Community Forum #1 Summary Report DISCLAIMER: Please be aware the following materials were prepared by JM Goldson, 2-20-20 through 7-21-20. To preserve their integrity, summaries and raw data collected from public engagement have not been edited and may contain inaccuracies, grammatical, and/or spelling errors.

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware the following materials were prepared by JM Goldson, 2-20-20 through 7-21-20. To preserve their integrity, summaries and raw data collected from public engagement have not been edited and may contain inaccuracies, grammatical, and/or spelling errors.

Watertown Community Preservation Plan Community Forum #1 Summary Report Prepared by JM Goldson 02/07/20

MAIN CONCLUSIONS Participants indicated that open space and natural resource protection is the highest priority for CPA funding (40%), followed by community housing (26%), historic preservation (18%), and outdoor recreation (16%).

Participants indicated several needs and project ideas. A few of the most common include:

- Acquire and protect open space and underutilized land for open space - Protect and preserve natural habitats, including the Charles River - Create bike and pedestrian trails and connectivity - Preserve and create community gardens - Protect historic houses that are threatened (acquire and convert to affordable housing or for other public use) - Protect and adaptively reuse satellite North Branch Library (among other potential sites) for affordable housing - Establish a housing trust, first time homebuyer program, and rental assistance program - Create affordable and appropriate housing opportunities for seniors and aging residents

Community Engagement Report 2020 1 Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary

SUMMARY & BACKGROUND

On January 29, 2020, the Watertown Community Preservation Committee (CPC) hosted a community forum as the first public event of a planning process that will result in the Town’s first Community Preservation Plan. Watertown adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA) in 2016 to generate local and state funding to preserve and enhance the Watertown Community in four areas:

- Community Housing - Historic Preservation - Open Space & Natural Resources - Outdoor Recreation

With a newly established CPC and a new Community Preservation Coordinator, this team is working with consultants JM Goldson LLC to develop a five-year Community Preservation Plan that will guide the allocation of CPA funds through identified resources, needs, and priorities. This planning process will also establish an application process and technical assistance to help the community and the CPC kickstart this valuable new funding program.

The primary purpose of this event was to a) share information with the public about CPA and b) collect input from the community about needs and priorities related to the four CPA-eligible categories. The night began with a presentation by the project consultants, followed by open house-style interactive activities. Six stations were set up around the room to both provide background information and solicit feedback from the community. Approximately 140 people attended the event. A summary of findings is presented on the following pages and a transcription of raw data is included in the appendix.

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Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary

PARTICIPANT DEMOGRAPHICS

Participants were asked to respond to a few demographic measures to get a sense of who was in attendance and providing feedback at the community forum. This helps the project team to understand the general characteristics of participants. A summary of responses is provided below.

The majority of participants: - Are current residents of Watertown (95%)

- Have lived in/been associated with the community for 20+ years (66%)

- Are between ages 51 and 75 (68%) → this is much higher than the community as a whole (29%)

- Live in households with no children present (68%); 28% have school-age children living at home → this is fairly comparable to the community as a whole (23% of households include school-age children)

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Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary

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Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary

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Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary

PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK Key themes and take-aways from participant responses are provided below.

1. 2. 3. 4.

a)

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Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary

OPEN SPACE & NATURAL RESOURCES Project Idea or Identified Need Number of sticky Total number note comments of star upvotes Acquire property for open space, pocket parks, gardens, etc. 12 16 - Industrially zoned parcels - Sterritt Lumber property - Wooded areas, especially on historic properties - Watertown Square Merchants Row

Habitat restoration and preservation 9 18 - Connected habitat corridors - Reintroduce or support native species health - Invasives remediation - Contaminant remediation and mitigation

Charles River preservation and enhancement 17 10 - Discussion around dam removal and fish ladder (not consensus) - Access - Restoration, mitigation, and preservation (erosion, invasives, etc.)

Sawins, Walkers, and Williams Ponds (acquire/restore/preserve/public access) 7 12

Whitney Hill Park (protection and trail restoration) 4 10

Commander’s mansion landscaping and rose garden 1 1

Arsenal Park renovation 1

Accessibility of open space throughout town 1

OUTDOOR RECREATION Project Idea or Identified Need Number of sticky Total number of note comments star upvotes Bike/pedestrian opportunities and connections 6 17 - Access and accessibility - New trails or connections - Protection of existing trails

Community gardens 5 16

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Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary

Recreation opportunities and access to/along the Charles River 5 10

Bird sanctuary 2 9

Pocket parks and grass fields 5 5 - Parks with activities and amenities (exercise, games, etc.) - Parks and green spaces near senior living, employment centers, and in Western/Central areas of town specifically

Sawins Pond (acquire/restore/preserve) 3 6

Dog parks or dog-friendly recreation spaces 2 2

Recreation activities at Walkers Pond (ice skating, soccer fields, etc.) 2

HISTORIC PRESERVATION Project Idea or Identified Need Number of sticky Total number of note comments star upvotes

Restoration and reuse of Watertown’s North Branch Library 6 22 - Affordable/elderly housing - Meeting/event location - Incorporate green space component

Protect historic homes from demolition (acquisition), especially if also 3 10 includes a green space component

Parker school restoration and reuse 2 7

Protect, preserve, and restore historic cemeteries and memorials 2 3

Town hall mural restoration 2 2

Identify and protect historic sites, esp. in Watertown Square 2 1

Edmund Fowle House 2 - Climate control - ADA-compliance/access

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Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary

Other specific projects listed: 1 each A few received one - Galen Street bridge star. See appendix - Farmland preservation at Gore Place for details. - Marshall Place exterior restoration - Beacon School Orchard House preservation and reuse - Restore Paul Revere and Coolidge Tavern markers - Shick House for town archives - Restoration and reuse of old Police Station - First Parish of Watertown (ADA-compliance/accessibility and rehabilitation of front porch) - Commander’s Mansion restoration

COMMUNITY HOUSING Project Idea or Identified Need Number of sticky Total number of note comments star upvotes Discussion around “affordability” limits and financial support programs 8 15 - Ensure truly affordable/meeting needs - First time homebuyer program - Rental assistance program - Housing Trust

Housing for seniors 7 8 - Downsizing options - Congregate living - Service-rich living

Reuse of Watertown’s North Branch Library for affordable housing 4 4

Purchase historic homes to protect from demolition and set as affordable 3 1

Other specific sites or recommendations: 1 each A few received one - Affordable housing for younger people (<40 years old) or two stars. - Encourage more affordable units in new development complexes See appendix for - Support ADU creation as affordable units (need zoning allowance details. first) - Parker School - Reuse instead of new development - WHA property at Nichols Ave - Rosary property - Watertown Yard (MBTA) lot - Create new affordable units (generally) 2 7

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Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary

NEEDS AND IDEAS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA EXERCISE FORMAT One station presented participants with a map of Watertown which identified the four jurisdictional districts (A, B, C, and D). Participants were asked to place a pin on the map where they live. They were then provided the opportunity to share any specific needs or project ideas for any of the four districts.

Based on the overall number of responses and pins in the map, it appears that a smaller number of people contributed to this station than some of the others. A summary of responses is provided below.

The majority of respondents indicated that they live in Districts B and C (69%).

*stars* below indicate the level of support/number of comments around this topic.

DISTRICT A - Green/open space ***** DISTRICT C - Enhance Coolidge Square (passive - Charles River conservation rec/landscaping) - Affordable housing/North Branch Library conversion *** - Protect Whitney Hill Park

- Preserve public green space DISTRICT B - Green/open space/parks *** DISTRICT D - Public access to Oakley Country Club - Gore Place preservation - Preserve historic houses - Charles River access/enhancement

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Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary

CPA PRIORITIES (POM POMS) Open Space & Community Housing Historic Outdoor Recreation Natural Resources Preservation

280 | 40% 186 | 26% 126 | 18% 110 | 16%

Percentages indicate the breakdown of the total 70% of unallocated CPA funds 60%

40% 20% 0% Open Space & Natural Communtiy Housing Historic Preservation Outdoor Recreation Resources

*For purposes of simplification only, the exercise assumed no use of undesignated funds for admin costs. In reality, the Town can allocate up to 5% of total CPA annual revenue for admin costs. From funds already generated, the Town has used CPA funds for

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 11 Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary administrative purposes to hire a Community Preservation Coordinator as well as a planning consultant to assist with the development of a Community Preservation Plan.

Appendix

Raw Data

OUTDOOR RECREATION: Needs & Issues - Bird sanctuary with fountain (6 stars) - Dog parks (2 stars) - More dog-friendly park spaces – not just dog parks but areas in parks that dogs are allowed to passively be with their humans - Acquire and clean up Sawins Pond (6 stars) - more accessibility designed for recreational uses/spaces - More multi-use paths like the ones along the river. Nearly all residents and visitors can enjoy and take advantage of these in a variety of ways (9 stars) - Protected trails: east to west (Mt. Auburn), 8 N-S, Arsenal to Pleasant or Main - More community gardens (7 stars) - Watertown community gardens - likely to lose one of its two gardens after next year, when the property owner (Mt. Auburn Cemetery) intends to sell the land. A new, permanent location needs to be identified (2 stars) - More community gardens, especially with the loss of the Grove St Garden property (4 stars) - There is a dire lack of safe bicycle and walking trails in Watertown (9 stars) - Need to promote natural grass fields that are resilient to weather (better drainage) so that we have less need for artificial turf - Add some synergy between Senior Center or senior homes and parks with more passive recreation (Bocce Ball, Chess, etc.) - Commander’s mansion (arbors, gate house, fence along N. Beacon St., landscape/rose garden) (1 star) - More access to the river for boating on either side of the dam - More small green spaces throughout town, especially west and center (1 star) - Arsenal Park please (1 star) - Walkers Pond (would love outdoor ice skating) - Sawins Pond

Project Ideas - Purchase property at southeast intersection of Bridge St. and Pleasant St. – convert to green space/park connecting Pleasant St. to the river. There is very little sense of the river at this section of Pleasant St. (one star) - Pedestrian/bike-friendly underpass of Galen St. – similar to BU Bridge on Esplanade - Buy land near Walkers Pond for soccer field and passive rec - Rail trail development (3 stars) - We need adult playgrounds around town – not in far off parks but near to where people work so they can take an exercise break (one star) - Permanent land for community gardens, in a quiet location (2 stars) - Purchase more space for active (and passive) recreation with grass fields (3 stars) - Linear Park next to Howard St - Add community gardens to existing park or outdoor rec projects (1 star) - Bird sanctuary. We need quiet spaces (even cemeteries are in loud locations) (3 stars) - Develop a portion of the Charles to allow pedestrian access (one star)

