Around Town

Nationally Famous Pizzeria Coming to Watertown

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The sign outside the original Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in New Haven, Conn. Watertown residents will be able to get pizza from one of the most famous pizzerias in the nation when it opens at the new Arsenal Yards project. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana recently signed a lease to open at the new development on the site of the former Arsenal Mall, according to Andrew Copelotti, project manager for developer Boylston Properties. Frank Pepe’s was founded in New Haven, Conn., in 1925 by Frank Pepe, who emigrated from Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The pizzeria is considered by some to make the best pizza in the United States, including being ranked No.

Around Town

Oakley Country Club Responds to Criticism of New Wall, Drainage Project

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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 project that erected a wall at the back of Oakley Country Club, and facing a nearby roadway, has drawn criticism from neighbors for pouring water into the area after storms. Oakley Country Club officials said that the project, when complete, will actually remove most of the runoff from that part of the golf course. Jack Bartley, president of Oakley Country Club, said he believes the project will benefit the neighbors, but added that the club could have handled the project better. “We are committed to work with neighbors,” Bartley said.

Around Town

Residents Wanted for Teens for Trees Summer Program

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A group advocating for the care of street trees in Watertown seeks teens to take part in a summer program. The program director of Teens for Trees, David Meshoulam provided the following information:

We’re looking forward to an exciting TFW Teens for Trees program this summer.  In this third year of the program, we’ll be hiring 6 to 10 Watertown youth to learn about and advocate for the health of our community and its trees. Know a teen who may be interested? They can find out more and apply at our website: https://tfwteensfortrees.org/t4t2019/

Got program questions?

Around Town

Items from Watertown’s Former Museum of Magic to be Sold at Auction

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The sign at the former Magic Art Studio on Spring Street in Watertown. A small museum of memorabilia, books and other items related to magic and magicians was located for years in a storefront on Spring Street in Watertown. This month, items from the Mini-Museum of Art will be sold at auction. The Magic Art Studio, run by Ray Goulet, has closed and items will be sold at an auction in Chicago, but bids can also be submitted online or by phone, according to the Potter & Potter Auctions website. “The sale features the collection of Ray Goulet, a beloved collector, publisher, producer, performer, and friend to all magicians,” according to a story on Finebooksmagazine.com.

Government

Roadwork Project Will Impact Multiple East End Streets

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A road work project that will impact multiple streets in the East End begins this week, Department of Public Works officials announced. The project includes installation of the “final asphalt wearing surface” on Edgecliff Road, Woodleigh Road, Westland Road and Templeton Parkway. According to the DPW announcement, work will begin on Wednesday, April 17, weather permitting. “The area will be closed to motor vehicle traffic during the paving process,” the announcement states. “Please park your motor vehicles out of the construction area on the intersecting side streets if necessary.”

Government

OP-ED: Sen. Brownsberger’s Update on Proposed MBTA Bus Changes

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The following piece was provided by State Sen. Will Brownsberger, who represents Watertown, Belmont and parts of Boston. The MBTA has been listening carefully to public feedback about the 47 cost-neutral bus route changes that service planners are proposing across the region. At their meeting on April 8, the MBTA’s board offered a “sense of the board” supporting 36 of the proposals. Board members deferred final approval to give themselves time to review in full detail the equity analysis for the whole package. When final approval is provided, as appears likely, the package will be the most significant set of route changes in memory.

Around Town

Former Watertown Police Chief Honored for Work After Marathon Bombings

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Former Watertown Police Chief Edward Deveau received an award for his work after the Boston Marathon Bombings. Here he spoke with the Town Council. Former Watertown Police Chief Edward Deveau received an award from the Heather Abbott Foundation for his work after the Boston Marathon Bombings in 2013. Deveau received the Helping Hand award at a banquet on Sunday hosted by the foundation. The award is presented “to somebody who has made a big impact on the foundation.”

The Heather Abbott Foundation helps provide customized prostheses to those who have suffered limb loss through traumatic circumstances, according to its website.