100 Forge

Arsenal Yards Pulls Request for Illuminated Sign on Tower

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Dave MartinA view down the Charles River from the Bridge on North Beacon Street with the 100 Forge building at Arsenal Yards in the distance. An illuminated sign had been proposed to go near the top of the building. The owners of Arsenal Yards, Boylston Properties, have pulled a request for permission to put an illuminated sign on the top of the tower at the East Watertown complex. Bill McQuillan, principal of Boylston Properties, sent a letter to City Council President Mark Sideris and Assistant Town Manager Steve Magoon informing them of the request. The Zoning Amendment for the sign on top of the 130-foot building known as 100 Forge was scheduled to be discussed at the Sept.

Government

Group Creating Tool to Keep Track of Changes to Watertown’s Charter

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The following announcement was provided by Watertown Forward:

Now that Labor Day and back-to-school transitions are behind us, apple picking, fall foliage, and politics have moved to center stage. With the Nov. 8 election just a few weeks away, it’s easy for Watertown voters to lose sight of seismic changes to our Home Rule Charter that they approved almost a year ago during November’s municipal elections. Progress on implementing the roughly 20 charter revisions remains unclear. That’s because there’s been no formal report back to residents, no ongoing updates as to implementation status, no flagging of timelines or deadlines for achieving required outcomes.

Government

LETTER: Resident Urges Defeat of Proposed Sign at Arsenal Yards

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At this moment, there are folks working hard to convince our City Council to put the best interests of people who don’t live here above the best interests of our town, our neighbors and future generations who will live in Watertown. It seems that there has been an organized movement — what community organizers refer to as an Astroturf campaign — to make a case for private gain over public good. An Astroturf campaign is a carefully constructed PR campaign disguised to appear as grassroots opinion. At issue is a request by Boylston Properties to change our zoning to allow a 10 by 105 foot illuminated commercial sign on top of the tallest building in Arsenal Yards. The sign would be visible from many areas along our riverfront.

Comprehensive Plan

Residents Have Two Chances to Help Shape the Future of Watertown

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The first of two opportunities for the public to help shape the future of Watertown takes place Tuesday night at Watertown Middle School. The interactive workshop about Watertown’s Comprehensive Plan Update will be held on Sept. 20, 2022 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Middle School, 68 Waverley Ave. A second meeting will be held on Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library (in the Watertown Savings Bank Room).

Government

LETTER: Resident Upset by Public Input Going Unheard on New Developments

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A friend of mine went to observe the Planning Board Meeting for the Russo and Sterritt sites onWednesday night. It went until 11:00 p.m., and she left in tears … not because either of those projects affected her personally, but because a large group of neighbors came with their constructive comments and valid concerns and went home feeling unheard. The plans were accepted using none of their input. The plans were finalized, voted on and approved as soon as the public’s comments concluded. The people most directly affected by the change to their neighborhood had no, zero, zip say.

Bulk Items

Council’s Public Works Committee to Discuss Changes to Trash & Recycling Program

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Watertown DPWThe City of Watertown’s toters used for curbside composting, recycling and trash. The City’s proposed changes to trash and recycling rules — including fees for disposing of bulk items, appliances, and mattresses — will be discussed by a City Council subcommittee. The subcommittee will also discuss fees charged to developers for new connections to the City’s sewer system. In late August, the Department of Public Works announced the changes, and initially planned to put them into effect on the week of Sept. 12.

City Council

Council Approves Money to Start Process of Purchasing Pond Property

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Leo MartinThe City Council approved a transfer of funds to be used to put a deposit on the purchase of property that includes Walker’s Pond, on the Westside of Watertown. The City will have the money to make a deposit on the purchase of a property that includes a pond on the Westside of Watertown, and a small part of Waltham, after a vote made by the City Council on Tuesday night. The Council approved a transfer of $100,000 from the City Council Reserve to the Acquisition of Land account. The money will be used to go toward the purchase of the 6.67-acre parcel that includes Walker’s Pond. The area would be used for public open space and recreation space, said George Proakis, who attended his first meeting as Watertown’s new City Manager.

Government

Openings Available for Mass. Senate’s Citizens’ Legislative Seminar

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Wikimedia Commons / ChensiyuanMassachusetts State House. The following information was provided by State Sen. Brownsberger’s office:

Our office has been notified of one or two additional openings for the Senate’s Citizens’ Legislative Seminar on November 15 and 16. This engaging, free program aims to better educate the public on the functions of the Massachusetts State Legislature. If you are interested and available to attend from 9:30 to 4:00 both days, please email eric.helmuth@masenate.gov with the following information no later than noon this Thursday, September 15:

Name and home addressDaytime phoneBusiness/organization title or affiliation, and address (if any)A short biographical paragraph (six sentences or less). The program will run again in March 2023, so you may also submit your interest for consideration at that time.