Community Corner
What Waltham Residents Want To See Open In 2019
We were curious what you thought the city was missing, so we asked. Here's what folks answered.
WALTHAM, MA — There are plenty of empty storefronts around the city so in the spirit of dreaming of a 2019 where we get all that we wish for, we asked Waltham residents on Facebook what they might like to see fill those spots - or heck, come to the city this year at all.
Within the hour dozens of folks responded. Within four hours more than 50 people had weighed in, wishing for everything from a Trader Joe's to a restaurant that features hot pot.
But the most "liked" suggestion came from Kathleen Marie who said it would be nice to bring some things to do back to the city.
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"An affordable place for kids, like we had growing up...like the wal-lex bowling alley/arcade roller skating rink/mini golf. Give the kids something to do instead of more places to vandalize come spring. Forget more shopping and shoplifting. Fattening up America. We have enough junk food shops and stops. Bring some “fun” back to Waltham!" she wrote. Others cheered that on, and added laser tag.
Trader Joe's and a drive through Dunkin' were the next most popular suggestions along with Beth Santo's (ahem) "an affordable place to live."
Find out what's happening in Walthamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
(Pro tip: If you're one of the folks interested in bringing Trader Joe's to town here's how to request that.)
A couple people suggested bringing a recreational marijuana retail shop to town, noting the tax revenues from a pot dispensary or grow operation could be used to offset increasing taxes from the new high school, fire station and police headquarters.
Other popular suggestions? Apparently there are a lot of crafty folks in the city.
"A well-placed, well stocked craft supply store," said Priscilla Lopez Pullano to many likes.
"I vote for the old prospect hill ski slope back," Heidi Hirsch Visocchi said. "Something the city should consider."
Other suggestions that made the list?
Macy's, Sweetgreen, Kohls, Target, Taco Bell, Walmart, Mary Lou's, Scoop N Scootery, a seafood restaurant, an ATV track, BBQ, an Italian Bakery, Cafe Nero, Christmas Tree, a Bed Bath & Beyond, Whole Foods, more outdoor cafe spots, Hot Pot, Fro Yo and Arby's.
There was also a suggestion that sparked an idea for Cafe on The Common to stay open a bit later.
See the rest or add your own idea here:
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Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff
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