Arsenal Project

Impact on River by Arsenal Mall Rebuild, Height of Buildings Worry Residents

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The Planning Board gave their OK to changes to zoning in the area of the Arsenal Project and Watertown Mall which could lead to a major project with commercial, residential and/or office elements including taller buildings. The issue is now in the hands of the Town Council. Residents at last week’s Planning Board meeting about the Regional Mixed Use District (RMUD) brought up several concerns about how a new complex at the Arsenal Mall site could impact the town and the nearby Charles River, and said the taller buildings would be too big for Watertown. The RMUD impacts a much larger area than just the Arsenal Project. It also includes the area on the other side of Arsenal Street where the Watertown Mall and Target are located, most of Elm Street and about half of Coolidge Avenue.

Arenal Street Corridor

Proposed New Zoning for Area of Malls Concerns Residents

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The Planning Board held the first public hearing on Wednesday about potential changes to the east end of Arsenal Street that would expand possible uses from industrial to include retail, office and residential. The proposal concerned and confused many residents who attended the meeting. Boylston Properties, the owners of the Arsenal Project (former Arsenal Mall), proposed zoning changes to allow them to transform the mall into a live-work-play area. The proposal brought forward by Boylston Properties would create a Regional Mixed Use District for the area south of Arsenal Street including the Arsenal Mall, Home Depot and the building with Miller’s Ale House. Town officials added some areas to the proposed RMUD: the area where the Arsenal Mall is located, the west side of Elm Street and part of the south side of Coolidge Avenue.

Entertainment

Mass Audubon Bringing Nature Series to Arsenal Project

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The Arsenal Project is teaming with Mass Audubon to present a series for nature lovers, beginning Saturday, Sept. 19. Each event features ​​​​​​​​​interactive program and small animal visitors. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The events are free and open to the public. The schedule of events includes:

In the Woods, Saturday, Sept. 19, 1-3 p.m.

The woods of Massachusetts are home to more than trees.

Business

Arsenal Mall Owners Seeking Special Zoning for Area

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The owners of the Arsenal Project have proposed creating new zoning for the property to allow more types of developments to be allowed, with the goal of making the project a gateway to Watertown. Last week, the Town Council referred the proposal for creating a Regional Mixed Use District to the Planning Board. “An amendment has been proposed, but it is not sign, sealed delivered,” said Assistant Town Manager Steve Magoon. “They proposal would allow broader uses of the property.” William McQuillan, principal of Boylston Properties – the owners of the Arsenal Project (formerly Arsenal Mall) – submitted the proposal under the name BP Watertown Retail LLC.

Entertainment

Drive-In Movie Showing of Grease Moving to a New Night

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Due to rain, the showing of Grease in the parking lot of the Arsenal Project has been rescheduled. You can pull in, tune in and enjoy the big screen from the comfort of your car on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The movie starts at dusk – about 8 p.m. The movie runtime is approximately 110 minutes. Activities for kids start at 6:30 p.m. with face painting, balloon sculptures and more. Popcorn & treats available.

Around Town

More Than 15 Stores Attending Job Fair at the Arsenal Project

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The Arsenal Project in Watertown will host a job fair featuring more than 15 stores. Retailer Job Fair at The Arsenal Project will take place in Innovation Space at the former Arsenal Mall, 485 Arsenal Street, Watertown, on Thursday, Aug. 20 and Friday, Aug. 21 from 1-4 p.m.

Job seekers can learn about the available opportunities, complete job applications, and in some cases, interview at the job fair. All shifts are available.

Around Town

Arsenal Project Providing Spots for People to Park Car, Bike to Work

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Watertown’s Arsenal Project will make space available for people who want to park their car and then bicycle into work. 

On July 31, a new multi-modal commuting system called Park&Pedal debuted in Boston, the first program of its kind in the United States, and the Arsenal Project is one of the participating sites, according to the program announcement. The free program is designed to encourage bike commuting by providing a network of parking hub conveniently located cycling distance from centers of employment. Commuters can park their car for free and ride their bike the remaining distance to work, thereby avoiding traffic congestion and parking in the city. There are four spaces at the Arsenal Project reserved for this innovative program. David Montague of Montague Bikes, the creator of the program, said, “We are excited to be working with the Arsenal Project as a retail partner in the inaugural launch of Park&Pedal.

Police/Fire

Woman Attacks Teen at Sporting Goods Store with Lacrosse Stick

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A woman faces assault and battery with a dangerous weapon charges after she allegedly hit a teen-aged boy with a lacrosse stick. The woman had been shopping at Sports Authority with her daughter on the afternoon of July 6 when she began yelling at the 14-year-old boy, said Watertown Police Lt. Michael Lawn. “The woman said the boy was looking at her and said something to her daughter,” Lawn said. “She picked up a lacrosse stick and hit him with it.” Security said the women then left the store and she was later located by police.