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 12 Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary - Acquire Sawins Pond and related land to create a greenway from community path to the Charles River - Off road – awesome opportunity between Sq and Irving St. *

Non-eligible comments: (*=unsure/more information needed) - Improve pedestrian safety in Watertown Square (5 stars) - Pedestrian safety if you have to catch the 502 or 504 impossible - Universal design principles – more accessibility designed for recreational uses/spaces - To regulate light pollution in our parks/neighborhoods by making sure they are not on too late and not at every park or in every neighborhood (4 stars) - Partner with DCR to clean up trash regularly for walking path on river (4 stars) - Bring back the trash barrels along the river - Improve bike lanes in roads (5 stars)

OPEN SPACE & NATURAL RESOURCES: Needs & Issues - Walkers Pond (4 stars) - Help plant more native plants, including for large properties such as Mt. Auburn Cemetery (1 star) * - Find ways to clean up and have access to Walkers Pond and Sawins Pond (1 star) - Purchase industrially zoned parcels and convert into parks (6 stars) * - Acquire and clean up Sawins Pond (5 stars) - Purchase Sterritt Lumber property for park space/dog run (4 stars) - Upgrade the fish ladder at Watertown dam so people can see the fish using it (1 star) * - Reduce invasives along river - Enhance Connections of Pleasant St to the River. Existing and new development along the river ignores one of the Town’s most valuable assets (1 star) - Create woods next to bike paths or river (2 stars) - Community gardens (1 star) - Do not take down the dam, it provides essential open water for wintering wild birds (1 star) - There was a natural fall before the first well and dam - Take down Mayhew Mills dam near Watertown Square (Watertown Dam) - Get Conservation Restriction for Whitney Hill Park (5 stars) - More good work done at the river! Recent work was a great start but more is needed – drainage in park still terrible when there is a lot of rain, walkways already disintegrating - Extend walking/bike path along the Charles all the way to Waltham Center (2 stars) - Create pocket parks all over Watertown (1 star) - Purchase private properties with significant existing trees. We need them (2 stars) - Purchase houses and old businesses along the river and convert to green open space. At least get conservation easements preventing all construction closer to the river path than existing building footprints (1 star).

Project Ideas - Buy more open space, anywhere and everywhere (1 star) - Clean up and restore Sawins Pond (1 star) - Restoration along the Charles River – control invasive species like Knotweed (1 star) - More habitat restoration (1 star)

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 13 Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary - Footpath redesign at Whitney Hill Park for soil erosion control and soil restoration (4 stars) - How to get land owners to agree to sell for green open space, rather than selling for huge profit to developers? No undeveloped land left (1 star) - Acquire/establish links through new development to the Charles River (1 star) - Create areas and landscapes to help with runoff and rain - Plant native species (2 stars) - Better access to the river along Charles River Rd. and North Beacon St. - Renovate Arsenal Park - Pocket parks - Encourage birds (2 stars) * - Help with eradication of Black Swallow wort (invasive plant) (2 stars) - Acquire abandoned lots for community gardens or pollinator habitat (there seems to be one near the Library) - Acquire Sawins Pond and Williams Pond property - Need to buy land around Walkers Pond - Plant trees (3 stars) - better accessibility for open spaces and throughout town - Restore access to Sawins Pond (1 star) - More passive recreation space - Bank erosion along the Charles River path, particularly along Watertown Sq. to Bridge St. (1 star) - Protect/restore Whitney Hill Conservation Land (1 star) - Make sure Whitney Hill Park is not intruded on by sports complex of Victory Field area - Habitat corridors to connect existing open spaces (2 stars) - Climate change mitigation along the river - A pollinator corridor stretching through the town (3 stars) - Open Space undeveloped (1 star) - Improve trees on public land, consider wildlife and environmental issues (6 stars) - Remediate contaminated properties to create more habitat and open space - Investigate dam removal to create more connectivity and habitat in the Charles - Open vegetation (rain gardens) on public roads * - Stop street runoff into Charles River from winter salting of the roads - Watertown Square Merchants Row upgrade (walking, sitting, hanging out) – wall mural, plantings, pocket park, etc. * - Plants and shelters for pollinators (3 stars) *

Non-eligible comments: (*=more information needed) - Plant street trees on public roads. Many Watertown neighborhoods have very few trees - Landscaping in Watertown Square (2 stars) - Universal design – better accessibility for open spaces and throughout town - Strengthen/reinforce streetscape, plantings and lighting at Watertown Square and Coolidge Square, reinforce rear parking lots with landscape and lighting

HISTORIC PRESERVATION: Needs & Issues - Historic “Galen St.” bridge - Historic Veterans memorials (1 star)

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 14 Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary - Designated historical landscapes (e.g. properties with houses surrounded by trees and open space – goal to preserve the trees and open space) - Restore North Library (deteriorating) – once was a meeting place where children walked, elderly housing, meeting place (7 stars) - The branch libraries (1 star) - Prevent demolition of historic houses (6 stars) - Preservation of farmland at Gore Place - Preserve old historic houses threatened with tear-downs. Buy + restore 1-2 (4 stars) - Restore and convert Watertown North Branch Library to affordable housing (two birds with one stone) (5 stars)

Project Ideas - More focus on historic sites in Watertown Square (1 star) * - Turn the North Branch Library into housing and green space (2 stars) - School House – saved, reuse (3 stars) - Convert Parker School to artist live/work units and community facilities and or arts education space (Watertown St.) (4 stars) - Town Hall murals in lobby (repair) * - Climate control for the historical society’s Edmund Fowle House – lots of artifacts - Restoration of Marshall Place exterior - Orchard House – preserve + reuse (at Beacon School; currently privately owned) - Need to give back to the community – restore North Library: meeting place for elderly from 3 elderly housing, children walked to library (2 stars) - Restore the map murals in Town Hall foyer (2 stars) - Turn the Shick House into a Town archive * - Old Burial Grounds and Common St Cemetery and monuments in them (2 stars) - Renovation of old Police Station to include space for library’s HATCH among other uses (6 stars) - Accessible entrance for First Parish of Watertown. Restore front porch to Charles Brigham design * - Watertown Square identify properties for historic significance and work to register and preserve them - Make the Historical Society’s Edmund Fowle House ADA-compliant to allow those in wheelchairs the ability to get to the 2nd floor – Council Chamber - Commander’s Mansion (3 stars) o Restore both arbors o Bring back the rose garden o Landscape o Gate house o Fence along N. Beacon St. - Restore North Branch Library (5 stars) - Assist homeowners who want to restore building facades to upgrade property (e.g. removing vinyl/aluminum siding) (4 stars) * - Historic Barns needed to protect farm animals at Gore Place *

Non-eligible comments: (*=unsure/more information needed) - Create a self-guided historical walking trail of Watertown with signage (4) - Interpretive signage for cannons on Victory Field - Historic “walking trail” with interpretive signage like the one in Waverly Sq. - I’m interested in creating a vibrant small independent retail environment in Watertown, where it was in the past! (2 stars) - Create American Ethnicity Center – preserve local ethnic culture and create conversations among citizens (1 star) - Preservation of farming techniques (early 19th century) at Gore Place. Also historic breeds of farm animals acquisition (1 star) Community Engagement Report 2020 | 15 Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary - Paul Revere and Coolidge Tavern markers are hidden and inconspicuous, need to be more prominent (1 star)

COMMUNITY HOUSING: Needs & Issues - I totally agree with the suggestions for rental subsidies and affordable housing for all ages. “Affordable” must be truly affordable – like section 8 (30% of income). This should be CPC’s #1 priority - Convert on Rosary property. Buy for conversion to senior housing (1 star) - Establish a fund for rental assistance for middle/lower income (5 stars) - Addition to and adaptive reuse of branch library on Orchard St for community housing (3 stars) - Convert our satellite libraries - Convert rather than sell any of our buildings and land (one star) - Build housing on WHA property at Nichols Ave - Convert vacant satellite library on Orchard St to affordable housing (3 stars) - Turn North Branch library into affordable housing and green space (1 star) - Can CPA $$ be used to establish an affordable housing trust? (1 star) - There is no place in Watertown for seniors to downsize (with less stairs and such). Location for walking or public transport (3 stars) - How could we promote more ownership for lower earners in Watertown? (1 star) - We need more affordable housing desperately (4 stars) - “Affordable” housing costs are not actually affordable for people earning under the max 62k. There needs to be other resources and income levels considered (2 stars) - Affordable housing that’s suitable for older adults “seniors” (1 star) - More affordable/reasonably-priced units in these oversized apartment/condo complexes - Provide support for first time home buyers to purchase in town (5 stars) - Please consider allowing the “board and care” model of housing for seniors. This is done in California and is much more affordable than assisted living centers - Community housing in old Watertown Library North Branch

Project Ideas - Need aging in place or downsizing, co-op housing that’s affordable (1 star) - Use CPA funds to purchase a house every year we could designate as affordable (1 star) - Acquire Watertown Yard (MBTA) land for housing and/or open space → large paved area that isn’t all utilized now - Convert Parker School to artist live-work space and arts education workshops (1 star) * - Rental assistance program to help people with first, last, deposit needed to get into a unit (2 stars) - Conversion of branch library (1 star) - With the aging population in Watertown along with the HUGE need for affordable housing – bring the two together. Encourage “accessory residences” within large homes and condos that would provide affordable housing (long-term restrictions) while allowing some income for older residents on retirement/pension income to remain in Watertown. My husband and I own a very large condo with one larger floor that would make a super apartment but zoning restrictions and money for conversion are a problem (3 stars) - Congregate family style housing for the elderly (>65) (2 stars) - Lower priced units for those who still cannot afford “affordable units.” Double the max income cap for two people households - Build new affordable units (3 stars) - Create affordable housing for young people (under age 34 or 40) (2 stars) Community Engagement Report 2020 | 16 Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary - Combine with historic preservation: buy 1-2 old houses threatened for demolition and restore + rent to families in need - Can the Town purchase a house every year with the idea that we would use it for affordable housing?

