Waltham Prepares To Take Parking Lot By Eminent Domain For $1.4M

WALTHAM, MA — The city is preparing to take a parking lot between the Boys & Girls Club and the library by eminent domain.

The city council approved on Monday spending just under $1.4 million on a parking lot across the street from the Waltham Boys & Girls Club.

Mayor Jeannette McCarthy is proposing to take the lot by eminent domain to keep as a municipal parking lot. Although there is a municipal garage within walking distance, the library and the Boys & Girls Club share street parking.

The council unanimously approved the mayor’s funding request for $1,396,000, but referred her friendly taking order to the committee of the whole.

The 12,000 square foot property that fits about 40 parking spaces was listed for $1.4 million in February, according to Realtor.com, which mentioned that condominiums, singles, two families, commercial bays with offices above are allowed by right in that space.

City Councilor Sean Durkee said he expects the city council will approve the final "friendly" taking of the land later this month.

"The area around the library is in desperate need of additional parking," he said in a message. "It is a testament to the great work the library is doing and will relieve a lot of stress for residents in the neighborhood and city alike."