Stop standing in the way of progress

To the editor,

The recent decision by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to reject the development at 455 Totten Pond Road is a disappointing, yet familiar, step backward for our city. Once again, the board has chosen to stall progress on multifamily housing, seemingly favoring a status quo that only accommodates higher-end developments while pushing away projects that include significant affordable housing.

As someone who has lived in Waltham since 2015 — first as a renter and now as a homeowner—I have seen firsthand how much this city has to offer. As someone who transitioned from renting to owning here, I worry that without more diverse housing options, that same path will be closed to the next generation of residents who are already struggling to find affordable housing.

The argument that our infrastructure cannot handle this growth is a tired one. This project was proposed for a commercial zone, not a quiet residential area. If we cannot build dense housing that includes affordable units in a district already designed for high-volume use, then where in Waltham is acceptable?

Waltham is going to continue to grow whether we like it or not. We can either get ahead of this growth by supporting smart developments that offer 25% affordability, or we can remain stagnant and fall behind our neighboring cities. By rejecting these opportunities, the ZBA is blocking the path to a more vibrant, inclusive and economically strong community. It is time we stop standing in the way of the progress that will define Waltham’s future.

Sincerely,
Brad Onken
Cedarwood