Affordable Housing

Council Subcommittee Rules on RMUD Borders, Passes on Affordable Housing

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A subcommittee of the Town Council met Saturday and debated whether to split up the proposed Regional Mixed Use District (RMUD) on the east end of Arsenal Street, but it decided to hold off on a recommendation on whether to increase the affordable housing requirement for the area. 

The Economic Development and Planning subcommittee went through the proposed amendments to the RMUD, which is currently under consideration by the full Town Council. The zoning change would turn the area where the Arsenal and Watertown malls are located (and other nearby properties) from industrial zoned to one where a mix of residential, retail and office would be allowed. Some residents who have followed the process wanted to split the RMUD in two. Currently, Boylston Properties, which owns the Arsenal Project and other parcels south of Arsenal Street, is working on plans to redevelop the mall. Resident Elodia Thomas said people still have questions on how the zoning would work in the entire district, but have seen a lot already about what Boylston Properties wants to do.

Development

Elm Street Hotel Developers Drop Appeal of Zoning Board’s Decision

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The appeal of the Zoning Board’s rejection of a proposed hotel on Elm Street was dropped by the developers. 

The appeal, filed in state Land Court in October, claimed the ZBA wrongfully denied the special permit for the 104 room hotel at 80 Elm Street when it voted it down on Sept. 30. The suit sought to annul the ZBA’s decision and claimed the ZBA exceeded its authority. ZBA members pointed to the to building being too close to neighboring properties when voting against the proposal. Earlier this month, Assistant Town Manager Steve Magoon received word that the appeal had been withdrawn.

Arsenal Project

One Tall Building in Plan for Arsenal Mall; Some Worry About Park Next Door

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A redeveloped Arsenal Mall could have one building of up to 10 stories, but not more than that, and mall owners may improve Arsenal Park, the owners of the mall revealed Saturday at a meeting about the new zoning proposed for the east end of Arsenal Street. Owners of the Arsenal Project revealed more details of their vision for redeveloping the mall if the Regional Mixed Use District gets approved by the Town Council. The vote on the RMUD zoning must be taken by Feb. 9, and would change the area from a heavy industrial zone (I-1) to one where projects can include retail, office and residential. Developers can apply to have heights taller than the current limit it town – 55 feet.

Development

Athenahealth Presents Latest Vision for Arsenal, Neighbors Unhappy with Garage

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Athenahealth hosted the public for the latest presentation of their vision for the Arsenal on the Charles complex, including details of traffic and parking, but neighbors remain dissatisfied with the proposal for a new garage on the west end of the campus. The company wants to transform the campus and make it more welcoming to the public, said Bob Corning, landscape architect from Stantec. “(athenahealth CEO) Jonathan Bush’s vision is to make the campus much more permeable and open to the public,” Corning said. “We want to make a more pedestrian oriented campus and improve stormwater management.” Thursday night’s meeting was the second community meeting following the one on Nov.

Development

Citizens Group Trying to Make Sense of RMUD, Propose Recommendations

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If you don’t know what the RMUD is and what it means for Watertown, yet, you should find out. That is exactly the task members of the citizen-run Sustainable Watertown has undertaken. The group has organized four meetings to wade through the complexities of the proposed Regional Mixed Use District that encompasses the two malls in town and other nearby properties on Arsenal Street, Elm Street and Coolidge Avenue. The zoning would change the area from an industrial one to one where a mix of things would be allowed, including retail, office and residential. As proposed now it would allow taller buildings, and could get close to natural resources such as the Charles River and Arsenal Park.

Development

Find Out About the RMUD Proposal at Upcoming Citizen Led Meetings

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Sustainable Watertown hosted a meeting last week to help people wade through the complexities of the process for rezoning the area near the Arsenal Project and Watertown Mall, and the group has more meetings planned. 

The informal meetings are a time to learn about what the RMUD (Regional Mixed Use District) in the East End could mean for Watertown, how the process works and even what some of the jargon actually means. The second meeting will be held Wednesday, Jan. 13 from 6:45-9 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library

TOPICS: Open Space and Green Space, Definitions, Public Stewardship of the Riverway, Local and State Ordinances and Laws Protecting the River and Riverway, 100 Foot Buffer; Public Parks, Public Access. Nancy Hammett, Presenter

Meeting No. 3 – Tuesday, Jan. 19, WFPL, Time: 6:45-9 p.m.

TOPICS: Traffic, Transit (Including TMA -Traffic Management Association & TMD – Traffic Management District), plus a Street Network Vision within RMUD and connectivity to Watertown consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

Arsenal Project

Arsenal Mall Owners Reveal Some Visions for Revamping Their Property

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Residents got a clearer picture of what to expect if the owners of the former Arsenal Mall get the OK to redevelop their property at a meeting Saturday where there were also some mending of fences that were damaged during previous meetings. A complex of smaller buildings with shops and residences would replace the open parking lot currently in front of the Arsenal Project. In addition the newer section of the mall linking the two long historic buildings would be taken down and the historic buildings would be made more inviting. The development could be made if and when the Regional Mixed Use District zoning is approved, which includes not on the Arsenal Project, but the Watertown Mall, other properties east of the mall on Arsenal Street and sections of Elm Street and Coolidge Avenue. The RMUD is currently being considered for approval by the Town Council.

Development

Opposition to Changing Watertown’s Residential Zoning Comes Together

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A group of Watertown residents worried that changing the town’s residential zoning rules could hurt property rights is gaining strength after holding a kick-off meeting Thursday night. The Concerned Watertown Homeowners Association’s meeting at the Apartments at Coolidge School attracted about 50 people. The group seeks to spread the word about the Residential Design Guidelines and Standards being proposed in town. The group worries that Watertown homeowners would lose property rights, and that the restrictions could even mean a loss of property value if it is harder to make additions, or residential property cannot be easily redeveloped. “Seniors in Watertown who own their home plan on retiring on that aren’t going to be able to sell their property for as much,” said resident Steve Messina.