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Waltham council asks Bentley University to brief city on Bentley Pond restoration and public access
Summary
The Waltham City Council on May 27 adopted a resolution asking Bentley University to brief the council on planned cleanup and restoration of Bentley Pond, including public-access and maintenance details.
The Waltham City Council on May 27 adopted a resolution asking Bentley University to appear before the council to provide an update on planned cleanup and restoration work at the pond on the university campus, including any proposed improvements to public access, landscaping, ongoing maintenance and reinstatement of prior features such as the walking trail, bridge and fountain.
The resolution was introduced by Councilor Randall J. LeBlanc, councilor at large, who told the council that Bentley is preparing maintenance on the pond and that timing is “key.” He said the pond once had a walking trail, fountain and footbridge and was a popular backdrop for prom and wedding photos; he asked the university to “come in and discuss with us” the restoration plans and any role the city might play. Councilor LeBlanc moved the resolution; it was referred to the Public Works and Public Safety committee for follow-up.
Councilor Kathleen B. McMenamin, councilor at large, cautioned that Massachusetts universities have zoning exemptions under the Dover Amendment and that the city typically relies on their “goodwill” and voluntary payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and on negotiated cooperation for amenities on campus. Councilor McMenamin said the council should use the Conservation Commission and the committee process to engage Bentley on restoring prior public-facing features and on maintenance coordination.
Councilor Anthony LaFosse and Councilor (first name not specified in the transcript) praised the initiative as an opportunity for improved town–gown relations. Councilor (Ward 1) asked that a Bentley representative also attend the next Public Works and Public Safety committee meeting to discuss the project and possible sidewalk paving on Forest Street.
No final commitments or city funding were made at the meeting; the council referred the resolution to committee and requested that Bentley provide a campus representative to present plans and timing.
The referral means the council will receive a formal update at a future committee meeting where councilors can question university representatives and city staff about access, conservation review and any cost-sharing for site work or sidewalk improvements.
