Around Town

LETTER: 2024 New Year’s Resolutions For the City of Watertown, Part 3: And on the Bright Side

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My 2023 Thank You’s to Our City Council. Thank you, Council President Mark Sideris for your availability to residents and for standing up for the integrity of Watertown Square. Thank you Councilor Gardner for your work on the ARPA funding process. Thank you Councilor Palomba for your advocacy regarding developer linkage fees for affordablehousing. Thank you Councilor Feltner for supporting the need for more resident involvement in the development planning process and raising the bar on planning for our City parks.

Government

This Week: Council Considering Snow Shoveling Requirement, Project at Former Cannistraro Site

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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)

The City Council will be considering a requirement for residents to shovel sidewalks on Tuesday night, and Wednesday the Planning Board will hear the proposal for a biotech campus on Pleasant Street. The City Council’s agenda includes the amendment to the Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance that would require sidewalks in front of residential properties to be cleared within 24 hours of the end of a storm. The first violation would get a written warning, the second faces at $50 fine and third and later in one winter would get a $100 fine. There are exceptions for people “who are unable to meet the physical requirements of this section, particularly for low-income, elderly, or disabled residents, or for other unusual circumstances.”

The Council meets on Tuesday, Jan.

Government

Council Will Consider Requiring Residents to Remove Snow in Front of their Properties

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Watertown residents would be required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their homes if the amendment to the Snow Ordinance is approved. The City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes to the Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance on Tuesday, Jan. 9, Council President Mark Sideris said during his address at Tuesday’s Inauguration Ceremony. The meeting will be held at City Hall beginning at 7 p.m. Remote participation will be available. Watertown already has snow and ice removal rules for commercial properties, but the changes to the Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance would add requirements to remove snow from sidewalks in front of homes.

Government

Watertown’s City Council Has Some Big Issues Waiting as New Term Begins

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City Council President Mark Sideris outlined the accomplishments of the past two terms and issues facing the City Council in the new term at the 2024 Inauguration. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The New Year also ushered in a new term for Watertown’s elected boards, and the City has some issues on its plate to tackle soon, including a show shoveling ordinance, short-term rentals, and reusing some former city buildings. City Council President Mark Sideris addressed the crowd Tuesday night at the Commander’s Mansion after members of the City Council, School Committee, and Board of Library Trustees took the oath of office. Watertown’s elected officials waited to be sworn in at the 2024 Inauguration at the Commander’s Mansion. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

When the Council meets on Jan.

Government

Councilor Lisa Feltner Hosting Annual Public Meeting

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District B City Councilor Lisa Feltner. As part of the changes to the Watertown Charter all City Councilors must have an annual meeting to meet with the public. District B City Councilor Lisa Feltner announced the date of her meeting. See info below. City Councilor Lisa Feltner’s Annual Councilor Meeting is on Monday, January 8, 2024, from 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom.

Government

Watertown Public Works Front Office Hours Changing

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The Department of Public Works facility on Orchard Street will be opening and closing earlier in the day starting the week of Dec. 18. The DPW asked the City Council to make the changes because many contractors start before the old opening time of 8:30 a.m. and wanted to do business with the department. Some councilors asked if residents would be coming over in the afternoon and no longer be able to speak to someone at the DPW front desk. Public Works Superintendent Greg St.

Government

City Council to Vote on Roads to be Reconstructed in 2024

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Tuesday night, the City Council will consider approving the list of roads in Watertown to be reconstructed in 2023. The Council’s Committee on Public Works recommended a list of five roads to be approved. The work would begin in the spring of 2024. Recommended Street List

George Street

Bromfield Street

Mangano Court

Grandview Avenue

Dwight Street

The list created by the Department of Public Works was based on a number of factors, according to the Committee report. “Some of these factors include a review of the pavement condition index (PCI), what utilities (water, sewer, and drain) are planned to be replaced, and the plans of public utilities (National Grid and Eversource).”

Government

This Week: Council to Consider ARPA Proposals, Cannistraro Project Continued

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The City Council will be considering what to do with Watertown’s $10 million-plus in federal ARPA funds this week, and also, the Planning Board will not be hearing the proposed project on the former Cannistraro site on Pleasant Street until next meeting. The agenda for Tuesday’s City Council meeting includes vote on the resolution for how to spend Watertown’s appropriation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds. The Council received more than 30 applications for a portion of the money. Applications came from City departments, local non-profits, and even resident groups. A Council committee heard from some of the applicants and produced a list of recommended proposals to fund.