Summary

Council advances housing and city investments

WalthamApr 13, 20262 min read

At a glance

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The Council approved a $35,000 fire-safety equipment grant, $55,000 for continuing the comprehensive zoning update, and several other appropriations, while continuing the affordable housing zoning hearing to May 26, 2026.

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Community Development

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City Council

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Budget & TaxPublic SafetyCommerceHousingUtilities

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What this means

The Council approved funding for fire equipment, disability services, police medical services, emergency communications, community development, and zoning work. It also advanced a $10.536 million loan authorization for design and project-management services for a new police station to a first reading, then tabled it for later Council consideration. The proposed affordable housing zoning changes were discussed but not decided; the hearing will continue on May 26, 2026.

Key decisions

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Approved acceptance of a $35,000 grant for Waltham Fire Department fire-safety equipment.
Approved a $55,000 appropriation to continue comprehensive zoning ordinance and map update services.
Approved the Year 52 Community Development Block Grant Program.
Approved a $3,500 telecommunicator emergency response grant.
Approved a $35,339.91 appropriation for the Disability Services Commission.
Approved a $50,000 appropriation for Police Department medical services.
Approved a grant of location at 195 Bear Hill Road for Eversource.
Approved time extensions for special permits at 1432 Main Street and 850, 910, 920-940 Winter Street.
Approved the first reading of a $10,536,466 loan authorization for owner’s project management and design services for a new police station at 155 Lexington Street, then tabled the matter.
Continued the affordable housing zoning amendment public hearing to May 26, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Referred proposed funding for a $44,950 parking-lot paving project, $20,000 in Housing Department expenses, a $1,450,000 high-voltage substation loan authorization, library renovation costs, and a HOME project restrictive covenant to Council committees.

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