyann Harris - charris@city.waltham.ma.us