Entertainment

Council Approves Public Arts Master Plan, Creates New Committee

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A mural created on Melendy Avenue in 2015 is an example of public arts in Watertown. A committee will be formed to help Watertown implement the Public Arts Master Plan, which received approval from the Town Council on Tuesday night. While Watertown has had some public arts projects, most notably a series of murals created from 2013-15, it did not have a formal plan. Planning to create a master plan began in 2019, when the Watertown Department of Planning and Community Development brought on the Metropolitan Area Planning Council as a consultant. The group gathered input from multiple community forums, from online surveys and by speaking with local artists and stakeholders.

Development

ZBA Hearing Two Big Projects, Council Subgroup Looks at Police Services & Other Meetings

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Plans for converting the Tufts Health Plan building into life science labs and offices will be heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday. The Watertown Zoning Board has several projects on its agenda, including renovations of the Tufts Health Plan building and a biotech project proposed on Elm Street. The ZBA gives final approval for these projects and the meeting begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24. Spear Street Capital, the new owner of the Tufts Health Plan site at 705 Mt.

Government

Health Director Rips Governor’s Decision to Take Vaccinations Away from Local Health Departments

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Watertown Health Director Larry Ramdin said he was “extremely disappointed” with Gov. Charlie Baker’s decision to remove local health departments from the COVID-19 vaccination process and handing it to privately run vaccination sites. Ramdin told the Board of Health that received word of the change on Wednesday, the same day that the Watertown Health Department gave vaccines to 100 residents age 75 or older. He said health departments have better training and can administer more doses than pharmacies and other vaccination sites. “We have been going through this. Every one of the clinics we host is a drill for an emergency dispensing site.

Government

Charter Review Committee Takes Straw Poll, Reviews Current Document

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Watertown’s Town Hall. The Charter Review Committee gave a little insight into which way its members are leaning in the question of whether to keep the current form of government or change to one with a mayor. The committee took a straw poll toward the end of Tuesday night’s meeting, in which six of the 15 members said they were leaning toward keeping the current government with a council and strong town manager. None said they were leaning toward a mayoral form, but nine abstained. The vote was proposed by Town Councilor Ken Woodland, who said he wanted to help give the consultants from the Collins Center at UMass Boston an idea of what to work on for future meetings.

Business

Business Parking Passes for Watertown Square Available for Purchase

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The Town of Watertown sent out the following announcement:

The purchase of the quarterly parking permits for the Watertown Square Municipal Lot for March-May 2021 will be available on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 from 9:00am to 4:00pm. To purchase, please enter the Town Administration Building at 149 Main Street and proceed to lower hearing room. Please be advised that we are following social distancing guidelines requiring a face covering and limiting the number of people, which may require a wait outside the building. ALL permits will require business information and vehicle registrations to obtain a permit. Please complete Business-Parking-Permit-Form in advance if possible.

Government

LETTER: Watertown’s Charter Needs a Vision Statement for the Town

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Editor:

The last Charter Review Committee (CRC) Meeting certainly had it all, but one thing noticeably lacking was a clear vision for Watertown. During the lively discussion, none of the Councilors were able to tell us what it is.  Instead, we were told about the countless hours Councilors spent writing hundreds of pages of plans. Then we heard the oft-used “if people want to know, they can find it on our website.” Anyone who has tried to use Waterown’s website knows that it merits its own letter. Plans for every project or department, meticulous as they may be, do not constitute a vision. When I was starting a business, the first thing I did was create an elevator pitch that quickly explained what my business is, based on my vision. Examples include Microsoft’s founding vision of “A computer on every desk in every home,” or Disney’s vision “to entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.” Both tell you exactly what Microsoft and Disney are looking to accomplish, what they prioritize, and the future they envision.

Business

Congresswoman Clark Appearing at Chambers’ Women in Government Event

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Congresswoman Katherine Clark

The following information was provided by the Newton Needham Regional Chamber:

We’re excited to announce our 4th Annual Women in Government event, this year in partnership with the Waltham Chamber of Commerce. Our guest speaker will be U.S. Congresswoman and Assistant Speaker of the House Katherine Clark who has served the Fifth District of Massachusetts since 2013, a diverse district comprised of 24 cities and towns that include Waltham, Weston and other parts of MetroWest. 

Rep. Clark will speak to her experience as a state senator, state representative, general counsel for the Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services and policy chief for the state attorney general. Join us to hear first-hand about Rep. Clark’s journey to becoming the fourth highest ranking member of the US House of Representatives. We’ll also have time for a few questions. A conversation not to be missed.

Government

Charter Review Committee One of This Week’s Watertown Meetings

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Watertown Town Hall

Watertown has a shorter than normal list of meetings during Presidents Day Week. The list includes the Charter Review, Board of Health and the Community Preservation Commission. Charter Review

The discussion of potentially changing the Watertown Charter will continue on Tuesday, Feb 16 at 6 p.m. During the meeting, the Town’s consultants from the Collins Center at UMass Boston will present some examples of ways to change the charter that would address issues with the Town’s government that have been discussed at previous meetings. See how to tune in and participate by clicking here. https://www.watertownmanews.com/2021/02/05/charter-review-committee-debates-vision-for-town-ways-to-improve-government/

This Week’s Meetings

Tuesday

The Watertown Housing Partnership meets at 6 p.m. The agenda includes the HOME Annual Action Plan, the Watertown Housing Plan and other issues related to affordable housing.