A map showing the proposed Regional Mixed Use District on Arsenal Street.
The Town Council will be discussing proposed zoning changes that would create a Regional Mixed Use District (RMUD) in the area near the Arsenal Project, Watertown Mall and other parts of East Watertown. They will also take public comment.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chamber of Town Hall, 149 Main St. in Watertown.
The first draft of the proposal was submitted by BP Watertown LLC, which owns the former Arsenal Mall. The zoning would change the zoning from Industrial to mixed use, and allow retail, office and residential uses on those properties. It would also require larger projects – 2 acres or more – to go through a master plan process, rather than having each building approved one at a time.
Watertown’s Planning Department expanded the area of the RMUD. It started as just the area south of Arsenal Street, and now includes the properties where the Watertown Mall is located, plus sections of Elm Street and Coolidge Avenue. They also put in some amendments, including preventing development within 100 feet of Greenough Boulevard because of the proximity of the river. An exception is where current buildings are located.
On Nov. 9, the Planning Board gave its OK to the RMUD proposal and sent it to the Town Council to consider. At the meeting, residents expressed concern about the height of buildings – up to 79 feet – and the proximity to the river and Arsenal Park.
To see the version of the RMUD voted on by the Planning Board, which shows the changes to the zoning ordinance, click here. Copies of the proposal and the map are also available at the Planning Department, on the third floor of Town Hall.
Dear Town Council,
I am very concerned about the proposed changes to zoning currently called “RMUD”. Zoning is the only mechanism by which its residents can protect their interests. As a resident, I do not want developers to be the ones influencing change because it is unlikely that their desire to maximize profits will be consistent with my desire to preserve quality of life and property value. RMUD goes too far.
As Jonathan Bockian points out in his open letter to the Council, RMUD opens the door to unrestricted height. Tall buildings would not only impose on town aesthetics but the town budget as well because fire departments would be required to re-tool for them. I am sure there are many other secondary and tertiary consequences of under-restricted development.
Zoning is foundational to the shape of Watertown and changes to zoning will have long-lasting impact. It is critical that the residents have ample and repeated opportunities to understand, digest and influence proposed changes to the zone that protect their interests. Please continue to work with developers and hear their proposals but it is too soon to vote changes into place, especially now when the voted representation of the residents is about the change. Please do not vote on these proposed changes now.
Thank you for your continued service to the town and its residents and thank you for considering my opinion.
David Sprogis
20-year resident
36 Chester Street