Election 2015

Watertown Group Hosting Two Town Council Candidate Forums

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Sustainable Watertown announced that it will be sponsoring its first series of candidate forums for Town Council Candidates on Oct. 18 and 19. The forums will focus on issues that fall within Sustainable Watertown’s mission, such as development, environmental sustainability, public space, urban design and transportation. The organization’s Steering Committee decided that one of the most important tasks that it could undertake was to give the voting public an opportunity to hear the candidates’ positions about sustainability and quality of life issues. “Many Watertown residents care deeply about the issues for which we advocate, but often they are given less attention than some of the more obvious municipal topics.

Election 2015

What Question Would You Ask the School Committee Candidates?

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There’s a hot race for School Committee on the Watertown Town Election ballot, with five people running for three seats. What issue would you like to hear their opinions on? The candidates will take part in two School Committee Candidate Forums hosted by the Watertown Education Foundation and Watertown News. The organizers are gathering questions from Watertown parents and residents. What is the biggest issue facing the Watertown Schools?

Elections

LETTER: Council Candidate Invites Public to Campaign Event

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Editor,

The Committee to Elect Michael Dattoli is hosting an event on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Conley’s Pub and Grille. All residents are welcome to attend and learn more about Michael’s campaign for Town Councilor At-Large. The event begins at 7  p.m.  Conley’s is located at 164 Belmont Street in Watertown.  

Michael Dattoli
Candidate for Councilor At-Large

Elections

LETTER: Resident Responds to Endorsement of 7 of 8 Town Councilors

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To the Editor:

I have been told that John Airasian has done many good deeds for the town of Watertown. For those things I thank him. But his recent letter, with an endorsement of seven of the eight incumbent candidates for Town Council, was not one of them. Based on a single issue, and tacitly snubbing one of Watertown’s finest citizens in the process, it was a irresponsible and misguided statement. At a time when so many profoundly critical issues face our town, no political endorsement should be based on a single issue.

Development

Watertown Zoning Board Rejects Hotel Proposed for Elm Street

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The Zoning Board of Appeals rejected a five-story hotel proposed to go on a small street off of Arsenal Street in the East End of Watertown. 

The proposal had met strong opposition from residents of Elm Street, and had already failed to get the recommendation from the Planning Board. However, other projects with similar opposition had received the OK from the ZBA. On Wednesday night, ZBA members said they liked the look of the hotel, which had changed since originally being proposed. However, they said project barely fit on the parcel of land, and towered over nearby businesses and homes. Steve Winnick, attorney for the developers – Elm Hospitality LLC – said that he believes the project is in line with the redevelopment of former industrial sites in Watertown as seen in other areas of town.

Elections

LETTER: Fire Union President Responds to Letter on Arbitration, Contract

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Mr. Airasian,

While we at Local 1347 appreciate your many contributions to bettering our community and applaud your stance in supporting your choice of candidates for Town Council we take great exception to the fact that you chose to attack our members in the process. 

(See John Airasian’s letter by clicking here)

Your complete lack of knowledge or understanding of the events that led to the 6.5 year impasse between the Town and the Local is evident in your commentary. That you have chosen to insult us in defense of those councilors who chose to thumb their noses at a state mandated resolution process is the ultimate sign of desperation by you on their behalf. In your letter you state the local enjoyed “some support” in town. If you consider the several hundred lawn signs proudly displayed throughout town “some support” your candidates should hope for the same “some support.” To say that we were pleased with the “some support” you referenced is an understatement and it was that very support that emboldened us to continue our fight for fairness.

Government

Meeting Planned to Discuss Privatization of MBTA Bus Routes

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If you are concerned about the privatization of some MBTA services, and possibly losing your bus route, a meeting is planned to discuss the issue. Governor’s Councillor Marilyn Petitto Devaney invites you to an informative meeting regarding privatization, where she plans to have MBTA officials available to answer your questions. Over the summer, the MBTA announced a proposal to privatize 32 bus routes, including the following routes serving Watertown: 52, 70A, 502, 504 and night service on the 57. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Nonantum Post #440 ,295 California St.

Government

Town Wants to Hear from Residents about Winter Hill Park

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The Town of Watertown wants to hear from residents about what they want to see from the town’s newest park. 

Conservation Agent Christopher Hayward sent out the following announcement:

On October 7, 2015, the Watertown Conservation Commission will be having an informational discussion on Whitney Hill Park, (the wooded area in back of Victory Field and the Department of Public Works Facility on Orchard Street. The meeting will be held in the Lower Hearing Room of the Town Administration). Building at 7:30 p.m.

In 2013 the Town Council voted to make Whitney Hill an official town park. As part of that vote the Council requires the Conservation Commission to prepare and submit to the Town Manager, each year prior to Dec. 31, a recommended plan for maintenance and educational activities for Whitney Hill Park.