Business

Town Council Votes to Request More Liquor Licenses from the State

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The Town Council approved a request to the State Legislature to add more liquor licenses in an effort to attract more economic development in Watertown. Last week, the Council voted to request 15 new liquor licenses. The town has 34 licenses allotted by the state based on the town’s population, but communities can request additional licenses by submitting special legislation and have it approved by lawmakers at the State House. The members of the Rules & Ordinances, Economic Development & Planning, and Public Safety subcommittees recommended 15 new licenses, including five for designated projects or locations. One of those – the Arsenal on the Charles complex – was removed.

Business

See Which Groups Received Grants from Watertown Savings Bank

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Watertown Savings Bank recently handed out $75,000 in grants to 28 local community organizations as chosen by customers of the bank in the annual Customer Choice Awards. During the awards ceremony, a representative from each of the winning organizations had the opportunity to speak about the work they do and how they will use the funds. It is a unique event that celebrates the efforts of the hard-working people who do so much to add to the quality of life in the local communities. “Letting our customers’ votes determine how the funds are distributed creates a wonderfully diverse group of winners each year,” said vice president Carole Katz, emcee for the event. For further information about WSB’s Customer Choice awards program, contact the coordinator at (617) 928-2336.

Development

Planning Board Invites Public to Comment on Proposed Zoning Changes

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The Watertown Planning Board will review the proposed changes to the town’s Zoning Ordinance, and seeks input from residents. 

The board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 31 at 7 p.m. in the Town Council Chamber in Town Hall, 149 Main St., Watertown. The board will consider implementing Design Standards and to adopt a separate set of Design Guidelines which are not part of the Ordinance, that together provide requirements and guidance for new development and redevelopment within Watertown. See the proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance here: http://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16416

Business

Watertown Restaurant Donating Portion of Checks to Help Veterans

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On Tuesday, March 24, all Halfway Cafe locations – including Watertown – will take part in a fundraiser for Thanks to Yanks. During that evening, diners who present a donation ticket for Thanks to Yanks will have 15 percent of their checks donated to the non-profit group that supports military members, veterans and their families. To get the donation ticket, visit www.Thankstoyanks.org, the Thanks To Yanks Facebook page, or email info@thankstoyanks.org and a ticket will be sent to you. Halfway Cafe is located at 394 Main Street in Watertown.

Business

See What the Project at Irving, Arsenal Streets will Look Like

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After many months of designing and going back to the drawing board, the major residential and retail project at the corner of Arsenal and Irving streets was introduced to the public this week. The mixed-use project named Elan Watertown will include two buildings linked by a two-story glass bridge, an which have 282 apartments and space for three stores or other retail uses. It will be four stories and a maximum of 50 feet high, said architect Tom Schultz of The Architectural Team. The development on the Arsenal Street corridor, a few blocks east of Watertown Square, has been designed by developer Greystar and the consultant hired by the town to develop the new design standards and guidelines – Gamble Associates. It has been a test case for the proposed new design rules.

Real Estate

Home Seekers Have Several Open Houses to Check Out in Watertown

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Several open houses to check out this weekend around Watertown. See details below. $254,900 – 32 Whites Ave. Unit F7701, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom mid-rise, Open House: Saturday 12-1:30 p.m.

$699,000 – 40 Upland Road, 4 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom colonial, Open House: Saturday 12-1:30 p.m. Sunday 12-1:30 p.m.

$799,000 – 60-62 Riverside St., 2 unit, 10 total room, 4 total bedroom, Open House: Saturday 1-3 p.m. Sunday 1-3 p.m.

Sponsored by:

$799,000 – 34 Woodleigh Road, 2 unit, 12 total room, 6 total bedroom 2 family, Open House: Saturday 2-3 p.m. Sunday 2-3 p.m.

$850,000 – 20 Center St. 2 unit, 12 total room, 6 total bedroom, Open House: Saturday 10-11:30 a.m. Sunday 2-3:30 p.m.

$409,000 – 36 Woodleigh Road Unit 36, 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom 2 family, Open House: Saturday 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday 2-3:30 p.m.

$489,000 – 11 Ladd St.

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.