Around Town

LETTER: Noise a Concern for Proposed Westside Project

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A rendering of the proposed life science project at former Cannistraro property on Pleasant Street, Rosedale Road, and Acton Street. (Courtesy of Broder)

By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

“The hurrier I go, the behinder I get!” This quote is often ascribed to Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland and it was brought to mind after I attended the Broder Developers Meeting (the old Cannistraro building), last night. Watertown News will, I’m sure, have a very complete summary of this event. Just a few personal takeaways:

Although it was outside in that awful heat and humidity and in a decent outside venue that was practically hidden from the street (one attendee got numerous texts from people who were trying to attend and couldn’t find the place, and another attendee stood out in the parking lot in an attempt to send people in the right direction), it was well attended. I counted over 50 people.It lasted well past 8:00, in fact until after dark.

Around Town

Trustees Narrowing List of Candidates for Next Library Director, Planning Interviews

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Watertown LibraryThe Watertown Free Public Library. When thinking about what would make a great library director for Watertown, being involved in the community is one of the most valuable aspects, says Chair of the Board of Library Trustees, Leanne Hammonds. “We’re looking for someone that is comfortable being sort of the face of the Library in the community trying to get out to different community members that maybe don’t use the library as much … we’d like the library director to be known in the community,” said Hammonds. The Board of Trustees has been working to find a new library director since the spring when they found out their current director, Caitlin Browne, was resigning. The process to hire a new director consists of two members of the Board of Trustees to review resumes, cover letters and interview the candidates.

Around Town

Replacement & Larger Recycling Toters Available from DPW

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Recycling toters are available from the Department of Public Works. The following information came from the City of Watertown:

The Watertown Department of Public Works (DPW) is currently offering 96-gallon recycle totes for purchase as an option for broken totes and as part of the 2nd tote program. These can be purchased at the DPW at 124 Orchard Street and can be delivered if needed. The prices per bin are: $76 for a replacement and $90 for an additional tote.The DPW believes that this program change will make it easier for residents to increase the amount of recyclable material put out for pickup on each collection day. 64-gallon totes are currently still available for purchase if residents prefer to replace a broken bin with that size.

Around Town

Community Board Member Wanted for Watertown Transportation Management Association

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Watertown TMAThe Watertown Connector started running the week of Labor Day. The shuttle goes down Pleasant Street to Watertown Square and then heads to Harvard Square. It is open to the general public. The following information was provided by the Watertown TMA:

The Watertown Transportation Management Association (WTMA) is seeking an Advisory Member from the community to join the WTMA Board. The Board meets 4-6 times per year, on Wednesday mornings at 9 am.

Around Town

Mt. Auburn Street Renovation Includes Reduced Travel Lanes, Buffered Bike Lanes & Pedestrian Gathering Areas

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A rendering of the new landscaped area in Coolidge Square at Bigelow Avenue as part of the Mt. Auburn Street Project. (Courtesy of Tighe & Bond)

When work finishes on one of Watertown’s major arteries, the street will have fewer lanes in some places, protected bike lanes, and landscaped areas for people to gather. Mt. Auburn Street will receive a major facelift, and be redesigned in some places, during the project that will impact almost the entire length of the artery that runs from Watertown Square to the Cambridge line.

Around Town

Recreation Department Hosting Walking Tour, Discussion of Renovation Plans for Casey Park

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Plans for the renovation of the baseball field and playground at Casey Park. (Courtesy of CDM Smith)

The following announcement was provided by the Recreation Department:

The Watertown Recreation Department in partnership with the Department of Public Works will host an onsite public meeting at Casey Park on Thursday, Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. to present recreational facility renovation plans for the remaining sections of Casey Park which were not completed in our Phase I renovation several years back. Glenn Howard, Design Consultant from CDM Smith with lead the presentation for the City of Watertown. On Site Community Meeting – Casey Park

An overhead view of Casey Park.

Around Town

LETTER: Thoughts on Citizens Petitions & Developer’s Plans for the Cannistraro Site

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By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

Question: If a dozen equals twelve and a peck equals two dry gallons, what does a “some” equal? When referring to the 600 plus citizens who signed the two citizen’s petitions calling for zoning changes (zoning relief, if you will), this group is many times referred to as “some people.”

It sure didn’t feel like “some” as we went door to door and stood outside in good and bad weather speaking with fellow citizens about their thoughts on Watertown’s current development. It also didn’t feel like “some” to Councilor Palomba who said at the July 11th City Council meeting: “Those names really demonstrate a breadth across the city…” and included names of people “who do not live in areas adjacent to development.”

As Joe Levendusky said, 600 people is a lot of people that are showing dissatisfaction. To quote Joe when referring to the numbers who want change, “I subscribe to the tip of the iceberg.” Now let’s quote Councilor Gardner, who is the only councilor who chose not to say a word at the July 11th City Council meeting, but had plenty to say in her newsletter:

“The Council acknowledged that the petitions signal that some residents have serious concerns about the scale of buildings when they abut single and two-family housing or are in the Central Business District. I also often hear concerns about the need for more housing (especially workforce and affordable housing), greater density to create that housing, and development that supports transportation by means other than single use vehicles.”

There’s that “some” word again … and that “housing” word thrown in for good measure, both implying that the 600 voters who signed the petitions are an insignificant number and that their calling for zoning changes somehow is at odds with providing housing for our citizens.