WALTHAM – Neighbors are unhappy over the size of a massive redevelopment project proposed for the corner of Main and Moody streets.
The project, by Newton-based Northland Investment Corp., would cover the block bounded by Moody, Main and Charles streets with three buildings, each six to seven stories tall. Four existing office buildings on the site would be demolished to make way for a mix of apartments and first-floor stores and restaurants.
Neighbors reached yesterday said the project could improve the downtown, if done on a smaller scale.
"It’s nice to have a good neighborhood," said Fred Kimberk, who owns the Cafe on the Common, across Main Street, "but to have a 1,000-pound gorilla for a neighbor is not good."
Northland has asked the City Council to create a new zoning district, called Business D, to allow for the project. The proposed zone change is set for a City Council public hearing Monday.
The change would allow bigger buildings than those outlined in the developer’s informal proposal. Northland said it will build six stories on Main Street, and seven stories on Charles, where the ground slopes down toward the river, but the new zone would allow 90-foot-high buildings seven stories tall, across the block.
An artist’s rendering of the project, presented to the council this week, shows a building that appears smaller than the actual structure would stand at 77-plus feet. The new building appears to be just slightly larger than a building across the street that, at three stories, would be half the new building’s height.
Reached yesterday, Northland attorney Robert E. Connors Jr. declined to comment. A Northland vice president did not return phone messages left yesterday.
Meanwhile, other downtown denizens said they fear the Northland project, as outlined, would block out neighbors’ light and air.
"We’re concerned about the height of the buildings blocking the light in our sanctuary," said Howard Cepelak, pastor of the Trinity Church. Formerly known as the First Congregational Church, it stands at the western border of Northland’s 4.5-acre property.
Cepelak called Northland’s proposal, designed to resemble the Mercantile Building that originally occupied the property, "a handsome collection of buildings." However, he fears they would block the sunlight that makes his church "beautiful" on Sunday mornings. Under the proposed zone change, a builder could push a 90-foot wall right up to the church’s property line.
Robert Lupo, who owns a piano store and an office and retail building across Main Street, echoed that fear.
"There’s no light," he said. "We need air and light."
Kimberk, Lupo and other neighborhood advocates urge Waltham residents to attend Monday’s public hearing on the zone change. The hearing takes place at 8 p.m. in the City Council chamber.
Galen Moore is a Daily News Tribune staff writer. He can be reached on 781-398-8004, or gmoore@cnc.com.
