Around Town

LETTER: Noise a Concern for Proposed Westside Project

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A rendering of the proposed life science project at former Cannistraro property on Pleasant Street, Rosedale Road, and Acton Street. (Courtesy of Broder)

By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

“The hurrier I go, the behinder I get!” This quote is often ascribed to Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland and it was brought to mind after I attended the Broder Developers Meeting (the old Cannistraro building), last night. Watertown News will, I’m sure, have a very complete summary of this event. Just a few personal takeaways:

Although it was outside in that awful heat and humidity and in a decent outside venue that was practically hidden from the street (one attendee got numerous texts from people who were trying to attend and couldn’t find the place, and another attendee stood out in the parking lot in an attempt to send people in the right direction), it was well attended. I counted over 50 people.It lasted well past 8:00, in fact until after dark.

Around Town

Community Board Member Wanted for Watertown Transportation Management Association

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Watertown TMAThe Watertown Connector started running the week of Labor Day. The shuttle goes down Pleasant Street to Watertown Square and then heads to Harvard Square. It is open to the general public. The following information was provided by the Watertown TMA:

The Watertown Transportation Management Association (WTMA) is seeking an Advisory Member from the community to join the WTMA Board. The Board meets 4-6 times per year, on Wednesday mornings at 9 am.

Police/Fire

Watertown’s New Fire Chief Appointed by City Manager

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Photo by Watertown Fire DepartmentRyan Nicholson has been named Watertown’s new Fire Chief. Here he is shown when he was appointed Assistant Fire Chief. The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is pleased to announce the appointment Ryan Nicholson as the new Fire Chief for the City of Watertown. Chief Nicholson brings 17 years of experience to the Watertown Fire Department. As Chief, he will oversee approximately 90 sworn and civilian staff, providing fire and emergency response services spanning four groups with an annual operating budget of approximately $13 million.

Police/Fire

Three Watertown Firefighters Graduate from State Fire Academy

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Watertown Firefighters Kate Boudreau, Aqib Shah, and Kevin Mawe graduatd from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Fire Services)

The following information was provided by the state Department of Fire Services:

State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director Jeffrey P. Winn announced the graduation of 23 firefighters, including three from Watertown, from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program. “First responders are on the frontlines protecting their communities, and these newest firefighters are needed now more than ever,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. “The rigorous professional training they’ve received provides them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”

The graduating firefighters of Class #312 represent the fire departments of Amesbury, Chelsea, Devens, Gardner, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Peabody, Swampscott, Watertown, and Winchester. The following graduates are members of the Watertown Fire Department: Kate Boudreau, Kevin Mawe, and Aqib Shah.

Around Town

Recreation Department Hosting Walking Tour, Discussion of Renovation Plans for Casey Park

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Plans for the renovation of the baseball field and playground at Casey Park. (Courtesy of CDM Smith)

The following announcement was provided by the Recreation Department:

The Watertown Recreation Department in partnership with the Department of Public Works will host an onsite public meeting at Casey Park on Thursday, Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. to present recreational facility renovation plans for the remaining sections of Casey Park which were not completed in our Phase I renovation several years back. Glenn Howard, Design Consultant from CDM Smith with lead the presentation for the City of Watertown. On Site Community Meeting – Casey Park

An overhead view of Casey Park.

Around Town

LETTER: Thoughts on Citizens Petitions & Developer’s Plans for the Cannistraro Site

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By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

Question: If a dozen equals twelve and a peck equals two dry gallons, what does a “some” equal? When referring to the 600 plus citizens who signed the two citizen’s petitions calling for zoning changes (zoning relief, if you will), this group is many times referred to as “some people.”

It sure didn’t feel like “some” as we went door to door and stood outside in good and bad weather speaking with fellow citizens about their thoughts on Watertown’s current development. It also didn’t feel like “some” to Councilor Palomba who said at the July 11th City Council meeting: “Those names really demonstrate a breadth across the city…” and included names of people “who do not live in areas adjacent to development.”

As Joe Levendusky said, 600 people is a lot of people that are showing dissatisfaction. To quote Joe when referring to the numbers who want change, “I subscribe to the tip of the iceberg.” Now let’s quote Councilor Gardner, who is the only councilor who chose not to say a word at the July 11th City Council meeting, but had plenty to say in her newsletter:

“The Council acknowledged that the petitions signal that some residents have serious concerns about the scale of buildings when they abut single and two-family housing or are in the Central Business District. I also often hear concerns about the need for more housing (especially workforce and affordable housing), greater density to create that housing, and development that supports transportation by means other than single use vehicles.”

There’s that “some” word again … and that “housing” word thrown in for good measure, both implying that the 600 voters who signed the petitions are an insignificant number and that their calling for zoning changes somehow is at odds with providing housing for our citizens.

Business

New Italian Restaurant Opens in Center of Watertown

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Bar ‘Cino has opened in Watertown Square. (Photo courtesy of Bar ‘Cino)

The following piece was provided by the Newport Restaurant Group:

Newport Restaurant Group, the Rhode-Island based and 100 percent employee-owned hospitality group that operates a collection of restaurants and properties across New England, today opens Bar ‘Cino in Watertown. Derived from vicino, the Italian word for “neighbor”, the new Bar ‘Cino is nestled in the heart of Watertown Square and is the third location of the Italian-inspired dining concept which first opened in Newport, Rhode Island in 2019 followed by Brookline 2020. “We are thrilled that our latest Bar ‘Cino opening will be in the vibrant and historic city of Watertown,” said Paul O’Reilly, CEO of Newport Restaurant Group. “Over the past several years, we’ve enjoyed bringing our passion for delicious Italian food and drink to our guests in Newport and Brookline and are excited to foster that same spirit right on Watertown’s Main Street.

Around Town

Our History: A Glimpse Into Life in Watertown in the 1890s

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The following story is part of a series on local history provided by the Historical Society of Watertown. It was written by Historical Society of Watertown board member Mary Spiers. Mary served as our Recording and Corresponding Secretary for many years. Mary retired from the Board in January 2023 but is still a volunteer. She wrote this article for our April 2019 newsletter, “The Town Crier.”