Government

Neighbors Upset by Oakley Country Club Wall, Town to Look at Approval Process

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The wall that went up near Oakley and Arden roads. Neighbors are upset that it was built without informing them, and say it has caused flooding on some properties. A group of residents expressed their anger and frustration to the Town Council Tuesday night over a new wall constructed by Oakley Country Club near their homes, and that the Town allowed its construction. In December, a stand of about a dozen trees were removed from the edge of the Oakley Country Club property and a wall was erected near Oakley and Arden roads. The changes to the area have resulted in flooding of one neighbor’s property and increased water flow into others.

Around Town

Learn About What Goes on at the Commander’s Mansion on This Watertown Cable Show

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The latest episode of Inside Watertown featured Tammy McKenna, second from right, and Gina Nolan, from the Commander’s Mansion. Co-hosts John Airasian, left, and Charlie Breitrose spoke with them about all the events at the town-owned historic home. Find out about all the things that go on at Watertown’s own historic mansion on the latest episode of Inside Watertown. The Watertown Cable show highlights the town-owned Commander’s Mansion, located in the historic Watertown Arsenal. Co-hosts Charlie Breitrose and John Airasian welcomed Tammy McKenna and Gina Nolan, who run events at the home.

385 Pleasant Street

Developers of Pleasant Street Project Want to Change Plans

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A view of what Buildings F (left) and E would look like at 385 Pleasant St. after proposed changes to the plans. The developers of the mixed-use property at the corner of Pleasant Street and Rosedale Road, wants to reduce the height of one building, and move the residential units to another building. The project at 385 Pleasant Street includes four buildings along Pleasant Street heading toward Bridge Street, with three all-residential buildings and one with commercial on the bottom and housing units on top. A request has been submitted to the Planning Board to make changes to the plans that were approved in March 2018.

Government

New Treasurer/Collector Has Extensive Financial Management Background

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Jennifer G. Gonzalez has been appointed as Watertown’s next Treasurer/Collector by Town Manager Michael Driscoll. Gonzalez will officially take the position on April 22, 2019, according to Driscoll. She succeeds Nancy Heffernan, who passed away in February. “With Ms. Gonzalez’s extensive experience and educational background, she will be able to greatly assist the (Town) Administration by enhancing the Treasurer/Collector’s office delivery, serving on the municipal budget and capital budget teams, addressing overall Financial Management Recommendations and any Management Letter Recommendations, and developing additional finance initiatives related to the long-term goal of sound financial management and fiscal stability,” Driscoll said. Before coming to Watertown, Gonzalez served as the chief financial officer (CFO) at the University of Massachusetts Building Authority, where her responsibilities included management of the Commercial Paper Program, reconciliation of the Owner Controller Insurance Program, and support of the finance team’s day-to-day transaction activities.

Brian Munger

Watertown Native Brian Munger Returning to Perform His Music Live

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Brian Munger will return to his hometown in April to perform acoustic rock songs, both his own and covers. Brian Munger was born and raised in Watertown, and went on to be a musician who opened for some big name groups. He will be back in town to perform live on April 5, 2019. Munger always says,”I was born in the East but raised in West Watertown.”

One of eight children of Walter and Joyce Munger and graduate of Watertown High School’s class of 1974. Munger has held many careers but always performed music throughout New England through his life.

Around Town

Watertown Church Hosting Vacation Garden School This Summer

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A camper at the Vacation Garden School at Church of the Good Shepherd. The following information was provided by the Church of the Good Shepherd:

Vacation Garden School inspires children to claim their role as caretakers of water, soil, seed, animals, and harvest. Through hands-on learning, art and story, song and silence, children grow in wonder and skills. Vacation Garden School is offered by the Church of the Good Shepherd, 9 Russell Avenue, Watertown. Campers (ages 4-7) come from 9:00-11:30 a.m. Each one is paired with a junior counselor buddy, who accompanies them through the week, helping them stay safe, have fun and learn.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Threatens Officers, Driver Leaning on Horn Busted & Several Scams

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

March 11, 4:04 p.m.: Watertown Police went to a Summer Street home last week to serve a warrant and during the incident a man at the house made threats towards the three officers. The man had also been arrested in 2017 on a gun possession charge. When the officers went to the home on March 10 the man said, “You three officers have guns. If I had one right now, I’d be shooting.”