Government

Plastic Bag Ban, Commercial Snow Shoveling Rules Remain Up in the Air

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The Town Council’s Rules & Ordinances subcommittee discussed a possible plastic bag ban and reviewed the rules for the commercial snow shoveling rules, but did not make a recommendation on either issue. At the meeting on March 3, the possibility of creating an ordinance to ban plastic bags being used at some or all stores in town was discussed, but questions remain, said subcommittee chairman and Town Councilor Ken Woodland. “The committee decided to seek additional language changes in the potential plastic bag ordinance so are in the process of consulting with the Town Attorney to finalize changes for discussion at the next meeting,” Woodland said. The evening’s discussion of the town’s snow shoveling ordinance was tabled, however, when the meeting was ended early because of (that’s right) snow! Another subcommittee, the Committee on Public Works, will discuss the possibility of having a residential snow shoveling requirement.

Government

First Sign of Spring – Watertown’s Emergency Parking Ban is Over!

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The emergency parking ban in Watertown is over! Town officials announced the on-street parking ban ended at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, according to an email sent out by Town Councilor Cecilia Lenk. The ban was put in place after the record snows fell on – and stayed – on Watertown’s streets and sidewalks. “Spring is coming!” Lenk added in her note.

Business

Town Council Votes to Request More Liquor Licenses from the State

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The Town Council approved a request to the State Legislature to add more liquor licenses in an effort to attract more economic development in Watertown. Last week, the Council voted to request 15 new liquor licenses. The town has 34 licenses allotted by the state based on the town’s population, but communities can request additional licenses by submitting special legislation and have it approved by lawmakers at the State House. The members of the Rules & Ordinances, Economic Development & Planning, and Public Safety subcommittees recommended 15 new licenses, including five for designated projects or locations. One of those – the Arsenal on the Charles complex – was removed.

Development

Planning Board Invites Public to Comment on Proposed Zoning Changes

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The Watertown Planning Board will review the proposed changes to the town’s Zoning Ordinance, and seeks input from residents. 

The board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 31 at 7 p.m. in the Town Council Chamber in Town Hall, 149 Main St., Watertown. The board will consider implementing Design Standards and to adopt a separate set of Design Guidelines which are not part of the Ordinance, that together provide requirements and guidance for new development and redevelopment within Watertown. See the proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance here: http://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16416

Business

See What the Project at Irving, Arsenal Streets will Look Like

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After many months of designing and going back to the drawing board, the major residential and retail project at the corner of Arsenal and Irving streets was introduced to the public this week. The mixed-use project named Elan Watertown will include two buildings linked by a two-story glass bridge, an which have 282 apartments and space for three stores or other retail uses. It will be four stories and a maximum of 50 feet high, said architect Tom Schultz of The Architectural Team. The development on the Arsenal Street corridor, a few blocks east of Watertown Square, has been designed by developer Greystar and the consultant hired by the town to develop the new design standards and guidelines – Gamble Associates. It has been a test case for the proposed new design rules.

Development

Reappointment of ZBA Chair Stirs Heated Debate Among Council, Others

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Despite objections from residents, the Town Council recently voted to reappoint Melissa M. Santucci Rozzi as Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Councilors voted nearly unanimously to reappoint Rozzi during a Town Council meeting Tuesday, March 10. Prior to the vote, several councilors said they had heard from residents who were unhappy with Rozzi after the ZBA approved a controversial proposal for a CVS in Coolidge Ave. Despite objections from residents, every member of the council expressed support for Rozzi except Tony Palomba, who said he was disappointed at how his fellow councilors reacted to the public’s criticism of Rozzi. Palomba voted present.

Development

Town Hosting Zoning 101 Presentation on How Developments are Approved

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To say Watertown has become a hotbed for development is an understatement, and town officials want to let residents and others know about the process developments go through for approval and the state and local laws and regulations that must be followed. Town Council President Mark Sideris announced the public presentation, “The Zoning Act and Municipal Regulation of Land Use,” at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. It will be held Thursday, March 19 from 6:30-9 p.m. in the Watertown Free Public Library’s Watertown Savings Bank Room. At the meetings, attorneys Mark R. Reich and Carolyn Murray of Kopelman and Paige – the town’s attorneys – will cover the process from pre-permitting to consideration of by the Planning and Zoning boards through the approval and issuance of variances and special permits, Sideris said. Following the presentation, a question and answer period will be held.

Government

Watertown Progressives Holding Open Meeting This Weekend

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Progressive Watertown, a new chapter of Progressive Massachusetts, is holding an Open Meeting on Sunday, March 15 at 4:00pm in the Auditorium at the Apartments at Coolidge School, 319 Arlington Street. At this meeting, voting members will be electing a Steering Committee, which in turn will be electing Co-Chairs and voting to approve a Mission Statement. Visit www.progressivemass.com to join and become a voting member of this new local chapter. For more information contact Richard Marcus at progressivewatertown@gmail.com

 

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