Around Town

Watertown Square Zoning Discussion Will Include Accessory Units, Household Definition & Neighborhood Mixed Use Zoning

By |

(Updated Oct. 29: ADUs are limited to single family properties in districts that allow them by right.)

When the zoning changes proposed to make the Watertown Square Area Plan a reality were presented last week, the City Council and Planning Board didn’t get to dig down on a few areas, including accessory dwelling units (i.e. in-law units), what constitutes a household for residential units, and the new Neighborhood Mixed Use zones. City Council President Mark Sideris said he would like to have more discussions about those areas when the public hearing on the Watertown Square zoning continues on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. in City Hall. Another area that Sideris wanted to have discussion about is what happens when a property falls in two different zones including one of the new Watertown Square zones.

Around Town

Watertown Square Zoning Changes Seek to Make More Vibrant, Bike/Pedestrian Friendly Area & Meets State Housing Requirements

By |

Wednesday night, the City Council and Planning Board began to dig into the details of the zoning that will make the transformation of Watertown Square a reality. The zoning includes areas where City officials seek to create areas with a vibrant street front, make the area more friendly for walkers and bicyclists, promote affordable housing, and a section where multi-story residential buildings will be allowed by right to comply with the state’s MBTA Communities Law. The two boards must approve the dozens of Zoning amendments in the Watertown Square Area Plan proposed zoning so that City officials can submit them to the State by December, said Assistant City Manager Steve Magoon. Added to the zoning changes are zoning to allow Accessory Dwelling Units by right, which would allow Watertown to comply with recently approved State legislation by the February deadline. See a bigger version of the proposed zoning map by clicking here.

Around Town

New Life Added to Nearly-Century Old Two-Family Home in Watertown

By |

The two-family home at 21-23 Springfield St. has been renovated by a pair of developers. (Contributed Photo)

A two-family home on Springfield Street has undergone a major transformation that preserved the bones and most of the structure, while creating a pair of modern living spaces. The home at 21-23 Springfield St. was built in 1927 and recently completed a major renovation and expansion.

Around Town

Watertown Fire Department’s Busy Week Included Battling Blazes in a Home & on a Boat

By |

Watertown Firefighters put out a fire on a boat at the Newton Yacht Club on Oct. 10. (Courtesy of Watertown Fire Department)

The Watertown Fire Department had a very busy few days: helping to save a woman from a burning house, putting out a boat blaze, responding to a flipped vehicle, as well as welcoming the public at an Open House. Boat Fire

On Thursday, Watertown Firefighters put out a fire on a boat on the Charles River, said Watertown Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson. The original report was for a fire at the Watertown Yacht Club.

Sports

Watertown Field Hockey Coach Named MIAA Coach of the Year

By |

Watertown Head Field Hockey Coach Eileen Donahue celebrates the 2023 State Championship with Raiders captains, from left, junior Adrianna Williams, senior Molly Driscoll, and senior Aislin Devaney. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Longtime Watertown Field Hockey Coach Eileen Donahue will collect another honor in December when she receives the 2023-24 MIAA Coach of the Year Award. Last season, the Raiders went undefeated and won their third straight State Championship. Watertown capped the season with a 4-3 win over Newburyport in the State Final. The team is undefeated this season, and has amassed a winning streak of 88 games.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Officer Saves Woman from Burning House

By |

Watertown Police Officer Michael Grzelcyk

The Watertown Police Department posted the following announcement on its Facebook page. Friday, October 11, 2024, Officer Michael Grzelcyk demonstrated extraordinary bravery during a working house fire on Winsor Ave. Upon arrival, he learned that a second-floor tenant, an elderly woman, was still inside. With Watertown Fire en route, Officer Grzelcyk entered the burning building alone, facing intense smoke and flames. Despite zero visibility, he made verbal contact with trapped woman.