Department of Public Works

Two Spots Chosen for Demonstration Stormwater Retention Projects

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The Department of Public Works building and Hosmer Elementary School will have new installations that drain rainwater into the ground, rather than the town’s storm drains, and will serve as demonstration projects for what can be done around town. The search started with 22 potential sites for the demonstration projects, but that was cut down to 18 viable sites on property owned or controlled by the town. The Watertown Stormwater Advisory Committee met in September to pick two locations for the project. The group wanted to spots that would drain a significant area, be visible to the public and be located in different parts of town. The last criterium was the one that led to the Hosmer School location being chosen. The top two choices were in the parking lot of the DPW facility, and a spot at the bottom of the hill beneath Lowell Elementary School.

Elections

Environmental League Endorses Watertown State Representative

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The Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund today endorsed Representative Jonathan Hecht of Watertown for reelection in the 29th Middlesex District, a credit to his work on behalf of the environment in the Legislature the last two years, the group announced. With critical issues of energy policy and environmental protection to be addressed in the next legislative session, the leadership of the ELM Action Fund believes it is important to return proven environmental champions like Hecht to the House Chamber. “Representative Hecht has been a tireless advocate to increase the amount of Massachusetts’ energy that comes from renewable sources,” said ELM Action Fund Political Director, Joe O’Brien. “Representative Hecht is a thoughtful and passionate lawmaker who appreciates the complexities of issues, and he was an outspoken champion during the legislature’s debate on solar policy. We appreciate his consistent supporter on a wide range of environmental issues.”

“I greatly appreciate and value the endorsement of ELM’s Action Fund,” said Representative Hecht. “ELM is highly respected in my district and I look forward to continuing our work together on climate change, energy, and other crucial environmental issues.”

First elected to the State House of Representatives in 2008, Hecht is up for reelection this year and is unopposed.

Government

Town Councilors Will Be Able to Participate in Meetings by Video Conferencing

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The Town Council voted to allow members to take part in meetings remotely by linking in using video conferencing technology, but only under certain circumstances. Under the new policy, a Councilor may participate in a meeting if he or she has an acceptable reason and is able to hook into the meeting and see, hear and be heard by the other board members. Only one or a few members may participate remotely, said Councilor Ken Woodland, who presented the proposal Tuesday night. The board must have a quorum of members physically present at the meeting to hold the meeting, he said. In the case of the Council that is five of the nine members.

Elections

LETTER: Community Preservation Act is Not A Good Fit for Watertown

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The CPA tax is the proverbial round peg in a square hole when it comes to Watertown’s already cash-strapped homeowners and renters. CPA funds can only be spent on projects involving: affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space/recreation. Please consider these facts:

• Watertown property taxes will rise by 2 percent if the CPA passes. This increase will be passed on to many renters. • The Watertown Housing Production Plan of 2014 said that 40 percent of Watertown households was “housing cost burdened,”meaning that housing costs consume more than 30 percent of their gross household income, according to federal estimates.

Department of Public Works

Council Changes Rules for Sidewalk Grass Strips, But Still Preferred

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The Department of Public Works will no longer be required to install planting strips when sidewalks are repaired or replaced. For years, the town’s sidewalk replacement ordinance had called for grassy area to be put in when sidewalks are replaced or repaired, but sometimes the strips became barren and would turn to mud, especially when the sidewalks are low enough for cars to park on. Councilor Angeline Kounelis said many people in her district town have complained about planting strips not working. “Residents in the East End have seen a tremendous impact with this policy,” Kounelis said. “Every time a panel (of sidewalk) is removed and replaced asphalt is removed and grass strips created.

Elections

LETTER: Resident Urges Voters to Learn About CPA Before Voting

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Dear Watertown Friends & Neighbors,

It is 43 days to Election Day, Nov. 8th. The local referendum, Question 5, regarding the Community Preservation Act is on the ballot again. Vote YES and your taxes will be raised through a 2 percent tax surcharge on your annual property tax assessment for at least five years and possibly beyond. The monies will go to support only three special interests: (1) open space/recreation, (2) historic preservation, and (3) affordable housing.

Arsenal Street

UPDATE: Detours Coming as One Side of Arsenal Street to is Closed Road Work

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The westbound side of Arsenal Street will be closed on Friday, Sept. 30 while crews work on the road, and eastbound traffic will be detoured. 

The road will be milling the pavement (removing the top part of the roadway) on the westbound side from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., the contractor informed the Watertown Department of Public Works. “In order to expedite this work a temporary detour will be set up for the Arsenal Street eastbound traffic utilizing Irving Street, North Beacon Street and Louise Street,” the contractor wrote. “Westbound traffic along Arsenal Street will remain on Arsenal Street and rerouted around the work zone.” Several police officers will be in the area to assist drivers and pedestrians navigate the area. Buses will be allowed to travel along Arsenal Street and current bus stops will be maintained.

Around Town

Watertown New Poll Finds Residents Most Worried About Development, Traffic

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The local issues that concern Watertown residents most are development and traffic, a poll by Watertown News found. 

During the Faire on the Square, people who stopped by the Watertown News table had the chance to participate in the News’ Poll and vote for issues of concern. People checked one or more of the five issues:

Schools
Development
Traffic/transportation
Heroin/opioids
Property Taxes
Or, add their own write in issue

After tallying up the 49 ballots, the top issue was development, with 30 votes. This has been a big issue for several years, as big projects went up first on Pleasant Street and now on Arenal Street, with more coming (athenahealth’s Arsenal on the Charles and the Arsenal Mall). “Too much building on every inch of land,” a person wrote. Another said a concern is the “impact and damage to trees and green space” due to development.