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.

Elections

LETTER: Resident Urges Watertown to Vote for the Community Preservation Act

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Nov. 8 is fast approaching and it is time to make a commitment to vote yes on Question 5 – the Community Preservation Act. By not voting yes in 2005 we have lost $15 million that could have been used for historic preservation, parks and recreation facilities, and low income housing in Watertown. Our community has been contributing to the State Registry of Deeds which is the basis of CPA funding – but has received nothing in return. The surcharge on your tax bill is 2 percent of your real estate tax – $10 a month for the average household.

Government

Public Invited to Discuss Airplane Noise at Boston West Faire Skies Meeting

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Boston West Fair Skies (BWFS) will hold its monthly meeting Thursday, Sept. 29 in Arlington. BWFS is fighting for a more equitable distribution of airplane noise. We are a citizens grassroots organization which includes Arlington, Belmont, Cambridge, Medford, Somerville, Watertown and Winchester – all communities affected by the increased airplane noise due to the implementation of 33L RNAV (using GPS) departures at Boston Logan Airport. The meeting location rotates to a different town each month.

Elections

Warren Tolman Speaking at Fundraiser for Pro-Community Preservation Act Group

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Invest In Watertown invites you to a FUNdraiser! Help bring the Community Preservation Act to Watertown! Invest in Watertown announced it will host a Conversation, Food, and Drink with Warren Tolman. The former State Senator and FOX 25 Commentator will discuss the 2016 Presidential Election. The meeting is Sunday, Oct. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the new Marriott Residence Inn, 570 Arsenal St.

Government

Proposal to Require New Developments to Cut Solo Drivers Moves Closer to Approval

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Some Councilors worried about the impact of requiring businesses and residential complexes to have a plan to control the number of people making solo driving trips, especially on small businesses, but two Town Council subcommittees agreed to move the proposal forward. On Wednesday night, the Ad Hoc Traffic and Rules and Ordinances subcommittees held a joint meeting to work through details of Traffic Demand Management plans. These plans would be required for developments of 10,000 square feet or more or residential projects with 10 or more units, if the project requires a special permit and site plan review from the town. Plans could include steps like educating employees or residents about public transit options, providing free MBTA passes, organizing carpools and providing facilities for people bicycling to work to cleanup and dress for work. If a plan is not followed or the goals are not met, the development can be fined up to $300.

Government

Meet State Rep. Jonathan Hecht During 2 Upcoming Office Hours

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Watertown residents can meet their State Representative this month during two office hours. Representative Jonathan Hecht will hold office hours twice in Watertown during the next few weeks. Constituents are invited to meet with Representative Hecht, Monday, Sept. 26 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Watertown Town Hall in the 3rd Floor Hallway and Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 5-6 p.m. at the Watertown Free Library in the Raya Stern Trustees Room.

Government

Debate Continues on Whether to Put up Temporary Lights at Arsenal Park

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Town Councilors were not ready to approve having temporary lights at Arsenal Park to help the Watertown Youth Soccer program deal with its growing number of players. 

On Tuesday night, the Town Council discussed putting the lights at the park, but the majority felt that there are too many questions remaining to give approval. Watertown Youth Soccer has 669 players, from 600 families, in the program, said President Mark Leonard. That number is up from 400 players three years ago, and the program does not have enough field space for all the teams, Leonard said. After discussing where temporary lights could go in town, the Human Services subcommittee looked at Arsenal Park as the best place, Councilor Aaron Dushku, a member of the Human Services subcommittee said. While the lights would be for the soccer program, other youth sports would benefit because it would free up other fields, he added.