30 Elm Street

Proposed Self Storage, R&D Building on Elm St. Pleases Planning Board

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The latest proposal for the property at 30 Elm Street — which would create a self-storage facility with space for biotech and a community space —  pleased members of the Planning Board, who recommended that the Zoning Board give it final approval. Developers seek to put up the four-story, 49-foot tall building on the property behind Target which used to be the Atlantic Battery Co. Previously there was a proposal to build a five-story hotel, but it was rejected by the Zoning Board in 2015. While the majority of the building would be devoted to self storage, the front of the building would feature space for a research and development company and space for a community use, such as the Hatch maker space, said attorney Bill York, who represented 30 Elm Street Partners LLC. Architect Hans Strauch from HDS Architecture said designers wanted to make the building attractive.

Police/Fire

Driver Pulled Over for Texting Gets Busted Drug Possession, Dealing

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A Waltham man is paying a big price for texting while driving. When he was pulled over in Watertown, police discovered drugs, cash and items used by drug dealers. On Aug. 9, at 7:38 p.m., a police officer spotted a driver run a stop sign on Bridge Street near Bemis Park, and noticed the driver was texting while driving. After pulling the vehicle over, Police spoke to the driver — later identified as Andrew Lam of Waltham — and discovered he did not have a driver’s license, and he also was holding a small zip lock bag containing a white powder.

Around Town

With Renovation of Arsenal Mall Old Boston Garden Scoreboard Needs a New Home

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The owner of the former Boston Garden scoreboard needs a new home for the large historic item that used to hang in the Arsenal Mall. With the mall undergoing renovation, the scoreboard’s spot in the mall is no longer available. Ted Tye, a managing partner with National Development, purchased the scoreboard used when Boston sporting Bobby Orr, Larry Bird, and many others played on Causeway Street, was in danger of being desgtroyed. Tye told WHDH Channel 7 that he hopes to find a new home for the scoreboard used in Boston Garden until it closed in 1995. The Garden was demolished in 1998. Tye said he would like to keep in in New England.

Entertainment

New Entertainment, Food and Drink Offerings Coming to 2018 Faire on the Square

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Visitors of this year’s Faire on the Square will see some changes, including new rides, entertainers, food truck and — organizers hope — beer and wine. The 2018 Faire is the 20th annual Town celebration. It will be held on Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will once again take place around Town Hall. In an effort to liven the event, organizers have brought in some new elements.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Loses Temper, Job & Gets Arrested; Cone Under Car Gives Away Drunk Driver

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrest
July 30, 12:16 p.m.: An employee of Newlywed Foods on Grove Street got upset when he was told that he would have to change shifts. During the meeting with human resources when he was told the news, the man became upset, raised his voice and continued to yell at the company officials. The officials decided to fire the man, who got more upset. He threatened to harm an employee and to damage the building.

Real Estate

Half a Dozen Home Sales in Watertown This Week

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These six Watertown homes sold this week. $355,000 – 11 Ladd St. Unit 1, 3 room, 1 bedroom, 1 full bathroom, 2/3 Family condo/townhouse

$499,000 – 381 School St. Unit 1, 5 room, 2 bedroom, 1 full bathroom, 2/3 Family condo/townhouse

$630,000 – 504 Main St. Unit 1, 6 room, 2 bedroom, 2 full bathroom, 2/3 Family condo/townhouse

Sponsored by:

$605,000 – 29 Union St.

Elections

Deadline to Register to Vote in State Primary Approaching Fast

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Massachusetts voters will cast their ballots in the 2018 State Primary on Sept. 4, but to be able to vote you must be registered by Wednesday, Aug. 15. You can register on the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s website (click here) or in person at Town Clerk’s office in Watertown Town Hall, 149 Main St., Watertown. The Clerk’s office will be  open on Wednesday, Aug.

Development

Arsenal Yards Developers Seek Biotech Tenants, Planning Board Wants More Details

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The latest plans by developers of Arsenal Yards to add biotech research and development space to the multi-use development have been put on hold by the Planning Board. Until now, the focus of the development has been creating new retail and residential space on the former Arsenal Mall property. Developers also have plans to renovate the historic brick buildings on the site, including Building A (where Marshall’s is located). Wednesday night Boylston Properties presented a request to change the approved plans for Building A to allow biotech tenants on the second floor. Mark Deschenes of Boylston Properties said that plans changed since Phase 1 was approved by the Planning Board in May 2017.