Business

Watertown Will Begin Issuing Building Permits This Week

By |

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Building Inspector:

Governor Baker has allowed construction to re-open in Phase I of the four-phase Re-opening Plan, provided that all safety guidelines are followed and each contractor signs an agreement to follow these guidelines. Watertown Town Hall continues to be closed however, building permits will begin to be issued during the week of May 19, 2020. If the work is small in nature, an email will be sent out with directions on how the permit can be printed. If the permit has multiple pages of architectural drawings, the town is developing a pickup procedure to begin during the week of May 19, 2020. Please keep in mind, you will be notified when your permit is issued and is ready to be picked up.

Building Inspector

Town Accepting Building Permit Applications, Will Approve When State Reopens

By |

In preparation for when Massachusetts lifts its COVID-19 shutdown, the Town of Watertown will begin to accept building permits. Watertown Building Inspector Peter McLaughlin sent out details of how builders can submit plans on Monday afternoon. In mid-March, the Town stopped construction in Town and announced it would not accept applications for new projects as part of efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. A week later, the State issued a ruling that allowed some construction, such as residential projects, so some projects could continue construction in Watertown, but the application process remained halted. The latest order from Gov. Charlie Baker extended the State of Emergency, which includes halting of some construction, until May 18.

Government

Long Time Watertown Building Inspector Passes Away

By |

Watertown Building Inspector Ken Thompson passed away on April 2, 2018. He had worked for the Town’s Planning Department for nearly 14 years. 

Thompson always had a quick wit, remembered Steve Magoon, the Assistant Town Manager and Director of the Department of Economic Development and Planning. “He was someone who was big in stature and had a real big presence, independent of his size,” Magoon said. “He always had a quick wit and joke to offer for everyone which would lighten the mood when things got intense.” Thompson, 72, of Lynnfield, would have worked for the Town for 14 years in June, Magoon said, and he was not only the local building inspector but also the building commissioner.