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WestMetro HOME Holding Public Hearing on Annual Performance & Evaluation Report

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The following information was provided by WestMetro HOME Consortium:

Since 1992, the City of Newton has received over $35 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME Program through the WestMetro HOME Consortium for the development of affordable housing in Newton. Because Newton is not individually eligible to participate in the HOME Program, in 1991, the City spearheaded an effort to form a consortium under the newly enacted Program. Brookline, Waltham and Watertown joined Newton in this effort. Since that time, the Consortium, through Newton as the lead member, has received and distributed over $35 million in HOME funds to its members. The Consortium has provided grants and loans of HOME funds to for-and non-profit developers and directly to low-income households to create over 550 units of affordable housing.

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Thoughtful Fridays Begin Sept. 15 at Brigham House

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The following announcement was provided by the Sacred Threads Center:

An opportunity to gather on three Fridays in September to ponder themes of PEACE, CHANGE and GRATITUDE. Poetry, art and music will enhance our gathering. With support from the Marshall Home Fund. WHEN: September 15, 22, 29 – 2023

At 9:45 – 11:00 AM

WHERE: Brigham House – Activity Room

341 Mt. Auburn St.

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LETTER: Great Turnout, Comments & Questions at Community Meeting

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This may be the shortest letter that you’ll ever see from me. If you want to see an example of an excellent Watertown community meeting, (about 50  Watertown residents in attendance … the day after Labor Day … and lots of insightful comments and probing questions), a meeting that wasn’t supposed to happen, keep an eye out and watch the developer’s meeting for the 10-30 Manley Way project, recorded September 5th. This is an example of why residents should be given an opportunity to speak on all of these projects, not just the brand, spanking new ones.  And this is Exhibit A that Watertown residents are knowledgeable people who care about their community and are striving to make our community better while saving us from ourselves. Watch it and be proud! Linda ScottWatertown Resident

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Watertown’s Fall Recreation Programs Begin Soon

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This fall, the Watertown Recreation Department will run multiple sports programs for all ages, as well as some crafting groups. The session begins on Monday, Sept. 11. Programs include Sports programs for PreK, Juniors (grades K-2), All Sports (grades 3-5), plus flag football, youth tennis, youth volleyball. Middle school students can participate in volleyball school basketball open gym.

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Learn About Community Volunteer Events at Info Session

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The following information was provided by the City of Watertown:

Seeking individuals (14+) who are interested in volunteering for community events! Join us at the Watertown Free Public Library, in the Watertown Savings Bank Meeting Room on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 4PM to 6PM. What You’ll Find…

Stop by and talk to event leaders to learn more about how you can help!High school students enter our raffle for a chance to win free gift cards!Light refreshments will be served. Participating Organizations…

Commander’s MansionWatertown Arts MarketWatertown Free Public LibraryWatertown Business CoalitionWatertown Cable Access TVWatertown Public Arts & Culture CommitteeYardArt

Please email events@commandersmansion.com if you have any questions or would like more information.

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LETTER: Attend the Community Meeting on Manley Way, Proposed to be One of Many Bio Labs Around Watertown

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A rendering of the building at 10-30 Manley Way proposed to be redeveloped into lab/R&D/non-nuisance manufacturing space. (The Seyon Group)

This letter is about 10-30 Manley Way, but humor me, please, while I get there. With at least 25 bio lab buildings and more on the way in a four square mile area, (Alexandria hasn’t even begun the massive transformation of the Watertown Mall yet). 

Here’s a list of just Alexandria’s current holdings in Watertown:  

I hear they have their eyes on more Watertown land. Alexandriatown … how does that sound to you?  

This is a case of being careful about what you wish for.  We have about 70 labs in these buildings so far. There’s plenty of unused lab space without converting one more inch into labs … just my opinion, but it seems to be shared by others. 

To give you an example of the enormity of these projects (besides the in-your-face street presentation of them … hello, Galen Street), there’s a permit meeting for a Coolidge Street lab this month to approve a 7,000 gallon oil tank on the roof of a parking garage that will hold 497 cars.

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LETTER: City Councilor Kick’s Off Campaign, Discusses His Priorities

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Tony Palomba seeks re-eleciton as City Councilor At-Large. Dear Friends, Supporters, and Neighbors,

I write to invite you to my Re-election Campaign Kick Off at the home of Connie and DeWitt Henry in the West End:

Sunday, September 104:00 to 6:00 PM33 Buick Street, Watertown

There will be plenty of refreshments and great company. I will give a short speech and then invite everyone to share their ideas and concerns. It will be a lot of fun! More importantly, I write to thank you for all you do for Watertown.