To Our City Council and to our Watertown neighbors and community at large …
The Watertown Business Coalition (WBC) is writing to express our continued support for the Watertown Square Area Plan (WSAP) as well as the concept of improved centralized parking behind Main & Church Streets.
As an organization which serves businesses of many sizes, non-profits and the community at-large we are constantly thinking of ways to connect people and to advocate for pragmatic approaches which serve as many stakeholders as possible in our community.
The Watertown Square Area Plan has many goals, but paramount among them are characteristics and goals that “take back” a downtown that has seen regional planning shaping roads and corridors that are ours. Since the introduction of an Exit off the Mass Pike and the removal of the Green Line more than 50 years ago, our downtown began a slow progression towards becoming a “pass-through” versus being a destination.
A Vision for Revitalization
As we think about the parking questions in front of us, let’s review the goals of a “New” Watertown Square. We believe that for Watertown Square to truly thrive, it requires a holistic approach that integrates the following goals:
● Improved Traffic Flow & Logistics: Redesigning the intersection to reduce congestion and improve mobility.
● Enhanced Walkability: Expanding sidewalk space and improving pedestrian safety.
● Increased Green Space: Reclaiming roadway for the “Delta” and riverfront access.
● Strategic Housing Growth: Increase housing supply in and around the square to turn Watertown Square from a pass-through into a neighborhood with a captive audience.
● Vibrant Business District: Support legacy businesses … help encourage new tenants … create Small Spaces for Small Businesses.
In order to accommodate the goals above, especially walkability, open space and support for a vibrant business district — we do need to address HOW people will come to the Square to stay a while, instead of just passing through.
The Demonstration Project, which proposes a parking structure behind CVS/Bar Cino along with additional housing and retail, aligns with many of these goals. This may or may not end up being the suggested solution in the end – but it has begun a community discussion around balancing day-to-day life in Watertown with progress towards a future, revitalized Watertown Square.
3 Points of Support from the WBC
1 – We support the goals and outcomes of the Watertown Square Area Plan (WSAP) and “Taking Back” our downtown from regional traffic. This includes support for increased open space, enhanced walkability, improved traffic flow, additional housing and a revitalized business district.
2 – The WSAP Needs a Central Parking Plan. Currently the lot behind the CVS is the central parking plan. There is no other city-owned parcel in the square which is currently being identified as an alternative. Attracting and retaining businesses, convenience for consumers, and incentivizing visitors are all reasons we support a central parking plan.
The amount of parking available now in and around the Square does not seem to be enough to accommodate a rejuvenated City Center with an aim for more businesses and attractions.
3 – This is a Generational Opportunity to take a Bold but Balanced Approach. The status quo is not the answer for this parcel of land which was designed with the 1950’s in mind. As a community, we have one shot to attempt to accomplish something productive with this space. With that – there are many desires for this space from parking, to open space, to housing, to retail and more.
We cannot perfectly solve all of these ingredients, but we would support a version of a plan behind Church & Main Streets which balances improved parking & transportation, supports small businesses (before, during and after construction), creates green space and adds housing. All the while taking into consideration the needs of our community to use the Square during construction.
The current demonstration project as proposed may or may not be the answer but it does address what might be possible. We encourage all residents and stakeholders to be open minded and stay involved in the process — while considering that the Watertown Square Area Plan is about rebuilding a City Center for the next 50 years.
3 Items to Be Addressed:
1 -We Need Parking Data: How much parking do we need for a future Watertown Square?
It is not clear to us — or to anyone at the moment – how much parking is necessary for a revitalized version of Watertown Square. Our assumption would be that in order to accommodate & attract more restaurants and retail in the Square, you would need more parking than is currently available.
We need data to guide the process so we can really start to tackle the questions around a potential parking structure and how large it may be. It is hard to plan for anything else until we better understand this number.
2 – There Needs to be a Comprehensive Temporary Parking Plan During Any Form of Construction in this Area.
The public parking lot behind CVS is a vital asset for Main Street businesses. If the demonstration project does move ahead in some form, we ask that the City develop and communicate a robust temporary parking and logistics plan before construction begins to ensure employees, customers and deliveries can still access local shops and restaurants throughout the build phase.
3 – Strong and Transparent Communication from the City and Potential Partners & Contractors
Success depends on trust. We urge the City to maintain proactive, consistent communication with all abutters and stakeholders. The Mount Auburn Street construction project was an example of communication with residents and businesses which was not always strong in the outset, but has improved greatly with time. This should include visits to abutting businesses, incentives to get landlords involved, regular project updates and the continued utilization of the 311 service to address immediate community concerns.
The mere fact that we are talking about this as a community is a win. This is your chance to weigh in and think about not only how it impacts you, but how we can build a better Watertown Square.
We look forward to working alongside the City Council to ensure that the Watertown Square Area Plan creates a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving City Center.
Sincerely,
Watertown Business Coalition Leadership Team
15 Main Street #275
Watertown, MA 02472
info@watertownbusinesscoalition.com
www.watertownbusinesscoalition.com