Government

Watertown Hires First Human Resources Director

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Colleen Doyle has been hired as Watertown’s first Human Resources Director. (Courtesy of the City of Watertown)

The City of Watertown hired the new, and first, director of the Human Resources Department. The department replaces the Personnel Department. The City sent out the following announcement of the new hire:

City Manager George Proakis is pleased to announce that Colleen Doyle will join Watertown on Oct. 12, 2023 as the City’s first Director of our new Human Resources department.

Government

Early Voting in 2023 Election Approved by City Council; Fewer Days Than Prior Years

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Watertown voters will have the opportunity to cast ballots in person before election day in the 2023 Watertown City Election, but there will be fewer early voting days than previous elections. Under the state’s VOTES Act cities and towns have the opportunity to offer early voting, but must opt in. For Watertown that means a vote of the City Council, said City Clerk Janet Murphy. Voters will also be able to vote by mail, and at voting locations on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023.

Government

Final Draft of Comprehensive Plan to be Reviewed by City Council & Planning Board

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Watertown’s primary planning document, the Comprehensive Plan, is being updated and the final draft will be reviewed and discussed at a joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Board. The City of Watertown sent out the following information:

The Comprehensive Plan is near the finish line! The final draft will be reviewed at a joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Board on Thursday, September 21, 2023. The meeting, including public comment, will start at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers, second floor in City Hall, 149 Main Street. This draft includes changes recommended by the City Council’s Economic Development & Planning Committee. Read/download the draft (PDF).

Government

Desired Qualities of Next Police Chief to be Discussed by Council’s Public Safety Committee

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Watertown City Hall

The City Council’s Public Safety Committee will hold a meeting to discuss the desired qualities for Watertown’s next Police Chief. The meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber in City Hall, 149 Main St. The meeting will also be available for remote participation at: https://watertown-ma.zoom.us/j/84458822834, as well as audio only by phone: (877) 853-5257 or (888)475-4499 (Toll Free) and enter Webinar ID: 844 5882 2834. Public may comment by email by sending a message to vpiccirilli@watertown-ma.gov

The meeting will be televised through WCATV (Watertown Cable Access Television):http://vodwcatv.org/CablecastPublicSite/?channel=3

Government

Property Takings Pave Way for Start of Mt. Auburn Street Project, Expected to Last 4 Years

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The City Council approved some property takings on Tuesday to make way for a $30 million federally-funded reconstruction of one of Watertown’s biggest streets. With the easements in place, the City will be able to go to bid in September on the Mt. Auburn Street Reconstruction project that will be paid for by federal Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) dollars which are awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). Most of the easements will be temporary, for a five year period, and a few will be permanent, said City Manager George Proakis. “All easements allow for construction to occur on the Mt.

Government

LETTER: Candidate Kicks off Campaign for Council President

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Clyde Younger

Clyde Younger for City Council President and School Committee Member

I am excited to announce that I am running for City Council and School Committee Member. I am starting my campaign by reaching out to you my friends, neighbors and the community asking for your help. In 1973 Friends Suggested I Run on the Theme “He Listens”

In 2023 “I Can Still Do It”

I am honored to have been elected to serve this Community as a Town Meeting Member, School Committee Member, Elected Charter Commissioner and Town Council President and School Committee Member. I relocated to Watertown after CDC transferred me to assist in managing Boston’s Tuberculosis Program. Over the years I have witnessed the rich values of the Community; its commitment to service and dedication to ensuring that the needs of neighbors are addressed and met.

Government

This Week: Council Vote on Part of Mt. Auburn St. Project, ZBA Meets But Big Projects Delayed

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The City of Watertown will have to get permission from residents along Mt. Auburn Street to temporarily gain access to a portion of their property during the upcoming construction project. Also this week, the Zoning Board of Appeals will meet, but some anticipated projects will not be heard. City Council

Tuesday night, the City Council will vote on taking of easements to be able to construct the Mt. Auburn Street renovation.

Government

Residents, Developers Raise Concerns Over New Demolition Ordinance, OK’d by Split Council Vote

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Photo by Steve OwensThe Shick House on Grove Street was an example of a home on which the Historical Commission placed a demolition delay in efforts to save it. It was torn down after BB&N could not find someone to move it to another site. The property is now an athletic complex. Under Watertown’s new demolition delay ordinance, a large number of homes will no longer have to go through the Historical Commission process to do additions or even to tear them down, but those that do go before the Commission could be subject to a much longer demolition delay. The City Council adopted the changes to the demolition delay ordinance on Aug.