Arsenal Project

Residents Say RMUD Moving Too Fast, Want More Details from Mall Owner

By |

Around 100 people packed the Town Council Chambers and spilled into the hallway Tuesday night for the public hearing about proposed changes that would pave the way for a transformation of the former Arsenal Mall. More than a dozen residents spoke, many saying they believe more time and thought should be given before making such a major change that impacts a large swath of land on the eastern end of Arsenal Street. The proposed Regional Mixed Use District includes the Arsenal Project, the Watertown Mall and parts of Elm Street and Coolidge Avenue. The Council did not vote on the changes to the town’s zoning ordinance, but Town Council President Mark Siders reminded his fellow councilors that they must make their decision within 90 days of the of meeting where the Planning Board passed it to the Council ‘s, which would be Feb. 4, 2016.

Government

Town Losing an Old Friend in Watertown Square – a 90+ Year Old Tree

By |

A familiar sight in Watertown Square will be gone after nine decades when the town cuts down a large shade tree in the Watertown Delta on Tuesday. The Norway Maple has stood in that spot since at least 1927, and was one of three tree planted there at the time. It has grown as tall as the next door Watertown Savings Bank building and has been lit during the holidays. The tree, however, is splitting apart and is literally being held together by wires, said Watertown Tree Warden Chris Hayward. In July, a major limb came crashing down from the tree, and Hayward worried another limb could fall – and this time hurt someone.

Government

Council Approves Middle School Windows Despite Jump in Price

By |

An increase in the cost of replacing the windows at Watertown Middle School gave the Town Council some pause, but councilors ultimately unanimously approved the cost of designing the project, in part because the state will pay for nearly half the bill. Originally, the cost of the windows was estimated at slightly over $300,000, but when representatives from the Massachusetts School Building Authority came to look, they decided to increase the scope of the project can with it the price tag – which is now $2.7 million to $2.9 million. Last week the council was asked to approve $224,400 to cover the schematic design costs of the project. The windows cover the old portion of the middle school, and are a few decades old. Teachers said they are a distraction at best, and can be a real obstacle to learning at times.

Government

Remember, the Winter Parking Ban Begins Sunday Night!

By |

Watertown’s Winter Parking Ban begins Sunday, Nov. 29, so remember to move your car! The annual overnight parking ban runs from Nov. 29, 2015 to April 1, 2016. The town’s parking ordinance says: no vehicle may remain on any public way for more than one hour between the hours of 1 a.m and 6 a.m. all days of the week.

Assessor

Your Tax Bill May be going DOWN; Some Councilors Wanted a Bigger Drop

By |

Watertown Town HallMany Watertown property owners will have some good news when they receive their tax bills – their taxes are going down! Tuesday night, the Town Council voted to adopt the recommended rates, which will have a tax rate of 13.68 per $1,000 of assessed value (see your assessed value here). That increase the average tax bill by 4.35 percent or $236. The rates, however, differ significantly depending on type of property, Watertown Assessor Francis Golden said in his Fiscal Year 2016 tax classification presentation. (See the presentation by clicking here).

Election 2015

LETTER: Councilor Thanks Supporters, Shows Admiration for Fellow Candidates

By |

Dear Supporters,

I write to express my sincere appreciation to the volunteers, donors and voters who made it possible for me to win re-election to the Town Council. We came in a very strong second, winning six of the 12 precincts. It was a wonderful showing – thank you. Election campaigns are challenging endeavors that require a committed campaign committee, a dedicated team of volunteers and donors and, of course, a willing group of voters who decided to place their trust in a candidate. Fortunately I had all three!

Government

Old Waterway Discovered Running Under Watertown Square

By |

While doing some sewer work in the area of Watertown Square, the Department of Public Works discovered a forgotten culvert running right through the town’s biggest intersection. About 18-feet under the roadway, the DPW found a culvert – a stone pipe – that was not on any of the town’s plans, said DPW Superintendent Gerald Mee. It is likely a stormwater pipe. The culvert runs north-south, from Charles River Road to Mt. Auburn Street.