Government

DPW Grabs a Rest as Another Storm Heads Toward Watertown

By |

The Watertown Department of Public Works got a brief rest this week between heavy snow storms, but they will have to go back into action this weekend. 

The National Weather Services has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday at 3 p.m. to Sunday at 7 p.m. Forecasts call for Watertown to get a foot or more of snow, with winds gusting up to 50 mph, according to the NWS. If there is any doubt this is an unusual winter, WCVB reported that Boston set a record for the snowiest February in recorded history. Watertown Public Works Superintendent Gerald Mee got his first night’s sleep on Monday night after being up for 54 hours, and some worked even longer hours. “I haven’t seen anything like this,” Mee said. “The continuous storms and the path of the storms doesn’t appear to be letting up.”

Development

Traffic Concerns Hold Up Plans for Old GE Site on Grove Street

By |

Neighbors and members of the Planning Board like most parts of the plan to redevelop the GE Ionics site on Grove Street, but the traffic plans upset neighbors and the board, alike. Developer Cresset Grove LLC proposes to reduce the size of the existing building at 65 Grove St. and create a 134,000-square-foot office and research facility, with a multi-story garage. “The proposal encompasses an exciting facelift to an older structure which we think really reinvigorates the structure and reinvigorates the site itself,” said Bill York, the attorney representing the developers. The site has been unused since 2010 when GE move out.

Around Town

Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Names VP of Development

By |

Jayne Paragona, of Waltham, has been named Vice President of Development of the Watertown-based Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter. As the new Vice President for Development, Jayne will work closely other members of the executive management team to chart the Chapter’s next phase of growth, seeking to double revenue over the next 5 years, according to the announcement from the Alzheimer’s Association. Jayne brings over 25 years of expertise to the team, most notably, from her time spent at the American Heart Association, Boston Division. “With over 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and that number expecting to double in the next 20 years, the work of the Alzheimer’s Association is so very important,” said Paragona. “I am thrilled and proud to join the staff and volunteers to help raise awareness and funds to bring an end to this devastating disease.”

Real Estate

Here Are The Open Houses in Watertown This Week

By |

There are three open houses in Watertown this weekend, see details below. $579,000 – 87-89 Edenfield Ave., 2 unit, 10 total room, 4 total bedroom 2 family, Open Houses: Saturday 12-1:30 p.m. Sunday 12-1:30 p.m.

Sponsored by:

$799,000 – 700-702 Belmont St., 2 unit, 12 total room, 5 total bedroom, Open House: Sunday 12-1:30 p.m.

$899,900 – 75 Summer St. Unit 75, 3 bedroom, 3 full 2 half bathroom townhouse. Open House: Sunday 12-2 p.m.

Obituaries

OBIT: John Blickenstaff, Watertown Resident, Loved Hockey

By |

John J. Blickenstaff, Jr., of Watertown, died suddenly on Feb. 4, 2015. Known to his friends as “Blick,” John  grew up in Watertown and went to school in Watertown. He played basketball, football, and was a active member of Watertown youth hockey. He played for the Watertown traveling team for many years.

Government

Town Council Looking at Ways to Improve Sidewalk Snow Removal

By |

Looking for ways to reduce the amount of un-shoveled sidewalks around town, on Tuesday night Town Council President Mark Sideris asked Council subcommittees to look at bolstering the current ordinance and consider a requirement for residential properties to shovel their sidewalks. While concerned with the state of sidewalks around Watertown, Sideris commended the Department of Public Works for their work clearing snow from town streets. “We have all been dealing, over the last couple weeks, with an unprecedented amount of snow,” Sideris said. “I want to thank the DPW for all the work keeping the roads open.”
The town has a requirement for owners of commercial buildings to clear snow from sidewalks around their property. Sideris said he has seen some sidewalks that have not shoveled snow from any of the recents storms, beginning with the blizzard.

Around Town

Watertown Greek Church Welcomes New Priest

By |

When Father Athanasios Nenes was named as the new priest at the Taxiarchae Church in Watertown, he was returning to a familiar place. 

On Jan. 18 Bishop Metropolitan Methodios came to Watertown for the installation of Nenes as priest of Taxiarchae Church. “It was very emotional, to tell you the truth,” Nenes said. “A great number of people came to greet me.” Nenes was born in Bridgeport, Conn., and moved to Greece at a young age.