Bank Proposed For Waltham Lot

Ever drive by the corner of Newton and Main Streets and wonder what will eventually fill that vacant lot?

Turns out a bank is planning to open a retail branch at the site, where Sal’s Pizza stood before it burned down four years ago.

While officials cannot yet reveal which  will be located there, Attorney Bob Connors, who represents the landowners, 8 Newton St. LLC, told Waltham Patch last week that the project is progressing. The bank, however, will be a local one and not a large chain bank.

The company is seeking a special permit from the city’s planning board that would allow for two new driveways, an entrance and exit, on Main Street, according to Connors. They also plan to seek a special permit from the City Council to allow for a drive-thru window proposed for the site, Connors said.

The bank will fit in nicely to the neighborhood, according to Connors. The building will feature clapboard and brick exteriors as well as a clock tower at its peak, in line with the city’s history of manufacturing watches, Connors said.

“It’s made to really kind of blend into the area,” he said.

Click on the photo box to the right to view a PDF drawing of what the site will look like.

City Councilor Gary Marchese who represents constituents that would live near the bank, said they are pleased with the idea so far.

“We’re excited to be honest, residents are happy with project so far,” he said.

Both Connors and Marchese said the bank would fit nicely into an area that is partly commercial and partly residential.

“It’s definitely going to be an improvement,” Marchese said. 

Connors said that traffic would be lighter on some days since banks typically are closed during the late afternoon and on Sunday.

Connors said he anticipates the permitting process to be finish by the end of spring, but did not say when construction would start or finish.