Development

Reappointment of ZBA Chair Stirs Heated Debate Among Council, Others

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Despite objections from residents, the Town Council recently voted to reappoint Melissa M. Santucci Rozzi as Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Councilors voted nearly unanimously to reappoint Rozzi during a Town Council meeting Tuesday, March 10. Prior to the vote, several councilors said they had heard from residents who were unhappy with Rozzi after the ZBA approved a controversial proposal for a CVS in Coolidge Ave. Despite objections from residents, every member of the council expressed support for Rozzi except Tony Palomba, who said he was disappointed at how his fellow councilors reacted to the public’s criticism of Rozzi. Palomba voted present.

Development

Town Hosting Zoning 101 Presentation on How Developments are Approved

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To say Watertown has become a hotbed for development is an understatement, and town officials want to let residents and others know about the process developments go through for approval and the state and local laws and regulations that must be followed. Town Council President Mark Sideris announced the public presentation, “The Zoning Act and Municipal Regulation of Land Use,” at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. It will be held Thursday, March 19 from 6:30-9 p.m. in the Watertown Free Public Library’s Watertown Savings Bank Room. At the meetings, attorneys Mark R. Reich and Carolyn Murray of Kopelman and Paige – the town’s attorneys – will cover the process from pre-permitting to consideration of by the Planning and Zoning boards through the approval and issuance of variances and special permits, Sideris said. Following the presentation, a question and answer period will be held.

Business

Tufts Health Plan Collects Items to Help Older Homeless Settle Into New Homes

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Tufts Health Plan recently wrapped up a household supply drive for Hearth, a local nonprofit that helps homeless older adults find secure, stable housing. Many of the supplies (though by no means all of them – there were lots of extras!) were assembled into baskets that will be given to the newly settled clients to help them establish their homes. Baskets contained toilet paper, paper towels, a bath towel and washcloths, dish towels, dish soap, kitchen sponges, latex gloves, all purpose cleaner, shampoo, soap, body lotion, a toothbrush and toothpaste, laundry detergent and a reusable shopping bag. The Tufts Health Plan Foundation currently also supports Hearth with a grant to fund outreach case managers, who actually help individuals find the housing.

Business

Watertown Mall Hosting Eggs-tra Special Events for Easter

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Celebrate spring, and welcome the Easter Bunny at the Watertown Mall this month. Join the Watertown Family Network for egg coloring, stories, songs and crafts! The event will be at the Watertown Mall, 550 Arsenal St. in Watertown, on Wednesday, March 25 at 10 a.m.

All supplies will be provided plus there will be a special story and spring songs! This event is FREE and will take place near Carter’s. Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny arrives at the Watertown Mall on Thursday, March 27 at 10 a.m.!

Business

Donate Items to Send to Troops Overseas at Watertown Savings Bank

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Watertown Savings Bank will collect items to send to American servicemen and service women around the world through locally-based Operation American Soldier. The bank will collect food, snacks, toiletries and other comforts of home  in each of its nine branch locations through Wednesday, March 18. WSB employees will soon participate in a cheer box packing night at the Marine Corps. League in Watertown. “Our goal is to ship as many boxes of cheer as possible,” says OAS co-founder Wendy Rocca.

Development

Resident Files Law Suit Against ZBA’s Decision to Approve CVS in East Watertown

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One of the most outspoken opponents to the CVS project approved to go in Coolidge Square has filed and appeal in Massachusetts Land Court against the Zoning Board of Appeal’s approval of the project. David Peckar lives on Wells Avenue, behind the recently approved CVS, and he believes the pharmacy will have a negative impact on his home and the neighborhood. The ZBA approved the project on January 28. In his suit, Peckar named as defendants the entire Zoning Board of Appeals – Chairwoman Melissa Santucci Rozzi, Kelly Donato, John Gannon, Christopher Heep and David Ferris – along with Director of Community Development and Planning Steve Magoon and developer and property owner Robert Korff. The appeal will delay the start of construction on the project, Magoon said, although he is not sure for how long.

Real Estate

Multiple Open Houses to Choose From in Watertown This Week

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There are tons of open houses for h0me seekers in Watertown this weekend. $319,900 – 18 Pierce Road Unit 18, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom townhouse, Open House: Sunday 12-1:30 p.m.

$799,000 – 71 Russell Ave., 4 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom colonial, Open Houses: Saturday 1-3 p.m. Sunday 1-3 p.m.

$549,900 – 25 Palmer St., 4 bedroom, 1 bathroom colonial, Open Houses: Saturday 12-2 p.m. Sunday 12-2 p.m.

$694,500 – 51 Hillside Road, 5 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom colonial, Open House: Sunday 12-2 p.m.

Sponsored by:

$450,000 – 31 Ashland St. Unit 31, 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom townhouse, Open Houses: Friday 5-7 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

$429,000 – 69-71 Chapman St. Unit 2, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom 2 family, Open House: Sunday 1-2:30 p.m.

$799,000 – 700-702 Belmont St., 2 unit, 12 total room, 5 total bedroom, Open House: Sunday 2-3 p.m.

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

$529,000 – 12 Wilson Ave.

Business

See When a New Farm-to-Table Restaurant Will Open in Watertown

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Watertown’s newest restaurant will feature farm-to-table food with a New American and French flair. 

Royal has already had a soft opening and it will host its Grand Opening on Saturday, March 7. After several months of renovations Royal will officially open its doors at 45 Lexington St., on the corner of Main and Lexington Streets in Watertown. Executive Chef/Partner, Rachid Kourda who has over 20 years of experience in the
restaurant industry, is serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. and features its full menu. “I am not only a chef, but also an artist. The food I create is ‘sexy food’ with
a unique design to each plate.” Kourda said.