Animal Control

Dogs Get More Places to Roam, More Rules for Cats in New Animal Ordinance

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Dogs will be allowed to be in more parks in Watertown, while owners have outdoor cats will have more rules to follow in the new Animal Ordinance approved by the Town Council Tuesday night. Under the previous rules no dogs were allowed in Watertown’s parks, except for Whitney Hill, but that changes in the new ordinance, said Animal Control Officer Karen O’Reilly. See the new Animal Ordinance by clicking here. “It allows dogs on leashes on marked or paved walking paths in Whitney Hill Park, Saltonstall Park, Linear Park, Filippello Park, Howe Park and the park behind 552 Main Street,” O’Reilly said. Councilor Angeline Kounelis said she wanted to make sure it was clear that not all walking areas are open for walking dogs, particularly the walking track at Filippello Park and track at Victory Field.

Government

Town Weighing What to Do with Old Watertown Police Station

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Since the Watertown Police move to their new station the old one has largely sat unused, but many departments would love to get a piece of the building. Tuesday night, the Town Council’s Economic Development and Planning Committee reopened the discussion for how to deal with the building. The town had a study of the cost of renovating or reconstruction the building and received an estimate of $4.8 million to renovate and $7 million to rebuild, according to Assistant Town Manager Steve Magoon. The largest costs would be putting in an elevator and a stairwell. Those prices largely halted any plans to reuse the Police Station.

Government

Locals Heading to Washington to Protest Trump, March Also Planned for Boston

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While thousands will gather in the Nation’s capital to see Donald Trump inaugurated as president, many more – including Watertown residents – will be in Washington to protest the incoming president’s policies and campaign promises. Two buses heading to D.C. have been booked up, and a third may be organized. The trip is being organized by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment. The buses leave the municipal parking lot in Watertown Square at 11 p.m. Friday and will be in Washington for Saturday’s Women’s March on Washington, before heading back north. Those interested in getting on the third bus should contact Watertown Citizens at watertowncitizens@gmail.com.

Government

Town of Watertown Hiring School Crossing Guards

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The Town of Watertown announced it seeks to hire School Crossing Guards to work under the supervision of the Watertown Police Department. 

Responsibilities include monitoring vehicle and pedestrian traffic at assigned crossings to assist school children crossing the street, while providing for the orderly movement of traffic.  Must be able to communicate effectively with school children, parents and drivers, ensure that children cross the street properly and safely.  Must be able to stand for the entire shift and to tolerate exposure to all type of weather conditions. Qualifications
High School diploma (or GED). Must be available to work Monday through Friday, during the school year. Shifts are approximately one hour and there are two shifts per day. Must be able to pass a CORI background check and pre-employment physical.

Arsenal Mall

Planning Board Approves Master Plan for Renovating Arsenal Mall

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The new look for the Arsenal Mall, which includes added retail and hundreds of residential units, received the approval from the Planning Board Wednesday night. 

The Arsenal Yards, as the mall will be known, was in front of the Planning Board for the third time, and the board voted unanimously to approve the master plan. Many supported the plan, but some had questions about the traffic and the size of the building in the project. The project adds more than 100,000 sq. ft. of commercial or retail space, and 503 apartments or condos, some of which will be in a 12-story building.

Government

Replacement of Library Carpet, Flooring Approved by Town Council

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With more than 3.5 million visitors since 2004, the carpets and flooring at the Watertown Free Public Library are showing their age. They will be replaced in a month-long project approved by the Town Council Tuesday night. Library Director Leone Cole said the library welcomes more than 30,000 visitors a month. So the carpeting and vinyl flooring needs to be replaced. The cost of the project is $259,400, and the town will borrow the money needed for the project, said Town Manager Michael Driscoll.

Government

Watertown Library Hosts Discussion on What Trump Presidency Will Mean

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The Watertown Free Public Library announced it will host a special discussion about what impact Donald Trump could have on the Presidency and the nation. The library sent out the following announcement:

Democracy Talks: Donald Trump and the Republic

Thursday, January 19 at 7 p.m.

On the eve of the presidential inauguration, UMass Boston professor Erin O’Brien will apply the lens of political science to the transition in our executive branch. How might President-elect Trump’s plans and promises conform to or challenge our nation’s core principles? What should we watch for during the inauguration, and in the weeks and months to follow? Following her talk, Professor O’Brien will facilitate a discussion.

Government

Dozens of Opportunities for Residents to Serve on Town Boards, Commissions

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Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll is seeking Watertown citizens interested in serving on the following Town Boards, Commissions and Committees in accordance with Ordinance #2007-46, an Ordinance on the Timing and Process of Appointments to Town Boards, Commissions and Committees. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or other information concerning background or experience by email to townmgr@watertown-ma.gov or Town Manager’s Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472. Board/Commission: Board of Health

Description: Provide for fulfillment of its duties under M.G.L. 111:5, 26-33 and other sections including enforcement of the state Sanitary and Environmental Codes, reporting diseases dangerous to the public health, and enforcement of other applicable state and local laws and regulations. The Board of Health determines the health needs of the community (and the health services available to the community) in terms of the size and characteristics of the population, specific health problems, and environmental conditions. Candidates should have background in public health, medical or related field.