Government

Watertown Lifting Parking Ban Wednesday Evening

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The Watertown Department of Public Works announced the lifting of the emergency parking ban put in place for the Blizzard of 2015. The following announcement was sent out at 5:45 p.m.:
The Town of Watertown’s temporary parking ban will be lifted effective 6 P.M. January 28, 2015. The Department of Public Works thanks everyone for their cooperation during this snow emergency and requests that residents continue to park off street when possible to allow the crews to continue the cleanup process. Please continue to keep fire hydrants and catch basins clear in your area.

Development

Town’s Design Guidelines and Standards Revealed by Consultant

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A draft of the set of requirements that guide and limit developers who build new projects in Watertown was revealed by the urban design consultants hired by the town. Last week, David Gamble of Gamble Associates discussed the proposed design guidelines and design standards that will shape how development will be done in Watertown in the future. They were presented at the third public workshop held in the past four months held during the making of the guidelines and standards. The Town Council voted to hire the consultant to address what they and many residents believed had become out of control development in Watertown. The changes were broken into nine categories: public realm interface, building massing, facade treatment, parking & access, building height, material selection, sustainable design, building setbacks and signage.

Development

CVS Project Coming Back to Zoning Board This Week

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The proposed CVS in East Watertown will come back in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the second time on Wednesday, Jan. 28. The last time it came before the ZBA, the meeting ran about five hours and many residents spoke against having the 13,300 square foot pharmacy at the corner of Mt. Auburn and Arlington streets. Many say it is too big for the Coolidge Square area.

Development

East End Residents Against Proposed Elm Street Hotel

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Developers of the proposed Elm Street hotel met stiff resistance to their plan from East Watertown residents who are frustrated by the increase in development in their neighborhood. The 102-room, five story hotel would be one of several projects proposed or even approved on the East End of town. The “upper, mid-range” hotel would be aimed at business travelers and would go on the former Atlantic Battery Company facility at 80 Elm St., behind Target at the Watertown Mall. Developer Cherag Patel of Elm Hospitality LLC said the hotel would not be a Red Roof Inn, as had been rumored, but he could not say which brand it would be due to a confidentiality agreement. It would be similar to a Hampton Inn or Hyatt House, and would have a pool for guests, but not restaurant or meeting space.

Government

Watertown Town Auditor Now Also Assistant Town Manager

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The Town Council voted to approve add to the Town Auditor’s duties so he is also the Assistant Town Manager for Finance. The move follows the recommendations of a personnel study done by the Collins Center at UMass-Boston, and the state which recommends that the treasurer, auditor, assessor, and purchasing positions be combined under a financial director. The Personnel and Town Organization subcommittee recommended the move, under which Town Auditor Tom Tracy would “oversee and monitor all financial management staff, assist with budget preparation and undertake other financial responsibilities as assigned by the Town Manager (Michael Driscoll).” As Assistant Town Manager for Finance, Tracy would report partially to Driscoll, but would be supervised for his duties as the Auditor to the Town Council. Town Councilor Tony Palomba said he wondered to whom the Auditor would report.

Government

Town Council’s Vote on the Fire Contract May Be Felt at Election Time

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The Town Council’s decision to reject the fire union’s contract may be felt come November’s Town Election. The vote on Dec. 9 rejected the arbitration award decided by a neutral panel. It also raised the ire of many in the Fire Department along with friends, family and others who thought that the Watertown Firefighters deserved a new contract and after 5 1/2 years. Tuesday’s meeting again drew scores of firefighters and other unions, who rallied before the meeting asking the Town Council to reconsider its vote.

Government

Find Out Why the Victory Field Committee was Put on Hold

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The committee that will oversee the renovation of the track area of Victory Field will not start as soon as planned after one spot on the board still must be filled. Town Council President Mark Sideris said he planned to reveal names of the members of the Ad Hoc Victory Field Committee, but the list is not complete. The committee was formed after the first proposal to renovate the track area drew much criticism from neighbors of Victory Field and other residents (read more here). The most controversial part of the plan – adding artificial turf inside the track – was removed but other contentious areas, such as flood lights, could be included in the plan. The person he hoped to select as a representative from a Watertown youth sports group withdrew his or her name, Sideris said.

Government

Unions Rally for Firefighters, Council Stands Behind Rejecting Contract

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Labor unions had a strong showing in front of Watertown Town Hall Tuesday night before the Town Council meeting, but councilors did not reverse their decision to reject an award for the town’s firefighters approved by a state arbitrator. The rally came about after 8 of 9 Town Councilors voted to reject the arbitration agreement on Dec. 9, saying that the proposal that included 2.5 percent raises in Fiscal 2012 and 2013 and an increase for EMT training and would cost the town $2.74 million in back pay. Firefighters have been without a contract for more than 5 1/2 years. The deadline to file to reconsider the vote on the contract passed before Tuesday’s meeting, said Town Council President Mark Sideris.