Non-eligible comments: (*=unsure/more information needed) - Plant trees on all streets - Stop developing apartment complexes and build more moderate income (not luxury) condos (2 stars) - There is no public park in my neighborhood Not eligible under this category; eligible under recreation or open space - Conversion of branch library to makerspace (1 star)

NEEDS & PRIORITIES BY GEOGRAPHY District A: - Green space against development (1 star) - Open space (1 star) - Conversion of industrially zoned land into open space or parks (2 stars) - Open space and habitat for pollinators (1 star) - Enhancement of Coolidge Square: * o Plantings o Landscaping

District B: - More open space- balanced against affordable housing - More public access to Oakley Country Club. It’s a huge open space and we can’t see or access it - Park – there are no parks in District B - Buy Oakley Country Club - Park improvement restoration, more open space - Preserve historic houses

District C: - River conservation (1 star) - Can CPC arrange for technical assistance for people trying to put together plans (some are quite complex)? - Affordable housing, both rental and for purchase - North Branch Library (3 star) - Have a more formal protection of Whitney Hill Park

District D: - Gore Place preservation - Town should purchase property along Charles River at Pleasant St. corridor. The Charles is one of our greatest assets (1 star)

Non-eligible comments: (*=unsure/more information needed) - Enhancement of Coolidge Square: o Plantings o Landscaping o Residential scale lighting o Storefront assistance for shop owners - Waze problem – extra traffic coming through small streets - Too many huge apartment blocks - Light pollution - Bury utility lines Community Engagement Report 2020 | 17 Watertown CP Plan Forum #1 Summary - Enhance Arsenal Street corridor with a cohesive landscape, planting and lighting design plan – bury utility lines below grade - Pedestrian safety for all those crossing from Main St. area to get onto the river paths or the swimming pool - Cut throughs are an issue everywhere (traffic) - Noise and bright floodlights at Victory Field, more and more of it - Light pollution (Victory Field) – need less. - Enhance Pleasant St. corridor with a cohesive landscape, lighting, and planting plan – bury utility lines under grade

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 18 Watertown CP Plan | Focus Groups Summary

Watertown Community Preservation Plan th th Stakeholder Focus Groups | March 12 & 13 2020 Prepared by JM Goldson LLC, 4/16/20

Key Findings Community Housing ¨ Participants expressed a desire to support opportunities for specified needs, such as veteran and local preference, seniors and congregate living, direct assistance programs, opportunities for households with a mix of incomes – including those in the upper end of “moderate income” (80% -100% AMI) – and small units to accommodate smaller households and free up larger units for families at the Watertown Housing Authority. ¨ Participants expressed a desire to support projects that meet certain development priorities, such as the reuse of underutilized land and buildings, partnering with/leveraging other available funding sources, working with private developers to integrate affordable units, and setting specified annual creation/conversion goals to continually increase the Town’s affordable housing stock.

Historic Preservation ¨ Participants expressed a desire to use CPA funds to adaptively reuse and expand/support public use of abandoned or underutilized historic and culturally significant structures, such as the North Branch Library, or community club and organization buildings that are struggling to maintain their memberships and sustainability. ¨ Participants also expressed a desire to use CPA funds to invest in the preservation and enhancement of existing historic and cultural resources, such as the Arsenal Park fence and bunkers, Commander’s Mansion and Gatehouse, historic cemeteries, Town Hall murals and town seal.

Open Space & Recreation ¨ With minimal green space left in the community, participants indicated that community access/passive recreation opportunities should be integrated with most open space projects. ¨ Participants expressed a desire to capitalize on underutilized properties to create interspersed green space and recreation opportunities, including pocket parks, rain gardens or other green infrastructure, and community gardens. ¨ Participants expressed a desire and necessity to seek partnerships with other entities to meet open space and recreation goals. Example entities include the Cities of Newton and Waltham, DCR, Oakley Country Club, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, and others. ¨ Participants also expressed a desire to invest in the protection and enhancement, as well as improved access, for existing open space and recreation resources, such as the Gore Estate, Walker Pond and others, walking and multi-use paths, and existing parks, among others.

Top Guiding Principles for Project Consideration ¨ Projects that serve the most people/have the broadest community effect ¨ Projects that include partnerships and foster collaboration ¨ Projects that serve underserved or particularly vulnerable populations ¨ Projects that combine two or more CPA categories

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BACKGROUND & METHODOLOGIES

On March 12 and 13, 2020, the Watertown Community Preservation Committee (CPC) hosted a series of stakeholder focus groups, facilitated by project consultants JM Goldson LLC, to dive deeper into the discussion of CPA in the Watertown community. Watertown adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA) in 2016 to generate local and state funding to preserve and enhance the Watertown Community in four areas:

- Community Housing - Historic Preservation - Open Space & Natural Resources - Outdoor Recreation

With a newly established CPC and a new Community Preservation Coordinator, this team is working with JM Goldson to develop a five-year Community Preservation Plan that will guide the allocation of CPA funds through identified resources, needs, and priorities. This planning process will also establish an application process and technical assistance to help the community and the CPC kickstart this valuable new funding program.

After a very successful community-wide workshop held in late January, and the launch of the project’s interactive and informative website – including a community survey – the primary purpose of these focus group discussions was to delve deeper into needs and potential project ideas related to CPA in the Watertown community. These discussions and activities will inform the development of goals, priorities, and values that will ultimately guide the CPC’s consideration of project applications in years to come.

Due to rising health concerns related to the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19, several stakeholders initially invited to attend were ultimately unable to. Thus, the last two sessions (of four) were combined into one. In total 21 people attended one of the three sessions offered. These stakeholders represented the following interests and organizations:

¨ Historic Commission ¨ Historic District Commission ¨ Historical Society ¨ Zoning Board ¨ Public Library ¨ Planning Board ¨ Housing Authority ¨ Commander’s Mansion Conservation Commission Town Recreation Department ¨ ¨ Bike-Ped Committee Town Community Development & ¨ ¨ Watertown Community Foundation Planning Department ¨ Town Council Boys & Girls Club ¨ ¨

Each session started with brief introductions and an overview of this project as well as CPA eligibility, allocation requirements, and general application processes, presented by JM Goldson. Participants were given the opportunity to ask clarifying questions and participated in two individual activities as well as open discussion, using the first activity as a launching point.

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 20 Watertown CP Plan | Focus Groups Summary

ACTIVITY 1

Potential Project Ideas & Discussion EXERCISE FORMAT Participants were given a little time to write down potential project ideas, encouraged to think creatively based on their unique knowledge of community needs, potential partnerships, and other considerations. Participants then posted these ideas on a board corresponding with the appropriate eligible CPA project category. Some projects may fall into more than one CPA category.

Participants were encouraged to review the project ideas posted and were then asked to engage in open discussion, using this exercise as a launching point. Participants were asked questions such as: Are there any projects that really stood out to you? Are there any projects that you disagree with? What are the current needs in the community that relate to these project ideas and CPA funding? A summary of written responses and general discussion for each category are provided below, with full transcriptions of written content provided in the Appendix.

COMMUNITY HOUSING Participants were primarily concerned with rising housing costs and the need for more opportunities to allow local residents to stay in the community. Participants identified several specific areas of need, including senior housing, veteran housing, smaller units, direct assistance programs, and opportunities specifically to serve middle-income households between 80% and 100% of the area median income (AMI). Participants felt that prioritizing reuse and redevelopment projects as well as capitalizing on partnerships and other funding sources will be essential for CPAsupported community housing.

Housing opportunities for specified needs: ¨ Create new one-bedroom units for single or two-person households at the Watertown Housing Authority. Presently some households are occupying larger units than necessary, i.e., residents are overhoused. These larger units would then be available for families or larger households ¨ Some participants expressed a need for units priced for households under 60% AMI ¨ Some participants expressed a need for units/assistance for households under 100% AMI, especially in the 80% - 100% range ¨ Give veteran and local preference, as possible – there is a significant desire to support both young adults who grew up in Watertown and long-time elderly residents so that they can stay in the community ¨ Units with appropriate accommodations and designated for seniors ¨ Congregate living for people with physical and developmental disabilities ¨ Implement first-time homebuyer program, buy-down program, and/or rental assistance program (< 100% AMI)

Development priorities: ¨ Re-use of underutilized buildings and/or otherwise underutilized land (e.g. parking lots, industrial properties, gas station at Mt. Auburn St. and Boylston St., WHA property on Nichols Ave., etc.) ¨ Set a goal for the acquisition, development, or conversion of X number of units per year ¨ Partner with private developers to incorporate low-and-moderate-income housing ¨ Collaborate to leverage other funding sources, such as HOME funds

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 21 Watertown CP Plan | Focus Groups Summary HISTORIC PRESERVATION Participants had many project ideas for historic preservation. In discussion, participants expressed concern over the increasing amount of redevelopment and associated loss (both past and potential) of historic resources and character. Participants felt that CPA funds will be a valuable resource to preserve some of Watertown’s iconic structures, parks, districts, and other resources that celebrate the unique history and culture of the community. The most common project recommendations include:

Adaptive re-use: ¨ Restoration and reuse of the North Branch Library for: o Community housing o Community rec/fitness center, kitchen, or other gathering space; could include café and/or non-profit workspace for community services and development ¨ Improve public accessibility and use of Browne House ¨ Consider opportunities at underutilized institutions that are struggling to stay afloat (acquisition and preservation of space for community use) o Canadian-American Club, Italian-American Club, Belmont Baptist Church, etc. ¨ Old Police Station ¨ Shick House

Preservation and enhancement of existing resources: ¨ Arsenal Park ¨ Victory Field cannon ¨ Commander’s Mansion ¨ Historic cemeteries ¨ Town hall murals ¨ Preserve original town seal artwork (Brigham design) ¨ Edmund Fowle House and collection

OPEN SPACE & RECREATION Similar to discussions around historic preservation, participants expressed concern about the quickly diminishing amount of green space, recreation areas, and natural resources in the community due to new and redevelopment. Given this scarcity of opportunity and existing resources, participants realized that most open space projects should also have a recreation and access component, and vice versa. In addition, participants expressed a desire to pursue underutilized and blighted properties as opportunities to convert such areas back to green space. Because open space and recreation ideas and discussions were so closely intertwined, they are presented here together to avoid unnecessary duplication.

