Government

Recreation Department Seeks Ideas for Improving Facilities, Programs

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Recreation Director Peter Centola and his staff have begun putting together requests for next year’s budget and the capital budget and they seek ideas for ways to improve parks and programs.

Centola put out a request for input and ideas from residents this week. “Please feel free to send the department thoughts and recommendations for improvements in our recreational facilities or our programming,” Centola wrote. Messages may be sent directly to Peter Centola at pcentola@watertown-ma.gov, or call the Recreation Department at 617-972-6494.

Government

See an Update on the Snow Emergency, Trash Collection

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The snow emergency will continue, the Department of Public Works announced Tuesday, and the trash collection schedule will be altered. Due to the record snow fall from last week’s blizzard and Monday’s heavy snow, on-street parking will continue to be prohibited. Trash and recycling collection this week will be pushed back one day, so Tuesday pick up will be Wednesday, Wednesday will be Thursday, etc. The normal trash/recycling schedule will resume on Monday, Feb. 9.

Government

Snow Causes Watertown Parking Ban, Closing of Schools

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The storm which could drop 8-16 inches of snow on Watertown heading has prompted a parking ban in Watertown and closing of the public schools. 

The snow emergency parking ban begins at midnight on Monday and lasts until further notice. Cars may be parked at the Watertown Police Station, in the public school parking lots and at municipal lots. The Watertown Public Schools will be closed Monday, according to the closing announcements on WCVB’s website. Trash and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day, so Monday pickups will happen Tuesday, Tuesday pickup will be Wednesday, etc.

Development

ZBA Approves East Watertown CVS Despite Pleas of Neighbors

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Residents of Coolidge Square left Wednesday’s Zoning Board of Appeals meeting upset and disappointed after the project they had fought so long against – the CVS – gained unanimous approval from the board. The 13,300-square-foot pharmacy will go at the corner of Mt. Auburn and Arlington streets and replace the gas station at the corner, an office building and the former Elks Club. Residents made their case that the store would adversely impact their neighborhood and homes. They came out and spoke for hours at the December ZBA meeting, held meetings, went door-to-door and stood on the street rallying support against the development.

Government

Watertown Councilor Questions Lt. Gov. About Boston Olympics

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When Watertown Town Councilor Cecilia Lenk had an opportunity to ask new Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito a questions, she asked what many have been wondering – how will Boston and the state be prepared for the Olympics? Lenk asked the question at the WEMO (Women Elected Municipal Official) luncheon at last week’s Massachusetts Municipal Association meeting. The councilor said that the communities surrounding Boston have felt left out of the dialogue about the bid to get the 2024 Summer Olympics. Lenk said she worries about the transportation infrastructure, which is already overburdened in Watertown, despite the booming development – and that is without a major sporting event. Her question got a response, and not just from the Lt. Governor.

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.