Community Preservation Act

LETTER: CPA Advocate Hitting the Streets to Spread His Message

By |

The “good folks of Watertown” were recently advised to expect the sound of “strangers knocking on their door.” Please don’t be alarmed. They’re all “good folks of Watertown” too – like me. This is my first and probably last time knocking on doors, because it’s not my favorite thing. However, it’s for a cause I believe in – adoption of the Community Preservation Act, which appears as Question 5 on the November 8 ballot. Along with my fellow members of the Watertown Conservation Commission, I have watched helplessly for years as opportunities for redeveloping property for public recreation are lost because the Town lacks a ready source of funds dedicated to such a purpose.

Community Preservation Act

LETTER: Councilor Concerned About Impact of CPA on Homeowners, Renters

By |

Editor,

Since the beginning of this year, I have been contacted by numerous supporters of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) seeking my endorsement for the CPA, Ballot Question #5. I have stated to all, I would be hard-pressed to ask more of my constituents, in light of the overwhelming real estate tax increase this past fiscal year. I truly appreciate everyone’s willingness to listen to my viewpoint. On Jan. 17, 2016, I sent communication to Town Manager Michael Driscoll, stressing the fiscal plight of many East Enders relative to their substantial real estate tax increases.

Affordable Housing

LETTER: Why Question 5 Offers Hope for Those Who Need It Most

By |

To the Editor:

On Nov. 8, Watertown voters will have a chance to approve the Community Preservation Act, which would provide funding for three kinds of projects in town: historic preservation, expanding and improving open space and recreational facilities, and providing affordable housing. These projects would benefit ALL residents of the community, and could be proposed by anyone. We strongly support approval of the CPA, both because we believe that it will enhance the quality of life in our town in many substantive ways, and also for a more personal reason: we have close friends who are homeless. They are a family of seven.

Elections

LETTER: Town Councilor Explains His Position on the CPA Ballot Question

By |

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I’m writing you today to share why I have chosen to vote YES on Watertown’s Question 5 -the Community Preservation Act (CPA). I have changed my mind a couple of times on this one because people that I respect have expressed a lot of good concerns on the contrary. I thought about those concerns a lot but I always come back to the same place when I do and it really dawned on me when I recently attended the 2nd annual candlelight vigil for those lost to the substance use disorder epidemic in Watertown. A great young leader in Watertown rose to speak at the end of the event and made some gracious remarks to the attendees that ended with him professing his love for our town and referring to it as “4 square miles of pure heaven.” Naturally, the event provoked feelings about a lot of things but this comment really inspired me to remember why it is that I do the work I do for Watertown. In weeks since, I’ve looked across the school-yards, playing-fields and the Council chambers and realized that even though we don’t always all agree on every issue, we all really do love this town.

Government

Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Interested in Coming to Town, Council Weighing Options

By |

Town officials have been approached by groups looking to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Watertown. Before they officially come forward, the Town Council seeks to come up with a process for vetting them. 

Wednesday night, the Council’s Economic Development and Planning subcommittee heard from some of those interested in applying, and from residents. The subcommittee worked out some recommendations for looking at the applications. Medical marijuana was legalized in Massachusetts in 2012 with the passage of a state ballot question. Communities cannot outright ban medical marijuana dispensaries from coming in, but they can dictate where they are located.

Government

Seniors Can Reduce Their Tax Bill Through Town’s Work-Off Program

By |

The Town is offering the property tax work-off program to Watertown senior homeowners again this year, the Senior Center announced. This program allows up to ten seniors (age 60 and older) a $750 deduction from their property tax bill in exchange for 68 hours of work for a Town department. Participants should be retired and must own and occupy the property for which the taxes are deducted. In addition, the applicant’s skills must match those needed by the participating Town departments. Past projects have included: computer data entry, answering phones, and projects at the Library, Recreation or Public Health Departments, or at the Senior Center.

Government

Tot Lots at Victory Field, Filippello Park to be Closed for Renovations

By |

The renovation of the tot lots at the Victory Complex and Filippello Park (Arlington) will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 26 and could last for several weeks until mid November, announced Recreation Director Peter Centola. Please be advised these tot lots will be closed during this time frame and it is critical that no one enters the site during the renovation process. Please contact the recreation department at 617-972-6494 or recreation@watertown-ma.gov if you have questions, concerns and comments in regards to these renovation projects.