Capitalize on underutilized properties to create interspersed green space and recreation opportunities: ¨ Various recommendations to create or enhance pocket parks, community gardens, and/or green infrastructure to mitigate flooding o Arsenal St. o o Industrial land with Templeton Pkwy. o contamination issues -remediate Washburn/Franklin St. o High for reuse density/underserved areas o Old gas o Ladd St. o Irving Park o station at Mt. North/South Park St. o Auburn/Boylston St. Parcel across from Sons of o Along the Charles River (e.g. Italy o Buy underutilized Pleasant St., Charles River Rd., property/houses and tear down California St.) for open space/rec o School/Belmont St.

Partner with other entities: Community Engagement Report 2020 | 22 Watertown CP Plan | Focus Groups Summary ¨ Boyd Park – potentially partner with Newton ¨ Land across from Francis’ Food Mart – potentially partner with Waltham ¨ Partner with Perkins Institute for use and maintenance of open space ¨ Partner with Oakley Country Club to allow for greater public use ¨ Partner with Mt. Auburn Cemetery for greater access and passive rec use ¨ Partner with Waltham to enhance Walkers Pond ¨ Partner with DCR to improve Charles River waterfront for recreational use

Protect, enhance, and improve access to existing resources: ¨ Gore property fields/wetlands ¨ Extend/improve connections between trail systems for a more complete trail network (acquire key parcels and/or easements) ¨ Acquire, restore, and protect ponds and adjacent land/wetlands (will need to be creative about how to acquire and restore, leverage additional funding, etc.) o Walkers Pond + extend walking path and/or create soccer field or other recreational use o Sawins and Williams Ponds

¨ Casey Park ¨ Irving Park ¨ Filippello Park ¨ Upgrade playgrounds with ADA equipment and access ¨ Charles River waterfront access and recreational activities, including walking paths ¨ Access to and create recreational space on the island near the Yacht Club

In discussion, participants also noted that they were pleased to see duplicate ideas across all categories, indicating that there is significant potential for community support for many of these ideas. Participants expressed that they felt the best projects are those that combine two or more CPA categories (e.g. restoration and reuse of an historic structure for community housing with an open space/recreation component on the property), as well as projects that might not otherwise be pursued or accomplished without this funding source.

ACTIVITY 2

Guiding Principles for Project Consideration EXERCISE FORMAT Ultimately, the CPC will need to make informed decisions about CPA funding recommendations, which Town Council will then consider for final approval. These decisions may at times be very difficult when weighing various priorities and needs in the community given a relatively fixed amount of funds to be allocated. As a first step in developing a set of criteria and guiding principles to create a fair and transparent process for the CPC’s consideration of project applications, participants of the focus groups were asked to individually share any ideas they have for values or guiding principles. Responses were grouped by common themes, which are represented below in order of popularity (the number of comments per category are indicated in parentheses). Full transcriptions are provided in the Appendix.

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 23 Watertown CP Plan | Focus Groups Summary GUIDING PRINCIPLES Participants expressed that projects that meet the following qualities should be prioritized:

o Projects that serve the most people/have the broadest community effect (15) o Projects that include partnerships and foster collaboration (6) o Projects that serve underserved or particularly vulnerable populations (6) o Projects that combine two or more CPA categories (6) o Projects that preserve Watertown's historic character (4) o Projects that preserve and create open space (3) o Projects that leverage additional funding (2) o Misc. (8) ▪ Clean up blighted properties ▪ Supported by town planning documents ▪ Re-use of existing buildings ▪ Consider long-term impacts and challenges the community will face ▪ Supported by significant outreac

Appendix

Raw Data Green text is added to indicate project eligibility and other clarifying information.

Session 1 Historic Commission Conservation Commission Historical Society Bike Ped Committee Watertown Public Library Watertown Community Housing Authority Foundation Town Council

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 24 Watertown CP Plan | Focus Groups Summary PROJECT IDEAS Housing: ¨ Low-income learning center position (not eligible) ¨ New affordable one-bedroom units (under 60% AMI) to address public housing over-housed issue ¨ Feasibility study under way ¨ Veteran and local preference ¨ Acquire underutilized buildings for affordable housing

Historic Preservation: ¨ Restoration of murals in town hall foyer ¨ Restore and protect the two murals in the Town Hall lobby (map and birds-eye view) ¨ Use of empty Police Station or North Branch Library as town archive or Shick House (may not be eligible, supplanting town funds issue) ¨ Restoration and preservation of gravestones at Old Burying Ground and Common St. Cemetery ¨ Preserve/rehabilitate older cemeteries ¨ Climate control of historical society’s Edmund Fowle House museum and collection ¨ Look into making the Browne House more accessible to the community ¨ Complete and update the 1980 inventory of buildings (may be eligible using admin funds) ¨ Make some location archivally sound for town archives – Shick House? Old Police Station? (may not be eligible, supplanting town funds issue) ¨ Digitization of Watertown historic documents and newspapers (only eligible if preserving/protecting physical original documents from harm) ¨ Full preservation and restoration of original town record books (housed in the Town Clerk’s safe) (not eligible, supplanting town funds issue) ¨ Ancient town records (originals) preserved in an archival situation (i.e. stabilized the paper store in archival location) (not eligible, supplanting town funds issue) ¨ Redevelopment at North Branch Library as community or fitness center ¨ Create a community center at old library at corner of Orchard and Waverly

Open Space: ¨ Look into to create pocket parks on unused or underdeveloped properties in town ¨ Partner/work with Oakley Country Club to allow more participation of activities and green space ¨ Partner with Mt. Auburn Cemetery to give greater interest and access

¨ Purchase a piece of land adjacent to a pond in West Watertown – can be developed into a soccer field and passive recreation paths around the pond ¨ Save the rest of Walkers Pond natural space ¨ Acquire open space for passive use ¨ Build another bridge over the Charles to alleviate traffic into town square (not eligible)

Recreation: ¨ Expand water access by expanding town dock and adding some [?] up and down stream

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 25 Watertown CP Plan | Focus Groups Summary ¨ Create a walking path through town through neighborhoods with mile markers ¨ Improve paths along the Charles River ¨ Bike/hiking path on Little Greenough ¨ Look into purchasing the land around Sawins Pond and Williams Pond with the idea of creating a walkway along the stream from Elm St to the Charles River ¨ Acquire open space for recreation ¨ Hovering/elevated walkway in Watertown Square (need more information to determine eligibility, would need to serve specific recreational use)

Discussion Notes (recorded by the facilitator): ¨ Abraham Browne House ¨ Property adjacent to Walker Pond – recreation, walkway around pond and open space ¨ Like to see duplicates – people have the same ideas in mind ¨ Should have veteran and local preference, need for new small subsidized units ¨ Feasibility study for veteran housing ¨ Development of Charles River waterfront – paths, green space ¨ Little Greenough behind Home Depot – green space? ¨ The CPC should further projects that might not otherwise get done

Session 2 Historical District Commission Zoning Board Town Council Planning Board

PROJECT IDEAS Housing: ¨ Senior housing ¨ Acquire housing for congregate living for people with physical and developmental disabilities – there is not enough of such housing ¨ Acquire and develop lot at the corner of Mt. Auburn and Boylston (former gas station) – build affordable housing ¨ First time homebuyer program for 100% AMI buyers and/or buy-down program so 100% AMI households can afford, and deed restrict ¨ Re-use of WHA property on Nichols Ave (former community garden) – use as 2-3 fam housing lot

Historic Preservation: ¨ Signage and lighting for historic district (not eligible)

Open Space: ¨ Near Walkers Pond there’s a large field that would be a great path

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 26 Watertown CP Plan | Focus Groups Summary ¨ Between Waltham St. and Pleasant St. there is a strip of land that would connect a trail with lands already set aside by zoning conditions ¨ Walkers Pond could be co-acquired with Waltham’s CPA since part of it is in Waltham ¨ Sawins and Williams Ponds ¨ Acquire Sawins Pond and clean it up (make open space) ¨ Templeton Pkwy pocket park

Recreation: ¨ Filippello Park parking (need more information about project, may or may not be eligible) ¨ Relocate driveway to Boys and Girls Club to coordinate with expanded bike bath better (probably not eligible, need more information) ¨ Upgrade playgrounds and parks with ADA equipment and access

Discussion Notes (recorded by the facilitator): ¨ Pleasant Street and Waltham Street – trail system connection; easement from Gore Place ¨ There are currently more opportunities for lower income households but not as much for 80% - 100% o Buy-down, rental assistance, etc. o Many people can’t afford to buy where they grew up o Met safe harbor so providing opportunities for more mid-income households should be priority o Want to keep seniors here too, especially one-person households that find it harder and harder to stay on fixed income ¨ Land acquisition – enhancing the community ¨ Templeton Parkway – green parcel (Church owner) – want to protect that green space ¨ Use of HOME funds + CPA funds ¨ Congregate living or other accommodations for people with disabilities o Housing authority owns some but still need for more ¨ Fowle House/Historic Society

Session 3 Recreation Dept. Dept. of Community Development & Planning Commander’s Mansion Watertown Boys & Girls Club Town Council

PROJECT IDEAS Housing: ¨ Acquire X number of units of housing each year to preserve affordability ¨ Purchase existing housing stock for low and workforce housing (1-family, 2-family and multifamily) ¨ Buy industrial properties like asphalt plant, UPS near resource lands for rec/open space or housing ¨ Redevelop in partnership with new development with housing to add more housing for low-and moderate-income households

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 27 Watertown CP Plan | Focus Groups Summary

Historic Preservation: ¨ Restore and create a community kitchen at the west end library – non-profit to operate it? ¨ West end library [misnomer - this is the North Branch Library] – restore and rent: nonprofit workforce dev program for teens. Floral, landscaping, café, etc. ¨ Historic rehab of Arsenal fence – it is in danger of being lost altogether – see N Beacon/Greenough (Athena is not replacing recent lost portions either) ¨ Rehabilitate former North Branch Library to return it to community use ¨ Bring back the rose garden on the grounds at the Commander’s Mansion ¨ Restore the arbors on the Commander’s Mansion property ¨ Commander’s Mansion area – gatehouse and also open space conservation area – what about reuse of bunkers? ¨ Archive artwork for town seal – are we in danger of losing Brigham design? Town Clerk is supposed to have originals. Other Depts have made modifications to seal for their use. Historic archives are important, and the seal is a treasure ¨ Historic rehab of Common St. cemetery ¨ Consider underutilized institutions (churches, halls, clubs, etc.) and look at purchase or reuse o Could be for public use o Housing o E.g. Canadian American Club, Church at Templeton Pkwy, Italian Club on Arlington, etc. ¨ Look at bunkers on Commander’s Mansion for restoration; Gatehouse as gateway ¨ Victory Field cannon and field 1921-2021 ¨ Historic paint/fix interior and exterior building/mansion – would need to pinpoint projects

