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.

Government

LETTER: Council Should Reject Proposal to Allow Large Illuminated Sign at Arsenal Yards

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Our City Council will soon vote on a proposal to allow a large, illuminated sign for Arsenal Yards – effectively a glowing billboard with ten-foot tall letters – to shine from atop the 130-foot high-rise tower looming over the Charles River, its park and paths. The proposal was written by the developer of Arsenal Yards. If the proposal passes, the Planning Board will be poised to give the developer a permit for the sign. Allowing the amendment and the sign would be a tragic mistake. The path of the Charles River through Watertown is widely known as a rare urban gem.

Government

Watertown Delays Start of Some Trash & Recycling Changes

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Watertown DPWWatertown’s trash, recycling, compost toters. Recently the Department of Public Works announced changes to trash and recycling collection in Watertown. The changes were to have taken effect soon, but some programs will be delayed. The new rules for collection of bulk items that don’t fit into trash bins, TVs & appliances, and mattresses will not go into effect until a date to be announced. When the new rules take effect, residents will have to schedule pickup of these items and will pay a fee to have the items collected.

Election 2022

See How Watertown Voted in the 2022 State Primary

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Charlie Breitrose

Watertown’s results mostly mirrored the overall vote tally during the Sept. 6 State Primary, but there were a couple where local voters bucked the trend. Like the statewide results, Watertown voters favored Democrat Maura Healey and Republican Geoff Diehl for governor, the GOP’s Leah Allen and the Dem’s Kim Driscoll for lieutenant governor, Democrat Andrea Campbell for Attorney General, and William Galvin, a Dem, for Secretary of State. In two races, Watertown’s results were different from the overall result. Local voters favored Chris Dempsey for the Democratic nomination for Auditor, while Diana DiZoglio was named the winner. In the overall race for Governor’s Council District 3, Watertown’s Marilyn Petitto Devaney, the incumbent, holds a small lead over Mara Dolan.

Election 2022

2022 State Primary Election Guide, See Who’s on the Ballot, Where to Vote

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Charlie Breitrose

The Massachusetts State Primary will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 6, and Watertown voters will be going to the polls — some at locations different from the previous election. Democrats and Republicans candidates will are running for their party’s nomination for the State Election on Nov. 8. Who’s on the Ballot

Dems have six contested races, including governor, lieutenant governor, and — of local interest — Governor’s Councilor.