Government

DPW Grabs a Rest as Another Storm Heads Toward Watertown

By |

The Watertown Department of Public Works got a brief rest this week between heavy snow storms, but they will have to go back into action this weekend. 

The National Weather Services has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday at 3 p.m. to Sunday at 7 p.m. Forecasts call for Watertown to get a foot or more of snow, with winds gusting up to 50 mph, according to the NWS. If there is any doubt this is an unusual winter, WCVB reported that Boston set a record for the snowiest February in recorded history. Watertown Public Works Superintendent Gerald Mee got his first night’s sleep on Monday night after being up for 54 hours, and some worked even longer hours. “I haven’t seen anything like this,” Mee said. “The continuous storms and the path of the storms doesn’t appear to be letting up.”

Development

Traffic Concerns Hold Up Plans for Old GE Site on Grove Street

By |

Neighbors and members of the Planning Board like most parts of the plan to redevelop the GE Ionics site on Grove Street, but the traffic plans upset neighbors and the board, alike. Developer Cresset Grove LLC proposes to reduce the size of the existing building at 65 Grove St. and create a 134,000-square-foot office and research facility, with a multi-story garage. “The proposal encompasses an exciting facelift to an older structure which we think really reinvigorates the structure and reinvigorates the site itself,” said Bill York, the attorney representing the developers. The site has been unused since 2010 when GE move out.

Government

Town Council Looking at Ways to Improve Sidewalk Snow Removal

By |

Looking for ways to reduce the amount of un-shoveled sidewalks around town, on Tuesday night Town Council President Mark Sideris asked Council subcommittees to look at bolstering the current ordinance and consider a requirement for residential properties to shovel their sidewalks. While concerned with the state of sidewalks around Watertown, Sideris commended the Department of Public Works for their work clearing snow from town streets. “We have all been dealing, over the last couple weeks, with an unprecedented amount of snow,” Sideris said. “I want to thank the DPW for all the work keeping the roads open.”
The town has a requirement for owners of commercial buildings to clear snow from sidewalks around their property. Sideris said he has seen some sidewalks that have not shoveled snow from any of the recents storms, beginning with the blizzard.

Government

Residents Invited to Apply for Citizen’s Legislative Seminar

By |

State Sen. Will Brownsberger invites residents to apply to be part of the 74th Citizens’ Legislative Seminar (CLS). The seminar will be held this spring on Tuesday, April 28 and Wednesday, April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the State House. Each senator may nominate one constituent to participate. The CLS is a great opportunity for residents to get a firsthand look at how the legislative process works, and have a better understanding of state government. Sen. Brownsberger encourages constituents in the Second Suffolk and Middlesex District to apply to this two-day seminar.

Development

LETTER: Resident Calls for Resignation of ZBA After CVS Vote

By |

Councilors,

On January 28, a discouraging event in town governance occurred here in this chamber. Against the wishes of 400 hundred Watertown residents who signed a petition; in disregard of the testimony of approximately 40 East End neighbors; against the advice of the Planning Board; contrary to the expressed goals of the Comprehensive Plan; but in accordance with the advice and counsel of Town Planning staff, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to approve a special permit for a proposed CVS project that a preponderance of Watertown residents feel detrimental to Coolidge Square and the East End in general. This decision is one in a long history of poor development decisions in Watertown that can fairly be described as acts of municipal self-mutilation. Many residents feel that the character of Watertown is being destroyed project by project. This dysfunction must end now.

Environment

Town Council Considering Plastic Bag Ban in Watertown

By |

A Town Council subcommittee has begun wading into whether the town should have a ban retail stores using plastic bags in Watertown. The Rules & Ordinances Committee discussed a possible ban last week, but did not come up with any decisions, but the committee may start steps toward creating an ordinance, said committee Chairman and Councilor Ken Woodland. “We are forming a draft of an ordinance with the help of the town attorney and will review that draft at the next committee meeting,” said Woodland. “The next meeting is when we will work out the final details and make more concrete decisions.” Woodland said the next meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 3.

Government

Snow Covered Sidewalks Frustrate Watertown Residents

By |

Trying to take a walk around Watertown these day can be a frustrating and even hazardous because many sidewalks remain un-shoveled and those that are cleared often have piles of snow blocking the end. Many residents have had it with the lack of shoveling and plowing of sidewalks in their neighborhood and around town. They point to the lack of a requirement for residents to clear their sidewalks, as approved in surrounding communities. When the snow-covered walkways are near schools, it is particularly upsetting for parents. “Many routes have huge snow banks, and unplowed sidewalks, leaving kids to have to walk in the streets, which are very narrow and congested during drop-off and pick-up time,” said parent Naomi Ridge.

Government

State Rep. Jonathan Hecht Announces Office Hours

By |

Have an issue or a question about Watertown or state government, you can bring it up with State Rep. Jon Hecht at his upcoming office hours. Hecht will hold office hours on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the small conference room on the third floor of Watertown Town Hall and on Monday, March 2 from 5-6 p.m. in the Raya Stern room in the Watertown Public Library. Constituents are invited to meet with Rep. Hecht to discuss pending legislation or any other issue of concern to them. Anyone unable to attend these office hours can call Rep. Hecht at 617-722-2140 to schedule an appointment at another time.