Open Space: ¨ Arsenal Street location between apartments? ¨ Walker Pond; DCR property at rink purchase ¨ Pocket park Irving/Ladd [exit/exp?], Boyd Park (Newton), Gore Place ¨ Acquire/create parcels near ponds along Waltham St. (adjacent to Bell Watertown apartments) ¨ Consider acquisition of Sawins/Williams Ponds or have town acquire and use CPA to clean up to create connection to Charles River (property must be acquired using CPA funds if CPA funds are then used to “rehab” open space; not a requirement for recreation “rehab”) ¨ Acquire for open space or partner with owner – rear Washburn rear Franklin ¨ Acquire/create small pocket parks in areas of town lacking open space and areas with dense apartment development and areas with flooding issues (green infrastructure opportunity) ¨ Former RR between Irving and Square/ “DnD” Plaza – parcels combined for rail trail off Arsenal St. ¨ Historic Patten St. bridge rehabbed so trail could go under this bridge that was filled in ¨ Acquire the old gas station at the corner of Mt. Auburn and Boylston Streets and create a pocket park or community garden ¨ Buy pocket park spaces along the river – in flood or near environmentally sensitive areas (i.e. Pleasant St, Charles River Rd, California St.) ¨ Clarify “pocket parks”

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 28 Watertown CP Plan | Focus Groups Summary ¨ Irving park, Taylor/Mt Auburn, also consider other Ladd, N+S Park areas, School St at Belmont ¨ Newton partnership – Boyd Park ¨ The land across from Francis’ Food Mart (maybe Waltham?) – create community garden or other open space ideas/conservation land (this land is in Waltham)

¨ Work with Perkins Inst. for use/maintenance of open space ¨ Support or acquire Gore property fields and wetland areas + support farm use ¨ Buy houses in dense neighborhoods – tear down and create pocket parks and community gardens

Recreation: ¨ Change law to accept indoor recreation facility ¨ Land across from sons of Italy – Pleasant St. ¨ Restore the gatehouse and surrounding land area/entrance at the Commander’s Mansion N. Beacon St. – walking, biking, clean up/safety leads as one of entrances to the park, complex, mansion ¨ Walker Pond ¨ DCR property at rink (purchase) ¨ Pocket parks (Irving/Ladd) ¨ Boyd Park – Newton ¨ Gore Place ¨ Reconfigure parking lot at Saltonstall/WBGC to coordinate with the new bike/walking path (probably not eligible, need more information) ¨ Consider purchase/public access of Oakley Country Club or portions of the site ¨ Use existing Deltas for diverse open space – officially park space ¨ Acquire parcels that would provide key connections for new/planned off-street trails ¨ Arsenal Street location between apartments? ¨ Consider acquisition of Walker Pond land for recreational fields/open space or town acquire land and CPA funds for renovations (property must be acquired using CPA funds if CPA funds are then used to “rehab” open space)

Discussion Notes (recorded by the facilitator): ¨ Industrial land with toxic/contamination problems – buy and remediate for reuse (open space, or otherwise) ¨ Ladd Circle/Street for open space? Private? ¨ Irving Street ¨ Casey Park ¨ Boyd Park ¨ Have a lot of institutions, clubs, and local groups that own property and have a building, but many are losing their membership or otherwise struggling to stay afloat – develop relationships and capture opportunities as they arise to buy off portions of these properties or redevelop/reuse in their entirety or support their public use otherwise o e.g. Italian-American Club and others ¨ Best projects fit into multiple categories ¨ Community garden at Gore estate?

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 29 Watertown CP Plan | Focus Groups Summary ¨ Lost a lot of history with redevelopment, need to protect the character and resources we have left o Arsenal Park/fence Watertown Square o Historic o Commander’s Mansion + District o Common St. Cemetery Gatehouse, walking trail – may help o All are destinations for with homelessness issue in this area visitors o Rail trail o Cottage Lane – unique properties o Town seal o

¨ Old gas station – Boylston and Mt Auburn o Potential partnership support o Right on bus line - good location for affordable housing ¨ Island on Charles River near Yacht Club – provide access and turn into active rec use

Values & Guiding Principles (all sessions): Projects that serve the most people/have the broadest community effect 1. Clear guidelines re: process timing – if we must meet 10% in each category when is the cut off? 2. If no requests, e.g. for historic then is 10% held over? (yes, 10% of annually generated funds must be either spent or set aside for each category: housing, historic preservation and open space/rec) 3. Value projects that serve most people 4. Projects that build a stronger sense of community in the town 5. Large scale properties 6. Projects should benefit Watertown community as a whole 7. Potential to affect the most lives in town should receive most consideration 8. Projects that would potentially benefit a large number of people in the first round should be a priority 9. Benefits the town as a whole in the long run (even if some factions may not realize that yet) 10. Think big- largest impact to most people 11. Projects beneficial to the whole town, not individuals 12. I was going to say – served by the most people but there may be unique/creative projects that would be highly desirable with service to public numbers in future vs. current climate 13. Projects that provide benefits to multiple constituencies should be prioritized 14. Public benefit should be priority 15. Prioritize projects that impact the community at large as opposed to smaller groups

Projects that combine two or more CPA categories 1. Projects that cross categories should be higher priority 2. Projects that are in multiple categories 3. Projects that fulfill multiple categories should be prioritized 4. Meeting multiple goals in a project – i.e. historic preservation and housing 5. Projects that can address multiple issues – for example, pocket parks not only provide open space, but they also help address flooding from extreme storms, which we will face more and more 6. Prioritize projects that check multiple boxes

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 30 Watertown CP Plan | Focus Groups Summary Projects that serve underserved or particularly vulnerable populations 1. Projects that address the needs of underserved constituencies of underserved neighborhoods should be prioritized 2. Projects that serve minority and low-income populations 3. Vet requests 4. Utilize data that helps prioritize environmental justice communities, disadvantaged populations, and other relevant equity frameworks to ensure we are putting projects where they will make the biggest impact 5. Equity 6. Prioritize caring for those most vulnerable in our community (youth, elderly) – housing, rec, open space Projects that include partnerships and foster collaboration 1. Public /private partnerships 2. Win-win situation – encourage other groups 3. Values should include projects that bring multiple groups of residents together 4. As for public-private partnerships, we could buy access to bike paths from private owners – e.g. Watertown Bikeway 5. Project ideas or partners that would not usually be possible or prioritized by town funding 6. Partnering up with other projects

Projects that preserve Watertown’s historic character 1. “Preserving our past while building a future for all” 2. Ensuring our history is preserved – we have a unique history and we need to maintain it for future generations 3. Preserving historic character, revealing or reviving a sense of place may be necessary 4. Preserving the rich history of our community in this time of build, build, build

Projects that preserve and create open space 1. As with doctors: “do thou no harm.” preservation of open space – make more permanent 2. Open space component to project idea 3. Acquisition of land and permanent protection – visible

Projects that leverage additional funding 1. Lack of alternative funding source 2. Add private funds to the CPA projects

Misc. 1. Maintain ownership 2. Value projects that clean up blighted properties 3. I suggest three rounds of applications per year (this is probably not feasible; most communities do one round of applications each year) 4. Projects that are currently identified in other town documents 5. Project ideas or partners that would not usually be possible or prioritized by town funding 6. Preserving existing buildings – reuse

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 31 Watertown CP Plan | Focus Groups Summary 7. Think about long-term impacts/challenges that Watertown will face 8. Prioritize projects where the proponents have done or attempted to do significant outreach

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 32 Watertown CP Plan | Online Engagement Summary

Watertown Community Preservation Plan

Summary of Community Survey and Website Engagement Prepared by JM Goldson LLC, 7/21/20

Key Findings Community Survey Results ¨ Respondents identified Open Space and Passive Recreation (67%) as the top priority for overall CPA funding allocation ¨ Historic Preservation priorities: o preserve municipal properties o enhancing public access and accessibility of historic resources o preserve and protect private historic properties (with sufficient public benefit/access) from demolition or harm. ¨ Community Housing priorities: o housing production to support 10% affordability goal o provide information about housing resources o preserve affordable status of existing units o Respondents expressed concern about the rate, size, and design of new development, recognizing the need for diverse housing options ¨ Outdoor Recreation priorities: o Create more (and diversified) opportunities in underserved neighborhoods o Create/expand trails and paths o Rehabilitate existing facilities ¨ Open Space priorities: o Preserve/restore wetlands and native vegetation o Acquire green space for natural resource/wildlife habitat protection

Community Feedback on Draft Values, Guiding Principles & Goals: ¨ Values statement & guiding principles: o Language around diversity and inclusion is not specific enough o Too restrictive, rigid, and complex – potentially too limiting ¨ Historic Preservation goals: o No significant change recommendations; generally supported ¨ Community Housing goals: o Diversity and local preference goals at odds o More specificity and broader inclusion of options ¨ Outdoor Recreation goals: o Lack of attention to organized sports and need for associated fields/facilities ¨ Open Space goals: o No significant change recommendations; supported

BACKGROUND & METHODOLOGIES

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 33 Watertown CP Plan | Online Engagement Summary In the fall of 2019, Watertown’s Community Preservation Committee (CPC) contracted with planning consultants JM Goldson LLC to guide the CPC and the Watertown community through the development of their first Community Preservation Plan – a guidance document to help inform CPC recommendations for CPA funding to Town Council.

In the early phases of this project, JM Goldson worked with the CPC and new Community Preservation Coordinator (CP Coordinator) to design an online community survey to solicit ideas and feedback about potential project ideas and funding priorities. The survey was launched at the community forum held on January 29th and closed on July 9th.

The project website, watertowncpa.org, was also launched at the forum on January 29th. At its launch, the site contained informational materials and project-based documents as well as a Q&A section and a mapping tool where participants could identify potential project ideas and CPA-related community needs geographically. A link to the survey was also provided on the project website.

