Development

LETTER: Former Town Councilor Worried About RMUD Proposal

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Letter to the Editor

I attended the council subcommittee meeting last week and came out upset. This is the most important issue this Council will face and three council members voted on amendments to present to the full nine member council for their vote at their regular council meeting. A recommendation for crucial amendments including zoning for this major development should not have been sent to a subcommittee as well-meaning the members are. First, I want to address the manner in which the Chair Councillor Steve Corbett so rudely ruled Deborah Peterson out of order as soon as she was beginning to present her statement. This is unacceptable and never should be condoned.

Development

LETTER: 2 Residents Want to See Vision for Rezoning Malls Area

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Deborah Peterson and I have been working conscientiously on the RMUD issues, attending meetings, studying the Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines and talking with others. The following is what Deborah tried to present at the economic development sub-committee meeting of the Town Council on Dec. 15. She was roundly dismissed by the Chair Steven Corbett, telling her she was out of line in bringing up these issues. She had only begun to give her statement.

Elections

LETTER: Outgoing School Committee Member Reflects on His Term

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Dear Watertown,

Four years ago, I was elected because residents wanted a change from what had come before and they wanted results in our schools. It is a humbling experience to be elected and entrusted with making positive changes to the lives and education of our students. I took that obligation very seriously then and I still do. After being sworn in, I mentioned to my wife and friends that they would not see a lot of me during the first half of 2012 due to the challenges facing the district. I focused all of my efforts on working with my Committee colleagues to resolve the immediate challenges facing us then:

Settling the teacher’s contract and rebuilding those relationships.

Letters

LETTER: Watertown Groups Denounce Trump’s Proposal on Muslims

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To the Editor:

We write in strong support of people of the Muslim faith in Watertown, as well as Muslims across the nation. We are deeply disturbed by Donald Trump’s hostile outbursts, which are not only hurtful to Muslims, but an affront to all who value the founding principles of this country. The Puritans who established Watertown in 1630 risked their lives for religious freedom – precisely the freedom that Mr. Trump and other extremists are challenging today. By promoting the “Us vs. Them” perspective, Mr. Trump is fanning the flames of fear, and creating harmful divisions in the country, when in fact we should be coming together to support one another in these stressful times.

Development

LETTER: Resident Pleased With Hearing on RMUD Zoning Changes

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Editor,

Congratulations to the Town Council and everyone from the community who testified at the RMUD hearing on Dec. 1. Mark Sideris ran an excellent hearing (as he always does) that gave full opportunity for all views to be heard, and many important points were brought up. Every Council member spoke thoughtfully about their reasons for favoring and/or questioning the proposed ordinance. The concerns about process I and others raised because of the timing of the hearing were allayed.

Arsenal Project

LETTER: Resident Feels Council is Moving Too Fast With New RMUD Zoning

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To the Editor:

The Town Council meeting on Dec. 1 about rezoning the malls should start with singing Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.” Here’s why. The proposal to rezone a large part of the Arsenal St. corridor, including both malls, to a Regional Mixed Use District (RMUD) is big, complex, hard to understand and will have a huge impact on Watertown. It would allow the Planning Board to give permits at the Arsenal Mall (let alone the rest of the new zone) for almost 3 million square feet, with buildings as tall as the Board will allow.

Election 2015

LETTER: Councilor Thanks Supporters, Shows Admiration for Fellow Candidates

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Dear Supporters,

I write to express my sincere appreciation to the volunteers, donors and voters who made it possible for me to win re-election to the Town Council. We came in a very strong second, winning six of the 12 precincts. It was a wonderful showing – thank you. Election campaigns are challenging endeavors that require a committed campaign committee, a dedicated team of volunteers and donors and, of course, a willing group of voters who decided to place their trust in a candidate. Fortunately I had all three!

Elections

LETTER: District C Councilor Says Thanks, Looks Forward to Continuing Work

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To the editor:

I want to thank the District C voters for re-electing me to serve for another term as their Town Councilor. Over the past eight years I have worked hard to represent both my constituents in District C as well as all of Watertown residents, and I look forward to continuing that effort with renewed vigor. I am grateful to the many volunteers, friends, and my family for the effort they put into the campaign. My success would not have been possible without their help. I remain committed to finding the best solutions through analysis, teamwork and building consensus, and to our shared vision for Watertown as a vibrant, diverse, safe community with pretty tree-lined streets and great schools.