Development

Series of Meetings Announced for Two Major Projects on Arsenal Street

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Two of the most discussed and anticipated projects coming to Watertown – the Arsenal Mall and the Arsenal on the Charles – have meetings coming up where residents can learn about plans and give input. Watertown’s Community Development and Planning Department announced the following meetings:
Arsenal Mall
The owners of the Arsenal Mall, know called the Arsenal Project, announced three Community Meetings, with different topics to be discussed at each. The project is in the new Regional Mixed Use District, which was approved in March. The meeting Topics/Days/Times are as follows:

Infrastructure and Open Space (May 18, 7-9 p.m.)
Building Characteristics and Massing (May 26, 7-9 p.m.)
Open House (June 1, 7-9 p.m.)

All meetings will be held at the Arsenal Project in the Innovation Space. Enter Near Old Navy.

Development

Concerned Citizens Assoc. Hosting Forum on Watertown Property Rights

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The Concerned Watertown Citizens Association will be hosting its Third Open Forum Meeting at 7 p.m., on May 12 at the Library, announced President John Labadini. The group sent out the following information:

Please-Spread the word and help educate your fellow citizens on what’s being proposed in their town. watertownpropertyrights.org/upcoming-events We will be reviewing and discussing the following facts:

1. The Town is considering implementing “Residential Guidelines” that could become “Mandates” (ie. new ordinances) as well as extending the Demolition Delay Ordinance from 12 to 24 months.

Arsenal on the Charles

Residents Have Mixed Reaction to Latest Plans for Athenahealth’s Campus

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Athenahealth and residents met for round three of discussions about the company’s plans to redevelop its Arsenal Street headquarters Tuesday night. The company presented its modified Master Plan to redevelop it’s Arsenal On the Charles headquarters at the Coolidge School Apartments complex. The updated plan included an increased setback from the new parking garage and North Beacon Street, new pedestrian zones to increase circulation, and the elimination of 227 parking spaces from the proposed new parking garage. Michael Crowley, vice president of athenaEnvironment said that zoning requirements mandated the setback from the parking garage and the street be a minimum of 25 feet, but Athena increased the setback to a total of 88 feet. The additional space will be used to create a “pocket park,” to create a buffer between the street and the garage Crowley said.

Development

Man Who Was a Watchdog on Arsenal Mall Project is Up for Spot on Planning Board

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A man who gazed a critical eye on the proposed renovation of the Arsenal Mall has been nominated to fill an opening on the Watertown Planning Board – the group that will make decisions on that and other projects in the new Regional Mixed Use District (RMUD). Gary Shaw has been recommended as the new member of the Planning Board by Town Manager Michael Driscoll. Shaw is an architect who has worked on some major projects around New England who lives in Watertown, and he would replace Neal Corbett who stepped down from the board. Shaw, along with the other four members of the Planning Board – John Hawes, Jeffrey Brown, Linda Tuttle-Barletta and Fergal Brennock – will be interviewed by the Town Council’s Committee on Economic Development and Planning. A recommendation will then the sent to the full Council on whether to approve these appointments.

Development

Community Meeting Announced for Athenahealth Campus Renovation

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A community meeting will be held to discuss the proposed renovation of the athenahealth campus at the Arsenal on the Charles. 

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 29 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Coolidge School Apartments, 319 Arlington St. Several new buildings have been planned, as well as a large new parking garage on the west side of the complex. This has been a sore point for nearby neighbors who said the last version included a garage that is too tall and too close to North Beacon Street. Full set of the athenahealth plans can be seen online or view in person at the Planning Office on the third floor of Town Hall from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Arsenal Project

New RMUD Zoning That Will Transform the Area Around the Malls is Approved

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After months of debate and revisions, the Town Council and Planning Board approved new zoning on Wednesday that will vastly change the east end of Arsenal Street, near the two malls. 

The Regional Mixed Use District, or RMUD, will change the area from one zoned for heavy industry to a place where a mix of retail, residential and office will be allowed. This opens the way for a major overhaul of the former Arsenal Mall. The plan was approved unanimously by the Planning Board, but the Town Council split 7-2, with Angeline Kounelis and Michael Dattoli voting against the plan. Kounelis said she could support the zoning changes for the Arsenal Project, having seen proposal made by Boylston Properties, the owner of the mall. She said she could not support the zoning changes for the rest of the area, not knowing what is coming.

Development

Concerned Homeowners Host Meeting on Proposed Changes to Residential Property

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Concerned Watertown Homeowners Association invites the public to a meeting about proposed changes to the town’s zoning that would impact one and two family homes. 

The group sent out the following announcement:

All are welcome to attend our public meeting on Thursday March 3rd and learn more about The potential Watertown Residential Design Guidelines and how they can effect YOU the Watertown home owner! March 3 at 7 p.m. – Public Meeting of Watertown Concerned Homeowner’s Association at the Watertown Public Libary, Savings Bank Room – 123 Main Street

For more information about our association and the Watertown Residential Design Guidelines check out our website watertownpropertyrights.org.

Development

Rescheduled RMUD Hearing Coming Up on Wednesday

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The long awaited hearing on the proposed changes to Watertown’s zoning for the east side of Arsenal Street near the malls will finally occur on Wednesday. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Watertown High School Auditorium, and will include both the Town Council and the Planning Board. The proposal would majorly overhaul of the zoning rules for the area near the east end of Arsenal Street, including the town’s two malls, along with other properties on Arsenal Street, plus parts of Elm Street and Coolidge Avenue. Basically, it would change the zoning form industrial to mixed use, which allows for residential, commercial and office project. The proposal also calls for allowing building higher than the 55-f00t limit, and could go as high as 1o stories or 130 feet.