Originally, the project team had planned to host a second community forum in April. However, due the COVID-19 health crisis, the team had to make adjustments to comply with health and safety regulations. On June 12th, new interactive tools and content were posted to the project site. Based on feedback collected from the first community forum in January, a series of three stakeholder focus groups held in March, and preliminary survey results, JM Goldson worked with the CPC and CP Coordinator to draft a values statement and set of guiding principles, as well as a set of goals for each of the four CPA project categories – open space, outdoor recreation, community housing, and historic preservation. These draft materials were posted to the project site along with discussion questions, which community members could respond to, and engage with other community members around this topic. These discussion forums closed on July 9th.

This report provides a summary of findings from both the cumulative survey results as well as feedback collected on the project website.

COMMUNITY SURVEY

SURVEY FORMAT & METHODOLOGIES Four hundred and forty-three (443) participants responded to the survey, the majority completing the survey shortly after it launched in January. The survey was advertised on the project website, the municipal CPC webpage, and shared through various email blasts, on social media, and through word of mouth.

The survey included 9 questions – a combination of Likert-scale and multiple-choice questions with pre-identified choices as well as open-ended opportunities to share ideas. In addition to these and three initial questions about participant characteristics and circumstances, participants were given the opportunity to respond to five optional demographic and contextual questions.

Multiple choice and Likert scale data are presented quantitatively while open-ended responses were analyzed by the consultant to identify key themes and commonalities.

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 34 Watertown CP Plan | Online Engagement Summary OPTIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS Two hundred and eighty-five participants (79 percent) agreed to respond to the optional demographic questions.

Race & Ethnicity The proportion of survey respondents 93% who identify as White or Caucasian was greater than that of the Watertown Community as a whole – indicating an underrepresentation respondents were between ages 51-75 (42 percent), and those between age 36 and 50 (39 percent). There was an

other racial and ethnic groups. In Asian Black or Hispanic or White or Middle Multiple particular, Watertown’s Asian and African Latinx Caucasian Eastern or ethnicity / Hispanic/Latinx populations were American North African Other (please specify) underrepresented in this survey. Survey Respondents 2018 ACS

The largest group of survey Age 77 % overrepresentation of residents age 39% 36-50, and those age 66-75, and an 22 % 21 % 21 % 20 % 21 % 14 % 13 % 5% 10% 9 % 5% 7 % 01 % 9 % 1 %1 % 2 % 1% 3 % 3 % underrepresentation of younger 0.4 % Under 19 20-25 26-35 36-50 51-65 66-75 76 or older residents (under 35). Survey Respondents 2018 ACS

Note: Age category options in the survey do not match up perfectly with ACS age categories so percentages are not precisely comparative. They are close enough to form a general understanding of how survey respondents’ ages compare to the community as a whole.

Most survey respondents reported that they live Household Size with either one other person (two-person households; 36 percent) or with 34 % 36 % 35 % 36 % three or more other people (four+ person household; 12 % 17 % 15 % 16% 36 percent). There was an underrepresentation of people living alone and an overrepresentation of 1 person 2 people 3 people 4+ people larger households (4+ people). Survey Respondents 2018 ACS

The majority (84 percent) of survey respondents reported Housing Tenure that they own their home, while 16 52% 84% percent reported that they rent. Renter households 48% were 16 % underrepresented in this survey. Own Rent

Survey Respondents 2018 ACS

Most survey respondents reported Household Income 44% that they make more than $150,000 annually (44 percent). Lower-income households 25 % 22 % 27 % 21 % 16 % 16 % 14 % (below $75,000 5 % 10 %

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 35 Watertown CP Plan | Online Engagement Summary annually) were underrepresented in this Under $50,000 $50,001 - $75,000- $100,000 - Over $150,000 survey, especially those under $50,000. A $74,999 $99,999 $150,000 household of 2 making Survey Respondents 2018 ACS $77,000 is considered low-income (80% Area Median Income) per HUD 2020 income limits.

SURVEY RESULTS: RESPONDENT CHARACERISTICS & CIRCUMSTANCES

Length of Community Connection 2% 9% Less than a year When asked how long they had lived in, worked in, or otherwise been associated 1-3 years with 41% Watertown, the majority of survey 25%4-9 years respondents reported that their association was 20 years or more (41 percent), or 10-14 years between 4 and 9 years (25

percent). 15-20 years 12 % Over 20 years 11% District Geography When asked which District they live in, resident respondents reported relatively equal distribution across the four districts in Watertown, with the highest proportion living in 17 % 16 % District B (17 percent). 13 % 14 %

Note: Approximately 31 percent of resident respondents did not report which district they lived in. The statistics to the left illustrate responses from 263 participants. A (Councilor B (Councilor C (Councilor D (Councilor Kounelis) Feltner) Piccirilli) Woodland)

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 36 Watertown CP Plan | Online Engagement Summary Household Makeup (presence of children) When asked which of the following conditions 7% Household with young best described their household makeup children regarding the presence of children, most 36% respondents reported that their household includes no children (43 percent), followed by Household with high school/college-age households with young children (36 percent). children Seven percent marked “other,” which includes households with grown children that have Household with no 43% moved out, multigenerational households, and children households with college-age children. Other (please specify) 14% HISTORIC PRESERVATION

(2) (4) (1) Very Somewhat (3) Somewhat (5) Not Weighted Scale of Type of Project Important Important Neutral Unimportant Important Average Importance Preserve or rehabilitate Most historic municipal properties, such Important as Town Hall, Watertown Library, and the Commander’s Mansion. 41% 36% 11% 8% 3% 4.04 Enhance public access to historic resources, including ADA accessibility improvements. 30% 43% 19% 5% 3% 3.9 Acquire or otherwise preserve private historic properties to protect from demolition or demolition by neglect. 37% 31% 20% 6% 7% 3.86 Preserve or restore historic municipal memorials/monuments, cemeteries (such as the Old Burying Place, and Common Street Cemetery), and other outdoor historic resources. 29% 37% 24% 7% 4% 3.8 Preserve or rehabilitate historic resources owned by non-profits such as the Edmund Fowle House, Gore Place Farmhouse, and Abraham Browne House. 25% 38% 22% 9% 6% 3.67 Preserve or rehabilitate private historic commercial properties such as the Deluxe Town Diner, and Watertown Square to boost economic revitalization. 25% 38% 19% 10% 8% 3.62 Preserve or restore Watertown’s historic municipal artifacts and documents. Least 25% 33% 27% 9% 6% 3.62 Important

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 37 Watertown CP Plan | Online Engagement Summary Given the opportunity to explain their ranking and/or provide additional ideas for potential historic preservation projects, participants expressed a desire to prioritize town-owned properties and resource that are/would be open to the public and widely accessible, to prioritize projects that lack other funding sources, and to integrate/combine other CPA projects, such as adding open space or rehabilitating historic properties for community housing. Some participants expressed concern about private entities receiving public CPA funding.

Commonly referenced resources include the North Branch Library, monuments, Watertown Free Public Library, Schick House, cemeteries, Commander’s Mansion, Gore Place, Browne House, Arsenal, Edward Fowle House, old Police Station, and others.

COMMUNITY HOUSING

(2) (4) (1) Very Somewhat (3) Somewhat (5) Not Weighted Scale of Type of Project Important Important Neutral Unimportant Important Average Importance Achieve the goal of having 10% of Watertown’s housing stock be Most affordable. 57% 22% 10% 4% 7% 419% Important Provide easily accessible information about housing resources and/or assistance in Watertown. 51% 28% 13% 3% 5% 418% Preserve affordable housing units from conversion to market rate. 56% 19% 12% 5% 7% 413% Increase the opportunities for income- eligible homebuyers to buy a house or condominium. 50% 25% 15% 6% 5% 408% Create affordable ownership housing units. 51% 24% 12% 5% 7% 407% Create affordable rental housing units. 45% 26% 14% 7% 8% 393% Support programs that provide rental assistance to income-eligible Least households. 43% 29% 15% 6% 7% 393% Important

Given the opportunity to explain their ranking and/or provide additional ideas for potential historic preservation projects, participants largely expressed that providing community housing opportunities in Watertown is a very important issue. Many participants expressed that they see CPA funding as an opportunity to preserve and expand Watertown’s community diversity and felt that reaching, and surpassing, 10 percent affordability should be a longterm goal. Other participants felt strongly that public CPA funds should not be used to support community housing initiatives.

Some participants expressed concern about the fast pace of recent development and loss of historic architectural character, suggesting that conversion of existing units or redevelopment projects (including historic preservation) be prioritized over new development. In addition, participants expressed a desire to see a mix of smaller, more reasonable housing development and different unit types and sizes to meet a variety of needs for a variety of income brackets. Some participants were also concerned about ensuring that long-time residents are provided an opportunity to stay within the community as housing costs increase. Many participants felt strongly about providing opportunities for current renters and young adults to invest in homeownership.

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 38 Watertown CP Plan | Online Engagement Summary Other priorities and potential project ideas include the establishment and capitalization of an affordable housing trust, continued pursuit of past and current sites of interest (e.g. St. Joseph’s convent, the old police station, Watertown Housing Authority properties, etc.), and prioritizing strategic areas such as downtown where taller building heights may be more contextually appropriate, near schools, near Filippello Park/public transit, and south of the Charles.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

(2) (4) (1) Very Somewhat (3) Somewhat (5) Not Weighted Scale of Type of Project Important Important Neutral Unimportant Important Average Importance Create more parks, playgrounds, or athletic facilities in underserved Most neighborhoods. 57% 27% 12% 2% 2% 4.35 Important Create or expand bike trails and walking paths. 60% 23% 11% 3% 2% 4.33 Rehabilitate existing parks, playgrounds, or athletic fields. 51% 33% 11% 3% 1% 4.28 Create new recreational opportunities along the Charles River (e.g. canoe/kayak launch). 49% 33% 11% 3% 2% 4.2 Acquire land for new parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields. 52% 25% 15% 3% 4% 4.19 Least Create new community gardens. 37% 34% 19% 5% 4% 3.94 Important

Given the opportunity to explain their ranking and/or provide additional ideas for potential outdoor recreation projects, participants had a variety of thoughts, concerns and comments. Overall, responses indicate that there is a desire for a broad variety of recreation opportunities dispersed and interspersed throughout the community – including an expanded trail network for walking and biking, neighborhood pocket parks, athletic fields and courts (specifically multi-use and pickle-ball), community gardens, dog parks, and other outdoor activities such as permanent chess boards, picnic areas, outdoor gym equipment, and more. Participants expressed varying opinions about having designated and separated use spaces as well as some more flexible and universal spaces where a variety of activities could take place and a variety of community members could congregate. Participants expressed a desire for all recreation areas to feel welcoming and inviting as well as aesthetically beneficial – in particular, participants spoke about feeling like some areas have too much fencing or otherwise do not provide widespread public access. Finally, participant comments indicate that ensuring sustained maintenance and necessary upgrades for current and future recreation opportunities is vital.

