Arenal Street Corridor

Proposed New Zoning for Area of Malls Concerns Residents

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The Planning Board held the first public hearing on Wednesday about potential changes to the east end of Arsenal Street that would expand possible uses from industrial to include retail, office and residential. The proposal concerned and confused many residents who attended the meeting. Boylston Properties, the owners of the Arsenal Project (former Arsenal Mall), proposed zoning changes to allow them to transform the mall into a live-work-play area. The proposal brought forward by Boylston Properties would create a Regional Mixed Use District for the area south of Arsenal Street including the Arsenal Mall, Home Depot and the building with Miller’s Ale House. Town officials added some areas to the proposed RMUD: the area where the Arsenal Mall is located, the west side of Elm Street and part of the south side of Coolidge Avenue.

Charity

Watertown Boy Collects Presents for Kids at Children’s Hospital

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When Brady Gleason turned 9, he decided to have his guests bring presents – not for himself but for kids at Children’s Hospital. Gleason, a third-grader at the Hosmer School, asked each of his friends to bring a soccer ball. His father Shane sent over a photo: “This was the end result – over 30 soccer balls!” Brady plays soccer for the Watertown U9 Rangers and recently scored the winning goal in the team’s 3-2 win over the Lincoln Geckos, Shane said. Charity runs in the family.

Government

Part of the Charles River Path to Close for Maintenance

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A section of the Charles River Path in Watertown will close temporarily for maintenance by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Beginning Monday, Oct. 19, the Upper Charles Greenway Multi-Use Path between Galen and Bridge streets will be closed for pathway reconstruction and restoration, the DCR announced. The work is expected to last from Oct. 19 to Nov.

Real Estate

Open Houses a Plenty in Watertown This Weekend!

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Check out all the open houses happening in Watertown this weekend. $699,000 – 215 Watertown St. Unit 215, 9 room, 5 bed, 2.5 bath townhouse, Open Houses: Saturday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Sunday 1-3 p.m.

$1,200,000 – 217-219 Watertown St., 4 unit, 17 total room, 7 total bedroom 4 family, Open Houses: Saturday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Sunday 1-3 p.m.

$639,000 – 219 Watertown St., 2 unit, 10 total room, 4 total bedroom, Open Houses: Saturday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Sunday 1-3 p.m.

$615,000 – 98-100 Walnut St. – 2 unit, 10 total room, 4 total bedroom 2 family, Open House: Saturday 12-2 p.m.

Sponsored by:

$625,000 – 64 Lexington St., 6 room, 3 bed, 2.5 bath colonial, Open House: Friday 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Sunday 12-1:30 p.m.

$650,000 – 22 Irving St. Unit 1, 13 room, 4 bed, 4 bath 2/3 family, Open House: Sunday 1-2 p.m.

$269,000 – 10 Williams St.

Government

Town Council Approves Zoning Change for St. Patrick’s Property

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The Town Council approved a zoning change for St. Patrick’s Church so it would have a better chance of leasing its former parish school. The proposal to create a Religious/School Overlay District was approved on Tuesday night. The new zoning will allow more uses for the property, while the same time preserve the current buildings, said Assistant Town Manager Steve Magoon. “The Parish is having difficulty leasing the school building,” Magoon said.

Election 2015

See the Town Council Candidates’ Stances on Major Issues in Town

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At this past summer’s Annual Meeting of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment, members were asked to identify their key areas of concern. Based on the results of that meeting, the following two questions were sent to all candidates running on Nov. 3 for election to the Watertown Town Council:

1. Three major environmental areas in which Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment would like to see the town take an active role are listed below. Please pick one and explain what you would do about it.

Entertainment

Gore Place Hosting Frightful Friday Ghost Stories in October

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Come down to the Gore Place to hear some spooky stories just in time for Halloween. On Fridays Oct. 16, 23 and 30, Gore Place will host Frightful Friday Ghost Stories in the 1860 Gore Mansion. The stories will be read at 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Along with some spooky stories, visitors will get to see the beautiful rooms and furnishings of this wonderful old house. There will be two tours per evening.

Police/Fire

Watertown Firefighter Marks Contract Signing With Unusual Donation

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A Watertown firefighter decided to celebrate the signing of the Watertown Fire contract after more than 6.5 years without one by making a special donation to help a cancer patient. Fellow firefighters noticed that Guillermo “Willie” Gaitan, a 30-year veteran of the WFD, had hair long enough for a ponytail. Willie half-jokingly said that he was not going to cut it until they had a contract, according to another firefighter. That was almost 3 years ago. Last week, upon the yes vote on the contract for Watertown Firefighters Local 1347, Firefighter Gaitan headed to the barber shop. When asked about his decision Willie replied, “I saw an opportunity to help others, and that’s what we do.”

His hair created a 15-inch braid, which has been donated to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, which partners with the American Cancer Society to donate ponytails and funds the crafting of wigs for cancer patients.