Development

East End Residents Against Proposed Elm Street Hotel

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Developers of the proposed Elm Street hotel met stiff resistance to their plan from East Watertown residents who are frustrated by the increase in development in their neighborhood. The 102-room, five story hotel would be one of several projects proposed or even approved on the East End of town. The “upper, mid-range” hotel would be aimed at business travelers and would go on the former Atlantic Battery Company facility at 80 Elm St., behind Target at the Watertown Mall. Developer Cherag Patel of Elm Hospitality LLC said the hotel would not be a Red Roof Inn, as had been rumored, but he could not say which brand it would be due to a confidentiality agreement. It would be similar to a Hampton Inn or Hyatt House, and would have a pool for guests, but not restaurant or meeting space.

Business

Watertown Has a New Luxury Transportation Option

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Looking for a car to the airport or to take a group of friends to the casinos, you have a new local choice in luxury transportation. Watertown’s Darren Cummings, who has run Express Tires for 15 years, recently launched Madison Limousine Services. “I think there is a need in the area,” Cummings said. “There are not a lot of competition in Waltham, Belmont and Newton.” He looked to his family for inspiration for the name.

Entertainment

Jazz Vocalist Gabrielle Goodman Performing in Watertown

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Jazz vocalist Gabrielle Goodman will bring her sultry voice adventurous improvisations to the Arsenal Center for the Arts in February. The JMT/Verve recording will perform as part of the Jazz @ the Arsenal series on Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Black Box Theater. The concert will feature jazz favorites and songs from her new gospel-inflected CD Spiritual Tapestry. Goodman will be joined by Yoron Israel (drums), Ron Reid (bass), Jiri Nedoma (piano) and special guest John Baboian (guitar), director of Jazz @ the Arsenal.

Around Town

Time to Sign Up for the Recreation Department’s Vacation Programs

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The Watertown Recreation Department will host programs for children over both February and April school vacation weeks. 

You can register your child now for either or both of the programs.

The February Vacation Program will be held at Watertown Middle School and students will participate in activities such as basketball, whiffle ball, floor hockey and indoor soccer. In addition, there will be arts and crafts, board games, movies and various special events. Participants should bring a bag lunch, snack and drink. The program runs from Tuesday, Feb. 17 to Friday Feb.

Business

Join the Chamber of Commerce for a Party and Networking

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Get into the spirit of the season and do some networking at the Watertown Belmont Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Party. The party will be held on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Plumbing Museum, 80 Rosedale Road in Watertown. Enjoy some great food and complimentary wine and beer. Tickets cost $25 for Chamber Members and $35 for non-members.

Entertainment

Musicians Wanted for the 4th Annual Watertown Music Fest

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The fourth annual Music Fest will be held in March, and organizers seek musicians to perform at the event that benefits music in the Watertown Public Schools. Music Fest will be held on Friday, March 6th from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Watertown Middle School. It features an instrument petting zoo (where students can touch and examine musical instruments), have some pizza and baked goods, and of course listen to the musical performances. There will be four stages with musicians playing a variety of styles of music throughout the evening. Event organizers from the Friends of Watertown Music are looking for musicians to perform during the event.

Police/Fire

Pair Charged With Breaking into Watertown Homes

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Police arrested two men after catching them allegedly breaking into homes in a neighborhood near the Charles River. A resident called police after she became suspicious when two men asked her if she knew someone living in the area because they were serving an arrest warrant, said Watertown Police Lt. Michael Lawn. Watertown Police and a Massachusetts State Trooper responded to the call and the state trooper spotted a man fitting the description get into a vehicle in a driveway on Priest Road and pull out. Then he picked up a second man. One man, identified as Mark Pasquarello, 41, of Concord, N.H., had an outstanding warrant from Middlesex Superior Court for multiple counts of possession of burglarious tools and receiving stolen property.

Government

Watertown Town Auditor Now Also Assistant Town Manager

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The Town Council voted to approve add to the Town Auditor’s duties so he is also the Assistant Town Manager for Finance. The move follows the recommendations of a personnel study done by the Collins Center at UMass-Boston, and the state which recommends that the treasurer, auditor, assessor, and purchasing positions be combined under a financial director. The Personnel and Town Organization subcommittee recommended the move, under which Town Auditor Tom Tracy would “oversee and monitor all financial management staff, assist with budget preparation and undertake other financial responsibilities as assigned by the Town Manager (Michael Driscoll).” As Assistant Town Manager for Finance, Tracy would report partially to Driscoll, but would be supervised for his duties as the Auditor to the Town Council. Town Councilor Tony Palomba said he wondered to whom the Auditor would report.