OPEN SPACE

(2) (4) (1) Very Somewhat (3) Somewhat (5) Not Weighted Scale of Type of Project Important Important Neutral Unimportant Important Average Importance Preserve or restore wetlands and native vegetation in open space areas (e.g. Whitney Hill, Sawins Pond, and Most Williams Pond). 63% 24% 9% 2% 2% 4.44 Important

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 39 Watertown CP Plan | Online Engagement Summary Acquire green space for natural resource and wildlife habitat protection and/or passive recreation (e.g. Walker Pond, Gore Estate). 63% 24% 9% 1% 3% 4.43 Create rain gardens (natural sites which collect rainwater and help absorb storm water runoff). 48% 34% 11% 3% 4% 4.18 Create or improve ADA accessibility to natural resources and passive recreation opportunities. Least 43% 38% 13% 3% 3% 4.15 Important

It is clear that preserving, enhancing, and increasing Watertown’s limited green space is an important issue and high priority to the community. Given the opportunity to explain their ranking and/or provide additional ideas for potential open space projects, participants expressed a desire to see green spaces preserved, and new land purchased to create new greenery within the community – especially interspersed pocket parks. Participants prioritized acquiring, cleaning up, and creating access to the ponds, cleaning up the Charles River, protecting and improving Watertown’s green canopy, creating strategic rain gardens or other green stormwater management infrastructure, and suggested several individual sites that may be suitable for green conversion.1 Many comments reflected similar sentiments and ideas to responses about outdoor recreation. CPA Funding Priorities by Eligible

Category 5 % When asked to prioritize the four CPA-eligible Open Space and categories, participants reported that open 38 % 67 % Passive space/passive recreation projects are of most Recreation importance (67 percent), followed by community housing (43 percent), active recreation (38 percent), Community and historic preservation (24 percent). Five percent Housing of participants reported that they were unsure, or that their priorities would depend on having more information or other contextspecific considerations. Historic 24 % Preservation

43 % Active Recreation

I don't know / It depends

WEBSITE ENGAGEMENT

WEBSITE FORMAT & METHODOLOGIES In order to actively participate in the tools and discussions on the project website, visitors were required to register – providing some basic information to verify participants and better understand their backgrounds. Although the participation process was relatively simple and information was provided to explain the registration process, it seemed

1 Raw data can/will be made available. Community Engagement Report 2020 | 40 Watertown CP Plan | Online Engagement Summary to be a potential barrier to activity on the site. The current health crisis conditions may have also been a limiting factor as many people have been preoccupied with immediate needs and life stressors.

Eighty people registered to participate on the site, while 55 of them were actually engaged (actively contributed to a conversation or activity). Over the site’s entire lifespan (late January through mid-July), there were approximately 1.3 thousand unique visitors to the site (separate IP addresses).

A total of 73 comments were collected through the website’s tools. In some cases, participants had the ability to “like” other people’s comments. These factors were also taken into account when evaluating community feedback.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK VALUES STATEMENT Watertown residents want to maintain and improve the assets of their town - its cultural and socio-economic diversity, its historical significance, and its green spaces and connection to the Charles River - while considering growth and development trends. The CPA provides a unique source of funding to preserve and create new open space and recreation opportunities, support and create affordable housing, and protect and enhance our historic structures, landscapes, documents, and artifacts. The CPC will prioritize projects that build upon Watertown’s values: a strong pride of place, the greatest good for the community, and the enhancement and care of our community assets - its people, history, and natural resources - for transformative change, for the health and welfare of all, and for the generations to come.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES 1. The CPC will prioritize projects that are consistent with the community’s needs and values: a. Are highly visible and accessible to all and generate broad benefits and opportunities in our community. b. Incorporate sustainable practices and design for the long-term maintenance and lifespan of the project funded. c. Receive endorsement from Watertown boards, commissions, departments, community groups, and a range of public support. d. Are generally supported by identified needs, goals, and priorities in local planning documents and further the goals in the Community Preservation Plan. 2. The CPC will prioritize projects that use CPA funding strategically: a. Leverage the value of CPA capital through additional public or private funds, in-kind contributions, labor, materials, or other cost-saving measures. b. Address long-standing or urgent needs, or exceptional time-sensitive opportunities in the community. c. Demonstrate feasibility regarding project management expertise, a reasonable and informed project budget, a realistic project timeline with milestones, and a long-term maintenance/operations plan and budget for the resource. d. Address two or more of the CPA focus areas (i.e., blended projects). e. Serve as catalysts for transformative change by preserving or acquiring assets to create new amenities and enhance the aesthetics, connectivity, and quality of life in the community.

Key Recommendations and Themes2: 1. Concern that there is not specific enough language regarding values of the community (e.g. “welcoming to a diversity of economic status, cultural background, gender identity and sexual preference, age; equitable access to resources, etc.”).

2 The most common/most supported themes are displayed at the top of this list, with the most common represented in bold. Community Engagement Report 2020 | 41 Watertown CP Plan | Online Engagement Summary 2. Concern that these guiding principles are too restrictive, rigid, and complex 3. Particularly like “enhancement and care of our community assets” - maintenance and upkeep of any investment is vital 4. Include usability and universal accessibility more explicitly in the values statement and guiding principles (above and beyond ADA bare minimum). 5. More explicitly acknowledge challenges and opportunities amidst increasing urbanization – e.g. strategic development and open space preservation/creation 6. Include commitment to supporting arts in Watertown 7. Add understanding that goals and priorities are ever-changing and may need to be reevaluated 8. Transit-oriented design and location 9. Lacking commitment to community health

HISTORIC PRESERVATION GOALS

1. Preserve and restore Town-owned historic resources, including buildings, landscapes, monuments, documents, and artifacts. 2. Support the preservation of privately-owned historic resources that demonstrate appropriate public benefit as required under the law. 3. Acquire and preserve underutilized, threatened, or abandoned privately-owned historic resources that demonstrate appropriate public benefits as required under the law. 4. Enhance public access to historic resources, including ADA accessibility improvements. 5. Support a combination of historic preservation and rehabilitation projects that highlight the diverse and varied historical periods and experiences of the Watertown community.

Key Recommendations and Themes: Website contributors generally supported these goals, with one particularly noting the importance of goal 5, adding the significance of Watertown’s resident and workplace immigrant history, represented in many of the community’s churches, clubs, mill structures, and monuments. When asked about prioritization of these goals, one participant indicated that goals 5 and 4 are most important, with goals 1, 2, and 3 following.

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 42 Watertown CP Plan | Online Engagement Summary

COMMUNITY HOUSING GOALS

1. Support income and demographic diversity by funding the creation of housing based on documented community needs. 2. Support the Town’s status of 40B Safe Harbor by creating additional units that are eligible for the Subsidized Housing Inventory. 3. Preserve long-term affordability for existing income-restricted housing units. 4. Support local preference for affordable housing created through CPA funding, under limits of the law and regulations set by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). 5. Support the creation of affordable units through adaptive reuse (especially historic structures) and creative infill development.

Key Recommendations and Themes3: • Concern that supporting diversity and local preference goals are at odds with each other, should prioritize diversity over local preference (maintaining status quo). • Recommend using more specificity in goal 1 – low and moderate income residents • Concern that the focus is on preserving safe harbor status, not on creating affordable housing • Missing goal to achieve 10% affordability goal (not just maintaining current safe harbor status) • Concern that there should be more specifically about supporting and protecting renters who make up almost half of Watertown households – specifically the consideration of emergency or other rental assistance programs • Missing the goal of creating diverse housing options • When asked about prioritization of these goals, one participant indicated that goals 1 and 4 are most important.

OUTDOR RECREATION GOALS

1. Improve connectivity, access, safety, and function for recreational resources throughout the community that serve residents of all ages, interests, and needs. 2. Create and expand bicycle and pedestrian paths to connect neighborhoods with recreational and community resources. 3. Create more community gardens, pocket parks, outdoor gathering spaces, and other recreation areas. 4. Upgrade park equipment and amenities to promote accessibility and creative play spaces. 5. Create recreational opportunities along the Charles River.

4 Key Recommendations and Themes : • Concern that there is a lack of attention to organized sports and associated field space and facilities, but not at the expense of other green space and rec areas • Hope that enhancement and beautification of existing green spaces will increase their attraction and use • When asked about prioritization of these goals, three participants indicated that goals 1, 2, and 4 are most important.

3 The most common/most supported theme is represented at the top of this list in bold. The other recommendations and themes are in no particular order. 4 Ibid. Community Engagement Report 2020 | 43 Watertown CP Plan | Online Engagement Summary

OPEN SPACE GOALS

1. Expand, preserve, and restore existing open space throughout the community for improved benefit and use, particularly along current and future trails and paths, the Charles River, conservation land, and ponds. 2. Increase and improve access to and connectivity between current and future open space resources. 3. Where possible, preserve or restore wild and natural areas, native species, and wildlife habitats. 4. Support climate resiliency and protect neighborhoods by expanding natural resources to mitigate the impact of flooding and climate change.

5 Key Recommendations and Themes : • General support of these goals and their collective potential and impact. • Add something about plants that foster/support pollinators • Explicit commitment to increasing the amount of green space in the community, especially through restoration of industrial or other use properties that could support green conversion

MAPPED OPPORTUNITIES Participants identified 12 areas with potential project ideas – 9 of which were open space/recreation recommendations, two of which were historic preservation recommendations, and one of which was a community housing recommendation. Sites identified include: Sawins Stream and Pond, Irving Park, Casey Park, Watertown Free Public Library, Town Hall, Linear Park, Whitney Hill Park, Lowell School, North Branch Library, Gore Place, Commander’s Mansion, Walker Pond, historic homes (generally).

