More Delis Coming to Waltham?

A new proposal being studied by Waltham officials would more easily allow retail delis to come to Waltham.

The proposal, authored by City Councilors Robert Logan and Stephen Rourke, would, if approved, alter zoning regulations to specifically allow for delis in Business A, Business B, Business C, Commercial and industrial districts, according to Logan.

Currently, delis are not prohibited in Waltham. However, there is no specific zoning regulation to categorize them under, according to Logan. To get around that issue, city officials allow for delis, such as the location on Moody Street, to operate under a similar zoning category. 

If approved, new delis would not be required to seek a special permit and would be allowed by right, Logan said. If a proposed deli planned to make denser use of the space, they would need a special permit, according to the proposal language.

SUPPORT 

-Rourke said the measure would not place an additional burden on a business owner requiring them to get a special permit.

Downtown Waltham Partnership Director Charnan Bray said her organization fully supports the proposal. “This is just what we need to see in the downtown,” she said.

-Nobody spoke against the idea.

The matter was referred to the Ordiance & Rules Committee for a Dec. 16 meeting and to the Board of Survey & Planning for a Dec. 4 meeting.