Hello all, please see message from our Ward 7 Councillor, Kristine Mackin, below.
Dear Ward 7 Residents,
Over the past few months many of you have reached out to me with concerns about the increasing number of homes being rented out in your neighborhoods. To address your concerns I have scheduled two neighborhood meetings for this Fall. Both meetings will be attended by the mayor and the building inspector.
The primary purpose of these meetings is to discuss the issue, address your concerns, and answer any questions you have. I intend to come away with a plan to mitigate problems the rentals are causing in your day to day life. This meeting may also help city officials determine if clearer language is required in our zoning laws,and if enforcement is required.
The first meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Waltham Recreation Center (the old South Junior High), 510 Moody Street. This meeting will focus on the northern part of the Ward (Stowe Street area, Ravenswood, Cedarwood).
The second meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. at the same location. This meeting will address the concerns of the southern part of the Ward (South Street, Roberts, Angleside).
If you are unable to attend the meeting for your neighborhood you are welcome to attend the other meeting based on your availability.
THE CURRENT ZONING LAWS REGARDING RENTAL UNITS ARE LOCATED IN THIS LINK: https://ecode360.com/
THE CURRENT ENFORCEMENT OPTIONS ARE LISTED IN THIS LINK: https://ecode360.com/26938303 and the relevant segments are included in 7.43.
THE ZONING MAP IS AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK: https://www.city.waltham.ma.
Generally speaking, rentals to four or more non-related individuals are prohibited in Ward 7, while rentals to three or fewer unrelated people, or to a single family, are permitted. I am working with the mayor’s office and the building department on specific cases, which may be governed by additional state and federal law.
I have also created a form where you can report alleged zoning violations prior to the meetings, along with other concerns you may have related to rental units. (Please use this form to report concerns related to renting; do not use this form to report other types of zoning violations). You do not need to include your name if you wish to remain anonymous.
I always welcome you to contact me if you have specific questions about your situation. Call me at 781-786-8569 or e-mail [email protected].
I look forward to seeing you at one of these upcoming neighborhood meetings.
Kristine Mackin
