Comprehensive Plan

Residents Have Two Chances to Help Shape the Future of Watertown

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The first of two opportunities for the public to help shape the future of Watertown takes place Tuesday night at Watertown Middle School. The interactive workshop about Watertown’s Comprehensive Plan Update will be held on Sept. 20, 2022 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Middle School, 68 Waverley Ave. A second meeting will be held on Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library (in the Watertown Savings Bank Room).

Government

LETTER: Resident Upset by Public Input Going Unheard on New Developments

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A friend of mine went to observe the Planning Board Meeting for the Russo and Sterritt sites onWednesday night. It went until 11:00 p.m., and she left in tears … not because either of those projects affected her personally, but because a large group of neighbors came with their constructive comments and valid concerns and went home feeling unheard. The plans were accepted using none of their input. The plans were finalized, voted on and approved as soon as the public’s comments concluded. The people most directly affected by the change to their neighborhood had no, zero, zip say.

Around Town

Developers Submit Proposed Project for Sterritt Lumber Site

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Nordblom CompanyAn illustration of the proposed life science building for 148 Waltham St., the former Sterritt Lumber site. Developers have submitted plans for a lab building to be built on the former Sterritt Lumber site on the Westside of Watertown. On Aug. 8, the Nordblom Company filed for a special permit with site plan review by the City of Watertown on behalf of the owners, Watertown Owner LLC to construct an office lab/R&D (research and development) building at 148 Waltham Street. The project is the second proposal for the former Sterritt Lumber site, near Bemis Park, in West Watertown.

Around Town

Residents Can Shape Decisions in Watertown by Taking Vision & Needs Survey

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The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:

Watertown is beginning the process of updating our Comprehensive Plan to guide policy and decision-making over the next 10+ years. Citizen engagement and community input will be important throughout the planning process. Please participate in the Vision and Needs Survey to share your thoughts about life in Watertown today and its future by June 3, 2022. 

Click here to find the survey. Find out more about the Comprehensive Plan process by clicking below:

City Wants Input on Comprehensive Plan, Providing Multiple Opporunties

Around Town

Find Out About Plans for Sterritt Lumber Site at Community Meeting

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148 Waltham Owner LLCA rendering of the proposed office/lab build proposed to be built at 148 Waltham St., the former Sterritt Lumber site. The developers of the former Sterritt Lumber site on Waltham Street will host a community meeting on May 26 to discuss a proposed office/lab building. The owners sent out the following announcement:

Please join 148 Waltham Owner LLC for a review and discussion of conceptual plans anddetails for the redevelopment and revitalization of the site at 148 Waltham Street. The use of the site is being transitioned to Office Research and Development/Lab-Life Sciences incorporating publicly accessible open space and public realm enhancements as part of the development plans. (note: postings will be available online on the City website prior to the meeting)

We will be hosting an interactive meeting on Thursday, May 26th at 6:30 p.m. and hope you areable to join us for the presentation.

104 Main Street

Possible Main St. Project Has Restaurant Owners Worried About Future

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Crown CafeDiners enjoy a meal at Crown Cafe on Main Street. The future of the restaurant is uncertain because a development has been proposed that includes the restaurant’s property. The new owners of the Crown Cafe invested tens-of-thousands of dollars into the space on Main Street and the restaurant began serving food in January. Just a few months later they worry whether their investment will be for nothing, and the space where their business sits may be demolished to make way for a proposed five-story mixed use development near Watertown Square. One hope for the owners may be a grassroots effort started to try to stop the development by making the area a historic district.

Around Town

City Wants to Hear from Public on Changes to Watertown’s Major Planning Document

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The City of Watertown will be updating its Comprehensive Plan. This document guides what the City will look like in future, and covers topics such as economic development, land use, and transportation. The review will be an 18-month process that will be led by the Department of Community Development and Planning and a consultant team from Stantec in partnership with the Planning Advisory Committee. 

The first public meeting will be in the Hosmer School Cafeteria, 1 Concord Road, on Thursday, May 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. It will be held live and on Zoom. “This year, we are updating the city’s comprehensive plan which means that we want your feedback to plan for Watertown’s future,” said the announcement from the City. City officials want to hear from Watertown residents, property owners, business owners, and workers.