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

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.

LETTER: Resident Opposes Ballot Question to Raise Cap on Charter Schools

The “yes” on charter Schools – Question 2 campaign has provided specious and untrue statements in their literature and TV and radio commercials. I am very concerned from what I hear first hand as I have been canvassing to vote NO on Question #2. People are confused and misled by the Yes Charter School misinformation. I had lobbied the legislators to take the vote to keep the cap on charter schools. I believe it should not be a ballot question.

LETTER: Conservation Commissioner Believes Town Can Support CPA and Schools

As I observe and continue to participate in the debate between supporters and opponents of Question 5 (which proposes adoption of the Community Preservation Act by Watertown), I detect at least one salutary outcome. Look at all the publicity we have generated in helping define the public interest! I support voting YES on Question 5. I admire the heartfelt dedication of its opponents from Watertown Strong Schools (WSS), but wince under their “friendly fire.” I consider it needlessly alarmist for voices within WSS to advocate putting off Community Preservation Act adoption in 2016 – for what, another 11 years? Talk to anyone in the Conservation Commission and you will hear that such adoption is outrageously overdue.

Council Subcommittee Discussing Potential Medical Marijuana Centers in Watertown

This week, the siting of possible medical marijuana centers in Watertown will be discussed by the Town Council’s Economic Development and Planning subcommittee. 

After a statewide ballot question was approved in 2012 allowing the sale of medical marijuana in Massachusetts, the Town Council approved such facilities in certain areas. The law prevented the town from outright opposing all medical marijuana centers. The Council’s decision allows these centers in Watertown if they get a special permit, and the facility must be more than 500 feet from places where children congregate and can only be in the Industrial Zones. Most of these properties are along Arsenal and Pleasant streets. East End Councilor Angeline Kounelis said she has received calls from groups looking to open a medical marijuana facility in her district.