Stanley Calls for Blue Ribbon Committee on Waltham Zoning Overhaul

City Council Resolution

Whereas, The City of Waltham has initiated some important steps to undertake a comprehensive zoning rewrite for the first time in decades.

Whereas, The City of Waltham is hiring a consultant to complete an extensive zoning review of existing condition, public outreach and engagement process, review of best practices in other Massachusetts communities, and draft a revised zoning ordinance for the City of Waltham.

Whereas, there have been numerous complaints from the business community with regard to the outdated, cumbersome and inefficient zoning code in the City of Waltham, and the negative impact that such zoning and related processes have on the City’s economic condition.

Whereas, zoning changes established without adequate business or practitioner input could have certain unintended negative impacts on the City of Waltham and the local economy.

Whereas, the City Council needs to better understand how any and all potential zoning changes will impact business and the local economy, and how to enact local zoning ordinances that will maximize the full potential of the City’s character and economic condition.

Therefore be it Resolved that the City Council hereby establishes a Blue Ribbon Committee representative of businesses, land use lawyers, real estate and construction practitioners, the Chair of the Zoning and Ordinance Committee, and the Chair of the Economic Development Committee, to serve as a resource to the chosen zoning consultant, and to advise the consultant and ultimately the full Council on the potential impact of recommended zoning changes.

Sincerely,

Thomas M. StanleyCouncillor-at-LargeChair, Economic & Community Development Committee