Business

Rep. John Lawn Working to Make Pleasant Street Part of New District

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The west end of Watertown has undergone a building boom, but lacks some services, so State Rep. John Lawn is working to bring that part of Watertown together with nearby areas of Newton and Waltham to create the Charles River Mill District. 
Lawn spoke about the effort during the Watertown Belmont Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Towns Breakfast on April 2. His district includes precincts in all three communities, and Lawn has met with leaders in each one. Lawn has been in discussions with Watertown Town Council President Mark Sideris, Newton Mayor Setti Warren and Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy about the new district. The area would include the Pleasant Street Corridor in Watertown, the Chapel Street are of Newton and River Street to Moody Street in Waltham, Lawn said. “We want to promote the area for business and create a stronger voice for state assistance for maintenance and MBTA services,” Lawn said.

Government

Watertown’s Kaprielian as Head of Regional Federal Department

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Former Watertown State Rep. Rachel Kaprielian continues to rise higher in government, with her latest post as head of the Northeast Regional Office of the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. In her new post, Kaprielian will be based out of Boston and will oversee the HHS in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, according to a report in the Boston Business Journal. “Rachel’s work in state and local policy will surely be an asset to our Region I office,” said Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell in a release. “We look forward to Rachel joining her fellow Regional Directors as they continue their work delivering impact in communities around the country.”

Most recently, Kaprielian served as the state’s Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development under Gov. Deval Patrick, but was replaced when Charlie Baker took office. Prior to that she severed as the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

Development

Planning Board Gets Look at New Rules for Developments in Watertown

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After several months work, the Planning Board got to look at the new rules that could shape how future building projects will look in Watertown. The design standards will not just determine what is built inside the box that makes up a building, said Assistant Town Manager Steve Magoon, it will also impact how it influences surrounding areas and environments. The proposed design standards were presented to the Planning Board Tuesday by the consultant hired to come up with the alterations to the town’s zoning, David Gamble of Gamble Associates. “Planning works and this is what should be doing,” Gamble said. “You are ahead of the game compared to other towns not under development pressure.”
The Town Council requested the design standards after the town went through development booms on Pleasant and Arsenal streets.

Elections

Watertown Man Honored for Role in Passing State Ballot Question

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Watertown’s Steve Aylward and his two campaign received national recognition for their work on passing Question 1 which removed the link of Massachusetts’ gas tax to inflation and faced a well-funded “No” campaign. On March 19, Aylward, a Republican State Committee member; Republican strategist Holly Robichaud; and GOP State Rep. Geoff Diehl of Whitman, co-chairs were honored by the American Association of Political Consultants with with the Ballot Measure Campaign of the Year for their work on Question 1. The ceremony was held in New Orleans

“Easily the biggest challenge was money,” Aylward said. “We were outspent 31-to-1.” While the No campaign had the support of big construction firms and other groups, the Yes campaign relied on small donations from individuals.

Government

Watertown’s Winter Parking Ban Ending Soon!

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The long winter is almost over for Watertown residents – the Winter Parking ban will be lifted on Wednesday, April 1. Watertown Police Chief Edward Deveau announced the enforcement of the ban of on-street parking overnight in town will end. He added, however, that keeping streets clear will help repairs and emergency access even after the ban ends. “The Department of Public Works, Police Department and Fire Department would like to remind motorists that keeping the streets clear allows for road repairs, street cleaning and easy access for public safety vehicles,” Deveau said. “To that end, all departments encourage residents to make full use of off street parking when it is available.”

Government

Recreation Department Opens Victory Field for Public Use

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A sign of spring is the opening of Victory Field by the Recreation Department. 

Recreation Director Peter Centola announced that the athletic complex on Orchard Street is open for use. He reminds residents that parking is only for Victory Field users from 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Those parking at Victory Field overnight must remove their vehicles by 8 a.m. and can begin parking again at 10 p.m.

“Parking is restricted to marked spots only,” Centola said. “Please do not park anywhere else. Do not move cones!” If parking fills up at Victory Field, additional parking can be found at the Department of Public Works at 124 Orchard St., next to the football field.

Government

Nominations Sought for Watertown Historical Preservation Awards

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Each year Watertown honors those who have excelled in preserving the town’s historical buildings, and nominations are being sought for the 2015 awards. The Watertown Historical Commission Preservation Awards can be awarded to any individual, organization or project that has contributed to the preservation or recognition of Watertown’s Historic resources.There are seven award categories which a nominee may be considered. Applications for nominations for the Watertown Historic Commission 2015 Historical Preservation Awards are now available at http://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16668

The completed form is due in the Historical Commission office by April 9, 2015. The 2015 Historical Preservation Awards Ceremony will be held Thursday May 28, 2015 at the Commander’s Mansion, 440 Talcott Ave. in Watertown.

Around Town

Get Your Pet Vaccinated for Rabies at Watertown Town Hall

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Head down to Town Hall to get your dog or cat vaccinated for rabies! The Watertown Health Department hosts the clinic on Saturday, April 11. Cats in carriers will be seen from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Dogs on leashes will be up next from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

The vaccination clinic takes place on the lower level of Town Hall. There is a fee of $10 for each animal vaccinated.