Government

New Fire Boat, Welcoming New Police Pup, Search for Chief Information Officer

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Raider, the Watertown Police Department’s new comfort dog, and Officer Anna Margaryan. (Courtesy of the City of Watertown)

The City Council had a special visitor at last Tuesday’s meeting, and also approved funding for the Fire Department’s new boat, and discussed how to replace the outgoing director of information technology. Fire Boat

The City Council approved transferring $54,000 from other Fire Department accounts into the Fire Department Equipment Capital Account to pay for a new boat that will be used on the Charles River. The boat, known as Marine 1, will replace one that dates back to 2000, said Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson. “In the summer months we put Marine 1 in water at the Watertown Yacht Club,” Nicholson said.

Government

Reconstruction of Morse Street Approved by City Council

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One of the longer streets on Watertown’s Southside will soon begin to be reconstructed after the City Council approved funds for the project on Tuesday. The City Council approved the borrowing of $2 million to cover a portion of the $2.6 million project, said City Manager George Proakis. The rest will be covered by funds set aside by the City for other street and sidewalk capital projects. The Morse Street project is part of the Long Streets and Connector Road Program. Morse Street will be totally reconstructed, with a new 24-foot-wide roadway and 5-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides, said Watertown Public Works Superintendent Greg St.

Government

Next Watertown Square Area Plan Hearing Set for July 16

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The City of Watertown provided the following information:

The Joint Hearing to discuss the Watertown Square Area Plan will continue on July 16, at 6 p.m. in the Watertown Middle School Auditorium at 68 Waverley Avenue in Watertown. This is a continuation of the Joint Hearing held on June 13 and June 27 in the same location. 

This Hearing will be a hybrid meeting, meaning you will have the opportunity to participate virtually on Zoom or in-person. You will also be able to watch the Hearing live online on WCA-TV. 

Access the Plan Document, Q+A Sheet, Hearing’s Recordings, and the June 13 Hearing’s Presentation

We encourage everyone to visit the project website to learn more and to access the plan document. Printed copies of the Plan Document can be found at the Watertown Library and Senior Center. The City of Watertown has also developed a packet of responses to questions about the Watertown Square Area Plan that have been collected from the previous Hearings. If you missed it, we encourage all to watch the recordings of the June 13 and June 27 Hearings, as well as access the slide presentation given by the Project Team about the Plan Document. For more information about the project, or to ask a question about the Joint Hearing, please visit the project website. 

You can also contact the City by dialing 311 in Watertown or by calling 617-715-8660. https://www.watertownmanews.com/2024/07/01/city-council-planning-board-weigh-in-on-watertown-square-area-plan

Government

See How Much Water & Sewer Rates Will Increase This Year

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The City Council approved the water and sewer rates on Tuesday, which will be rising, but they would have been higher if not for an earlier decision. Water and sewer bills will be rising by 3.5 percent for Watertown residents and other customers. A residential customer who uses 4,000 cubic feet of water will see an increase of $26.87 per quarter. The rate for 100 cubic feet of water for tier 1, which is most single family homes, is $5.68 for water, $11.46 for sewer, and $17.14 combined. Despite the increase, City Manager George Proakis said the rate hikes have been higher in recent years, and it is below what had been forecast.

Government

City Manager Seeks to Fill Seats on Human Rights Commission and Traffic Commission

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City Manager George J. Proakis announced he is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Human Rights Commission and the Traffic Commission. Human Rights Commission

All applicants who previously applied will be considered. New applicants should complete and submit a Universal Application no later than Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The Human Rights Commission works to ensure that all persons enjoy equal opportunity to participate in local affairs, including but not limited to housing, employment, education, public accommodation, access to City services regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, age, religion, disability, health status, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic status, ex-offender status, genetic and/or protected class status. The Commission promotes human rights in Watertown through outreach, dialogue, educational forums, the development of an Action Plan, serving as a resource to persons with concerns of discrimination within the City, recommending policies or resolutions for adoption by the City Council, City Manager or other City departments, boards, councils or commissions.

Government

City Hires Planners Who Will Focus on Economic Development & Open Space

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

We are thrilled to announce the hiring of two new Senior Planner positions in Watertown – Erin Rathe as the City’s Senior Planner for Economic Development and Michelle Moon as the City’s Senior Planner for Open Space. Erin joins Watertown from Middlesex 3 Coalition, where she served as the Communications Director, bringing with her extensive experience working on collaborative community projects. In Watertown, Erin will be a leader in implementing the City’s economic development strategies focused on small businesses, corridors, squares, and our emerging industry clusters. Michelle Moon will be joining the Watertown team in August after 6 years as the Principal and Founder of Civic Space Collaborative working on open space, greenways, placemaking, and public arts projects. As Watertown’s Senior Planner for Open Space, Michelle will be enhancing the character and quality of life in the city by ensuring we have high-quality streetscapes, parks, playgrounds, recreation, and open spaces.

Government

City Council & Planning Board Weigh In on Watertown Square Area Plan

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Traffic flows and affordable housing remained front and center issues for city officials who gathered on June 27th to discuss — for the second time this year — the comprehensive redevelopment plan for Watertown Square. The discussion among the City Councilors and Planning Board members circled around what the sticking points of the Watertown Square Area Plan were and how, exactly, they should move forward. “Watertown Square is a failed concept. It’s been failing for 30 years. We need housing.

Government

State Rep. Lawn Honored by Health Care for All Massachusetts

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State Rep. John Lawn received an award from Health Care For All Massachusetts. Pictured, from left, Chairwoman Cindy Friedman (D-Fourth Middlesex, Senate Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing), Chairman John J. Lawn, Jr. (D-Watertown, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing), and Amy Rosenthal (Executive Director of Health Care For All Massachusetts)

The following announcement was provided by State Rep. John Lawn’s office:

State Representative John J. Lawn, Jr. (D-Watertown) received the Health Care for All (HCFA) Rob Restuccia Leadership Award at the HCFA’s annual For the People reception. The award, presented annually, highlight’s individuals and organizations whose leadership and dedication to and for their communities embody the spirit of Rob Restuccia, the former executive director of HCFA. The event serves as their biggest event of the year, gathering hundreds of key stakeholders including health care leaders, policy makers, and key advocates together in support of the HCFA mission: to advocate for health justice in Massachusetts to promote health equity and ensure coverage and access for all. “Chairman Lawn has consistently championed Health Care For All in the Legislature,” said Amy Rosenthal, Executive Director of non-profit organization Health Care For All Massachusetts.