Around Town

LETTER: Former Councilor’s Shares Letter on Development from 2016

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In response to recent projects being approved and proposed in Watertown, former District A Councilor Angeline Kounelis sent out a letter she submitted to Planning Board and City Officials in December 2016 regarding the property at 485-615 Arsenal St. (Arsenal Yards) and the Master Plan Special Permit. She added that she voted against the 2015 Watertown Comprehensive Plan and the 2016 Regional Mixed Use District. Greetings,

SHADOWS FROM THE PAST – 12/14/2016

For many years; many of us have been advocating for: “…balance…for viable development that will blend with less consequence on our community and its residents.” Although some of the then proposed site specifics for Arsenal Yards have changed; the location remains: “a city within a city with amenities galore for its prospective residents.”

Around Town

Developers Have Vision for Site at Pleasant St. & Rosedale Ave.

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Broder/CBTAn illustration of the potential designs for a project at Pleasant Street and Rosedale Avenue, which would include a life science building, a garage and retail space. A project has been envisioned for a major parcel on Pleasant Street that would add a life science building, retail and a parking garage. Broder and CBT seek a Site Plan Review application for a project on the former Cannistraro property (and the former home of the Plumbing Museum) at the corner of Pleasant Street and Rosedale Ave. The project includes multiple parcels: 275 & 313 Pleasant St., 80 Rosedale Road and 60 Acton St. Project documents were submitted to the Watertown Planning Department and posted on the City website on Nov.

Government

Two Proposed Life Science Buildings to Go Before Planning Board

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A rendering of the building proposed for 490 Arsenal Way, known as Linx II. The Planning Board will consider two life science buildings proposed to go on existing biotech sites in Watertown when it meets on Wednesday, Nov. 16. The first is at 490 Arsenal Way, where Columbia Massachusetts Arsenal Office Properties LLC seeks to build a 104,000 sq. ft.

Government

LETTER: Time to Involve Residents in Planning of Watertown’s Future

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At the Nov. 3 District D “Meet the new City Manager” meeting, a resident made a request that I’ve heard very often around the City. Could the Planning Department please give us the big picture of the City and not just the various pieces? This could answer many questions that residents have. I thought that was an excellent idea, and trying to expedite this process, I worked with some residents to demystify the biggest missing piece for people who live in Watertown, the increasing role of the Life Sciences Industry in our community.

Government

Project Approved for Russo’s Site, Developer Makes Adjustments

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JacobsA view from Pleasant Street of the building approved for the former Russo’s site. The penthouse seen at the top was reduced by 3 feet in the front from the September proposal. The developer of the project going on the former Russo’s site adjusted plans after the first Planning Board hearing in September and received approval in October. The development includes a life science building constructed for an established pharmaceutical company, as well as a retail space that will be filled by a “world class” eatery. At the previous meeting, the Planning Board asked for the height of the penthouse holding mechanical equipment to be reduced, the biotech building to be pushed farther off the street, opportunities for public art, and to reduce the amount of asphalt.

Developers from Saracen Properties came back with some changes, and agreed to another at the Oct.

Around Town

LETTER: Thank You Watertown, and an Invitation to Get Involved

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Dear Watertown Citizens,

I’d like to thank those citizens of Watertown who have taken the time and effort to stay involved in City issues and governance. It takes some effort to get on this swiftly moving train, as I’ve learned in the past six months. I invite you to get involved. For starters, pick something small. You might even find it gratifying!

City Council

Council to Look at Neighbor Notifications About Projects, Rodent Control Plan & Hiring Department Heads

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Watertown City Hall

After hearing from residents about not being informed about key meetings about development projects in Watertown, the City Council will discuss ways to improve communications with neighbors of such projects. The City will also work on creating a rodent control plan, and the City Manager will be filling three key positions. On Tuesday, City Council President Mark Sideris said that he heard from residents who were frustrated that they did not know about the proposed project at 148 Waltham St. “We it comes to development we put in place the requirement for community meetings, but one thing that came out, particularly with the Sterritt Lumber site — and I thank Councilor (Emily) Izzo for her efforts — but we don’t have a process with notifying neighbors when a hearing is coming up,” Sideris said. “We do notify the immediate abutters, but we can do a better job.

Around Town

LETTER: Developer of Arsenal Yards Commends Watertown Planning Department’s Efforts

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In the nearly 10 years since we purchased the Arsenal Mall to make it a better destination for all, we’ve accomplished much with you and the people of Watertown. Our goal was always to transform the Mall into an accessible space to enjoy with friends, family, and neighbors, to rejuvenate the untapped economic potential of the Arsenal Street corridor, and to be an integral, improved part of the community in many ways. It has not been a short, perfect, or straight line, but we believe it is a very good result at Arsenal Yards. Throughout the years, we’ve had many a spirited debate with various stakeholders, councils, and boards in town, including, of course, the Planning Department. I’ve personally had “robust” dialogues with Steve Magoon and his colleagues in what we see as a productive back-and-forth in which we are constantly improving ideas with better ideas.