Government

See Which Streets Are on the List to be Repaired This Summer

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The list of Watertown Streets planned to be repaired this summer is not long, and Town Councilors said they would like it to be longer during last week’s Pubic Works subcommittee meeting. Town Engineer Matt Schuman presented the draft list, which includes four project:

Complete replacement of the roadway at Waltham Street from Bridge Street to the Waltham line. Complete replacement of the roadway at Fifield Street from Irving Street to Perkins School after gas lines have been replaced in the spring. Complete replacement of the roadway for the whole length of Lowell Avenue after gas lines have been replaced in the spring. Installation of traffic tables at Church and Palfrey streets and Church and Fayette streets, as well as other traffic calming and safety measures.

Around Town

Watertown Library Wants to Hear from Young Professionals

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The Watertown Free Public Library wants to know what young professionals are looking for from their library. The library has created a short questionnaire for people age 20-40 who live or work in Watertown – or would consider using the library. “Whether or not you’re using the library, we want to hear what you think. Remember, we want to hear what YOU want, we’ve got the kids covered already,” the Library said in its survey. Go to the survey by clicking here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1EK2uB1HvNcL5ETLGXO9RuGJDW5kobfBsWY6g7Sa5FUM/viewform

Development

East End Residents Worry Traffic from New Project Will Overwhelm Neighborhood

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The former Verizon building has an Arsenal Street address, but it sits right against Nichols Avenue so developers would like to open an entrance on that street – a plan that has East Watertown residents worried. Representatives from Boylston Properties revealed plans to turn the former truck facility into office space for tech companies on Wednesday evening. The building would have 185,595 sq. ft. of office space with 565 parking spaces, including a one-story parking deck.

Government

Town’s Vision for Common Street Includes a Rotary at Orchard Street

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Department of Public Works officials showed Town Councilors the first draft of improvements they would like to make to Common Street, which includes installing a rotary at the intersection with Orchard Street. 

The intersection can be very dicey for motorists, and Public Works officials have been working on ways to make it safer.  

Currently, cars on Common Street – which includes a long hill leading into the intersection – have no stop sign or light, but the intersection also includes not just one but two other streets – Orchard Street and Church Street. Both those streets have stop signs, but seeing cars coming down Common – particularly down the hill – can be difficult.

Tuesday night, Town Engineer Matt Schuman showed the Public Works subcommittee a drawing of the rotary. Another change will be an alteration to the intersection of Common and Spring streets, right across from Watertown High School. The present configuration has Spring Street enter Common at an angle as Common curves.

Government

Town Seeking State Money to Repair Watertown Middle School

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It’s time to replace the windows at Watertown Middle School and the town hopes to get help from the state to pay for the work. Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald told the Town Council that the school has 207 windows which are 36 years old. On Tuesday, the Council approved the School Department’s application to the School Building Authority’s accelerated repair program. The School Committee then approved the application at a special meeting on Thursday scheduled just to take the vote. The estimated cost of the project is $310,000. If successful, the town would get nearly half the project paid for by state funds.

Development

Developers to Reveal Final Design of Apartments at Irving & Arsenal

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See the design of the apartment complex at the corner of Irving and Arsenal streets submitted to the Planning Board by Greystar. The project that will go on the former Pirolli brick yard has been following the recommendations of the Watertown design standards and design guidelines, and will include around 270 apartments along with space for stores and a restaurant. The meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 6-8 p.m. at the Watertown Police Station Community Room. Developers Greystar Real Estate Partners and Oaktree FX have periodically met with residents to show designs and get feedback.

Government

New Veteran’s Services Officer Comes to Watertown After 20 Years in the Navy

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Watertown’s new Veteran’s Services Officer has more than 20 years experience in the U.S. Navy and served in recent conflicts overseas. Mark R. Comeiro begin working on Feb. 23, announced Town Manager Michael Driscoll. During his time in the Navy, he helped provide support during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. “Mr. Comeiro’s previous duties and educational background have provided him with operational experience in administration, record keeping and confidentiality of soldier’s concerns and problems, as well as, thorough knowledge of policies and procedures in various settings,” Driscoll said in his announcement of the appointment.

Government

Find Out About the MBTA’s Plans to Improve the 70 Bus

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Find out about measures being considered by the MBTA to improve service on the 70 bus line. The Watertown Public Transit Task Force will hold a public meeting Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at Watertown’s Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., in the 3rd floor Rehearsal Room. MBTA Service Planner Melissa Dullea will be on hand to give a presentation about some of the possible measures to improve service on the number 70 bus route. The WPTTF will unveil its Bus Incident Report Survey.