WATCH to demonstrate size and height of proposed building

The Waltham Alliance to Create Housing is proposing a 28 to 32 unit affordable housing complex at 462-472 Main Street.

By Kathryn Eident
Globe Correspondent

The Waltham Alliance to Create Housing will be using chalk and balloons to illustrate the dimensions of a proposed affordable housing complex this Sunday May 31st from 2 to 4 p.m.

The group will illustrate the proposed building’s size and height by drawing an outline on the site and by floating balloons at the building’s proposed three-storey height.

The on-site demonstration is part of an informational event for neighbors and residents interested in learning more about the project, said Steve Laferriere, housing development director for the alliance.

“It’s a good opportunity to come out, meet your neighbors, have a good time and get a sense of what will be there,” he said.

The proposed building, sited on the lot of the former Sal’s Restaurant at 462-472 Main Street, would contain between 28 and 32 rental apartments for low income families. The project is estimated to cost about $10.5 million, and would utilize funds from various sources, including the city, Laferriere said.

The group originally designed a mixed-use building with both apartments and commercial space, but reworked the plans after city officials and residents voiced concerns about the size of the building and potential traffic impacts, he said.

The new plan eliminates the commercial space and reduces the number of apartments from 34 to 32. It also includes changes to the building’s roofline and setback from the street. The final plan may reduce the number of apartments to 28, and will include on-site parking and open space, Laferriere said.

Families making below 60 percent of the median area income—or $51,480 for a family of four—would be eligible to live in the complex.

The alliance currently has a purchase and sale agreement on the lot and will be presenting a formal proposal to the city in the coming months, he said.

Waltham Alliance to Create Housing
Proposed affordable housing development informational session
Sunday, May 31st
2 to 4 p.m.
462 Main Street, Waltham
Rain or shine, refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Steve Laferriere at (781) 891-6689 ext. 204
Or visit, watchcdc.org