Arsenal Project

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

By |

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.

Arsenal Project

Arsenal Mall Owners Reveal Some Visions for Revamping Their Property

By |

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

LETTER: 2 Residents Want to See Vision for Rezoning Malls Area

By |

Deborah Peterson and I have been working conscientiously on the RMUD issues, attending meetings, studying the Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines and talking with others. The following is what Deborah tried to present at the economic development sub-committee meeting of the Town Council on Dec. 15. She was roundly dismissed by the Chair Steven Corbett, telling her she was out of line in bringing up these issues. She had only begun to give her statement.

Entertainment

See All the Holiday Fun Coming to the Arsenal Project

By |

There are plenty of Holiday Happenings at the Arsenal Project coming up the next two weekends. The Arsenal Project sent out the following events:

Saturday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Santa Dance Party – Santa hosts a family-friendly party with Suzy Snowflake, music, face painting and more. Bring your camera & dancing shoes! LOCATION: The Bridge near Old Navy

Unleash your Creativity – Workshop for kids from 1-2 p.m.; Holiday arts for adults from 2-4 p.m. with Watertown Art Association.

Entertainment

Arsenal Project’s Holiday Events Feature New Rep Actors and Singing

By |

Head to the Arsenal Project this weekend for two free children’s holiday happenings – one featuring actors from the New Rep Theatre and the other has singers from the Watertown Children’s Theatre. On Saturday, Dec. 5, actors from New Rep’s holiday production – “The Snow Queen” – will read from the play. That will be followed by music and winter crafts for kids of all ages. There will also be a raffle for a pair of tickets to The Snow Queen!

Arsenal Project

Residents Say RMUD Moving Too Fast, Want More Details from Mall Owner

By |

Around 100 people packed the Town Council Chambers and spilled into the hallway Tuesday night for the public hearing about proposed changes that would pave the way for a transformation of the former Arsenal Mall. More than a dozen residents spoke, many saying they believe more time and thought should be given before making such a major change that impacts a large swath of land on the eastern end of Arsenal Street. The proposed Regional Mixed Use District includes the Arsenal Project, the Watertown Mall and parts of Elm Street and Coolidge Avenue. The Council did not vote on the changes to the town’s zoning ordinance, but Town Council President Mark Siders reminded his fellow councilors that they must make their decision within 90 days of the of meeting where the Planning Board passed it to the Council ‘s, which would be Feb. 4, 2016.

Arsenal Project

LETTER: Resident Feels Council is Moving Too Fast With New RMUD Zoning

By |

To the Editor:

The Town Council meeting on Dec. 1 about rezoning the malls should start with singing Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.” Here’s why. The proposal to rezone a large part of the Arsenal St. corridor, including both malls, to a Regional Mixed Use District (RMUD) is big, complex, hard to understand and will have a huge impact on Watertown. It would allow the Planning Board to give permits at the Arsenal Mall (let alone the rest of the new zone) for almost 3 million square feet, with buildings as tall as the Board will allow.