Government

State Rep. Jonathan Hecht Makes Big Announcement

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State Rep. Jonathan Hecht

The following statement was released by State Rep. Jonathan Hecht, who represents Watertown Precincts 1-9 and part of Cambridge:

Dear Constituents,

I am writing to share with you my decision not to run for re-election this fall. For the next 11 months, I will remain fully dedicated to serving as your State Representative. Come next January, it will be time for me to move on to new challenges and time for someone else to take up this job. It is genuinely an honor and a pleasure to represent you at the State House. Thank you for all the help you have given me and for being such caring, engaged constituents. With best regards,

Jon

Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee

Deadline Coming Up to Take Watertown’s Bike & Pedestrian Plan Survey

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The following announcement came from the Town of Watertown:

Watertown encourages active transportation — walking, biking and transit — to help reduce congestion, and improve both air quality and public health. The Watertown Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan will help achieve those goals by identifying and prioritizing future improvements to the Town’s streets and walkways, making it easier for people of all ages and abilities to choose more active forms of transportation. The plan will identify new and improved bicycle and pedestrian connections in Watertown and to the region’s larger active transportation network, to help people get where they want to go easily and safely, and car-free. 

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee also provided the following information:

The Town of Watertown is developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The Plan will establish short and long term goals to improve upon the Town’s pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure, policies, and programs, and will make recommendations on how to reach identified goals. Implementation of this plan will make transportation safer and more convenient within Watertown and to neighboring towns for all users, improve the Town vibrancy, and expand transportation mode choices. Public input is critical to the creation of the plan.

Capital Improvement Plan

Watertown’s Capital Plan Includes School, Park and Street Repair Projects

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Watertown’s plan for major projects and purchases includes funding for the school building projects, improvements to parks, upgrades of fire stations and street and sidewalk repairs. The proposed Fiscal Year 2021-25 Capital Improvement Plan was released this week, and discussions of the projects begin this coming week. One of the largest expenditures on the five-year spending plan is $295 million on the rebuilding and renovation of Watertown’s three elementary schools and Watertown High School. Numerous parks have improvement projects in the plan. The most significant is the $3 million renovation of the Victory Field Track and Courts.

Development

Residents Air Concerns About Galen St., Traffic & Watertown’s Planning Process

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Town Councilor Lisa Feltner holds a computer showing drawings of a proposed development on Galen Street. She hosted a meeting at the Watertown Library to hear residents’ concerns about the proposed zoning change and related issues. More than 40 residents concerned about a proposed biotech project on Galen Street crammed into a meeting room at the Watertown Library Wednesday evening. They worried about what would be built there, and the traffic impact on one of the most congested roadways in town, and how projects are approved in Watertown. Those at the meeting said they would like to find a way to put a temporary halt to development, at least in the Galen Street area, so that a plan can be formed to improve the whole area.

Development

Councilor Explains Her Decision to Delay Vote on Galen Street Zoning; Info Meeting Planned

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The proposal for properties on Galen Street if requested zoning changes go through. Last week, Town Councilor Lisa Feltner decided to invoke a rule that delays the vote of the Town Council until the next meeting. The issue being considered was the rezoning of some parcels along Galen Street requested by a developer. Below you can read her letter explaining her decision. Feltner also announced that she has booked space at the Watertown Library on Wednesday night to meet with residents, and hear their concerns about the proposal.

Government

Middlesex DA, Police Chief to Speak at Forum on Immigration in Watertown

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A panel discussion to support immigrant communities in Watertown and Middlesex County will be held at the Library on Feb. 20. Middlesex DA Marian Ryan, State Rep. Jonathan Hecht and Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn will host a the conversation. According to Rep. Hecht’s office, the event is a panel discussion and Q&A on immigration in Middlesex County cities, towns, and courthouses, and aims to foster a supportive environment for our local immigrant residents.. The organizers sent out the following information:

Please join us for a Conversation about immigration in our cities, towns and court across Middlesex County.

Boston Development Group

Zoning Changes Wanted to Create Galen St. Project, Councilor Wants More Community Input

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The proposal for properties on Galen Street if requested zoning changes go through. Owners of properties along Galen Street and Water Street seek zoning changes so they can build a biotech complex with a park, but the District Councilor said she wants the public to be able to weigh in before the change goes through. Tuesday night, Boston Development Group came forward requesting the zoning change. The developers have purchased a number of properties east of Galen Street, and while more than 80 percent of the land is in the Industrial 2 (I-2) zone, about 17 percent is zoned as Limited business. They have requested that all the parcels be zoned I-2.

Government

Residents Have 2 Chances to Meet with State Rep. Jonathan Hecht

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State Rep. Jonathan Hecht

The following announcement was provided by State Rep. Jonathan Hecht’s office:

Representative Jonathan Hecht will hold office hours twice in Watertown in February. Constituents are invited to meet with Representative Hecht at the following times and locations:

Tuesday, February 11th

8:30-9:30 a.m.Watertown Town Hall149 Main St, 3rd Floor hallway

Thursday, February 20th5:00-6:00 p.m.Watertown Free Public Library123 Main St, Lucia Mastrangelo Meeting Room

Anyone unable to attend these office hours can call Representative Hecht at 617-722-2140 to schedule an appointment at another time.