Brookline Bank Coming to Waltham

Remember the hints of a new bank coming to Waltham? Well, that bank will be a branch of Brookline Bank. 

Project officials on Monday, April 23 revealed that the Brookline-based company would be opening a branch at the intersection. The original proposal to develop the site was made months ago, but the developer, 8 Newton St. LLC, revealed on Monday which bank would occupy the site.

The issue was referred to the Ordinance and Rules Committee for further discussion, a standard move for special permit requests. If approved, it would be the company's first Waltham location.

Project officials revealed more details of the proposed development during a public hearing on their special permit request to have a drive-thru window at the site.

• The site will feature lighting that points directly at the ground and will not spill over into nearby residential neighborhoods, according to attorney Robert Connors, who represents the development company.
• The bank building will feature brick and veneer shingles and look like a dwelling, according to Connors. “It’s something that really ties into the area,” Connors said.
• The building will be set 90 feet back from the sidewalk and the developer plans to donate a small lane to the city.
• Twelve employees would work at the branch, Connors said.
• A fence would sit on the east and south sides of the site.
• Traffic: The developer wants to allow customers to exit left onto Newton Street and would eliminate the right-turn only restriction and let customers turn either way onto Main Street, according to Connors.

Support/Concerns for the Project

• Townsend Street resident Connie Stubbs said she supports the bank project partly because the developer has kept abutters apprised of the proposal. “It’s a handsomely designed building,” Stubbs said. “I think there is a lot of neighborhood support for this.”
• , whose ward encompasses the site, suggested having an alarm to alert people to cars leaving the lot.