5 The most common/most supported theme is represented at the top of this list in bold. The other recommendations and themes are in no particular order. Community Engagement Report 2020 | 44

Quantitative Survey Data (raw)

How important are the following types of historic preservation projects in Watertown? (Comments) The town should prioritize funding projects that cannot secure funding from other sources. I would support the town supplementing funding for historic resources owned by non-profits or commercial properties if needed. I do not have strong preferences regarding specific historic projects, but any project to restore or preserve should make good accessible design (not just bare minimum ADA compliant) part of the project. Anything with the goal of avoiding the decay and neglect of properties in the city. Watertown has so much history and it is important to maintain, highlight and improve accessibility of our historic buildings and landscapes. I hope we can focus on preserving and highlighting indigenous, pre-colonial history of Watertown too. The CPC should work closely with the Historic Preservation Committee and Watertown Free Public Library to highlight and improve our historic sites, properties and artifacts. Any thoughts on the old library branch at corner of Orchard and Waverley? It's been empty as long as I've lived in Watertown. My understanding is that is the site of the original Lowell School--not sure if that's true though. Seems like the Town could improve that property in some way and that CPA funds could be used. If the building is too far gone, then perhaps create a little open space there, maybe with space for a community garden? Not sure it's big enough for that.

Please find a way to purchase the old Schick house currently owned by Mount Auburn Cemetery on Grove Street. It was the site of the only dairy farm ever in Watertown, and is part of the history of this town, in addition to being a good example of 19th century architecture. It is part of a larger parcel of land that I believe is about to be sold, but I suspect there could be a negotiation for a decent enough portion of the last where the house is situated, so that Watertown could create another park.... which would make this project satisfy both the historical and the open space CPA criteria. Watertown needs more open space... we are WAY under what we should have for our population. Perhaps the entire parcel could be purchased as a public/private partnership, although I know the DPW will hate more land to take care of and will probably oppose it. It could be a public/private partnership, perhaps with a Jewish historical organization providing the upkeep of the house? It could become a unique public treasure... a museum to the agrarian history of Watertown, and its Jewish history as well. The Schick family has a fascinating history. Most importantly, we should use the CPA funds to preserve this home and the open space around it for the enhancement of life in Watertown and the creation of another green space for the public to enjoy.

I think historic preservation of our community's resources is important, but I wonder if this could be a good use of outside funds (such as from donors or foundations) so that more CPA funding could be used for the other priorities. Let's take care of what we have under our control or with support behind it and not take on new properties or projects important as they may be Preserve/purchase open land in Watertown for public use

Places associated with non-profits are great, but they already have funding. Would prefer to fund things that don't have alternate support. Similarly, I'd love to preserve the atmosphere of Watertown Sq, but i don't want to put tax resources into things that will benefit single private entities that have other funding sources. Perhaps more in the preserve-through- not- letting- them- get- torn-down vein than the pay- to- upgrade- them- completely vein I believe funding the Watertown free public library is of the utmost importance, but grouping it in with something like Commander's Mansion, which is not open and available for public use is absolutely ridiculous. There is zero part of preservation funding that should go toward something that is not open to public use like commanders mansion. I find it very important to put that money toward the library however.

For the first question on historic municipal properties, it is very important to me to protect and fund the library, but not places like commander's mansion. The library is a safe space for free community use. Commander's mansion is fee for use and in all my time here i've never seen it serve the community for free. I cases where I checked neutral I had questions. I do not think that every single historic monument needs preservation and so my answer would depend.

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The Oakley Country Club is fencing-in what little open-space is left in the town. It is akin to demolition because it is closing-off a historical (built in 1892) and scenic centerpiece of a geographically small town.

I am a life long resident of Watertown and would like to see it become a more beautiful place to live.

Aquiring and maintaining historic properties should be first and foremost! Especially the house on Mt. Auburn Cemetery property that is currently up for sale. This house is very important to Watertown History! I am very proud to have opted out of the CPA and will do it every year because its a tax. As a dog owner, I would love to see poop bag stations and more trash bins around town. I provide my own, but not all owners are as diligent as I am. Not sure if the fund could even be used for this purpose. But I thought I would mention. Thank you Finding ways to make places accessible is important — meaning making it safe and convenient to walk to/from community places. Sometimes traffic and parking are overwhelming. I don't think historic preservation should be a priority beyond that required by law. These are all important. I don’t think the Town needs to do all the work nor find all the work but support and elevate the need and help other owners get it done.

Rehab of the former North Branch Library before it crumbles away (or is replaced by condos) would be a Top Priority. The Watertown Cooperative Nursery school would be a great long term tenant.

For me, I weigh the historic value of the building with the value that restored building can bring to the community. Is it important to rehab something that no one will use? Or that will be used infrequently? Is it important to rehab a building just because it's old? We need to commit to seeking out and supporting historic properties or monuments that represent the history of Watertown that isn't seen enough. Why is the Common St cemetery so neglected. It should be on the National Registry and serves as a park for many. The mature trees are glorious in the fall.

I live just down the street from the North Branch library building on the corner of Orchard and Waverly. I would love to see this building preserved and used to support and serve the community. Of particular interest to my family is the future of Watertown Cooperative Nursery School, which my three-year old currently attends. The school is considering a move to the North Branch Library on Waverly and Orchard Street. Restoration of the North Branch Library would ensure that a Watertown institution lives on and meets the modern needs of Watertown's preschoolers.

Would love to see the unused North Branch Library used for a local community endeavor, like a school. I would love to see the old North Branch library restored for the use of the Watertown Co-op nursery school. It is such a staple of this town- we need to work to save it!! Watertown should be justifiably proud of its historical roots. We are very interested in the restoration of the North Branch library as a new site for the Watertown Coop Nursery School. Don’t forget the North Branch North Branch library--supporting the use of this property for educational use by Watertown cooperative nursery school North Branch Library for Watertown Coop School Trying to save to buy a house Our schools are a complete disgrace how about addressing those huge issues that have been ignored and neglected for decades. I think ignoring and covering up should stop. Better roads would be nice. More sidewalks and curbs. Make our sports playing fields safe - many have holes kids twist ankles in!

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I'm still not sure why we agreed to this tax. These questions are too vague.

Preserve or rehab?? Does that include repurpose? Gore Place is very important. Private property should be left alone. That’s why it’s private property.

There was an old home on Common Street recently demolished....If there were some sort of historic preservation check this home might have been saved and prevented what I assume will be a cookie cutter home or condos put in it's place. It is important to preserve what is left of Watertown's historic architecture - public and private.

West Branch library.

Also, historic preservation is important to me. But I would prioritize affordable housing and open space over it. I think the way the properties are taken care of currently is fine. I do not feel like any of the above listed need significant funding.

Neutral responses reflect the need for more information. The Gore Estate (owned by the City of Waltham) and the Browne House (owned by Historic New England) have very strong funding resources. Support the Edmund Fowle House, a key historic property and the. Commander’s Mansion.

Historic preservation should be achieved in conjunction with the other two goals of the CPA -like affordable housing, especially. Buy and old property, restore it and put housing units in it. Isn't ADA accessibility the law??

High danger of losing historic fencing around Arsenal area, and cemeteries are in embarrassing shape. Many historic places need ADA improvements. Some Square comm. properties, Galen bridge, Mt Auburn St Historic District, "trails" around Square and river (and historic homes have historic ties to founders and architect in neighborhood), RR, Patten St, churches, corner/bldg at MBTA on Galen, the Starbucks bldg. Many archives need attention. I would like to see investment in one or more walking tours of Watertown - connecting the dots between landmarks and their historic meaning. I imaging using my smartphone to guide me from point to point, sense when I am approaching a landmark then be able to listen to a description of it. In between sites, I would like to learn some of the history of the river, the town, changing boarders over time - again, location based. I think there is also an opportunity to integrate this into town school historic curriculum - get the kids out of the classroom and learning our local history. Teachers could develop assignments and tests around it - maybe gamify it as a treasure hunt.

This is the least important of the three CPA areas to work on. Watertown has a relatively immense amount of arguably historic places, artifacts, etc. The most important are being preserved. We'll find more as long as we keep looking, but other priorities should be first. We should not spend this public money on private businesses or entities. I am very concerned that enhancing PRIVATE property would even be contemplated. I hope that we have an overall rating at the end with respect to all these categories to get a better feel for overall priorities too. I would rank open space, green recreation space higher than all the above though still need to upkeep restore our gov't buildings(library/town hall). It is important BOTH to preserve our well-known and named historic properties, but also to try to save some of our historic housing stock. Not all of Watertown's historic housing is showy Vicrorian houses, but many of the simpler structures from the turn of the century (1900's or before), are unique, charming and are a part of the character of our town. We are losing many of these houses to two-family build outs for profit.

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Shick House and some surrounding green space should be purchased by the CPA and repurposed for community use. This could also be a public/private venture, like the playground along the esplanade. The house has enormous historic value. It was a dairy farm at hone time. I have information about it's history and an idea about how to have it restored with little expense to the town once they own it. It fits both historic and open space requirements for CPA funds. The property remaining at Beacon High School needs preservation.

It is unfortunate that the 2nd question lumps the Deluxe Town Diner in with Watertown Square -one is a private business and the other is public communal space. As strongly recommend that funds be earmarked to create a marker or monument that recognizes the first peoples who lived here and loved this land and called it Pigsgusset or Pequusset, which means the meadows at the widening of the river. They were part of the Massachusett tribe, which still exists. It is unconscionable that the stone marker to Christopher Columbus, who never set foot in the U.S. and who unleashed unbearable suffering and genocide on the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas, is the only marker in the Watertown Delta. Why is this? Gore Place, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, and the Browne House have plenty of funding. No $ to them.

Revitalization of square, adding green space or improving upon space that can be utilized by the community for recreational type use or encourage strong community bonds. preserving Watertown's mature trees is my highest priority

Community Engagement Report 2020 | 48 ***The shade trees on historic properties should be as well protected as the houses. They bring health benefits to the whole neighborhood in a host of ways. I ranked, assuming that #2 should read "somewhat important." The joining of preserving such establishments as the Deluxe Town Diner with Watertown Square in general is conflicting. I would have given a "1" if monies could be spent on redesigning Watertown Square to make it a more pleasurable, friendly walking and commercial area. I don't think historical preservation overall is as important as creating affordable housing or protecting nature spaces.

Are there any specific historic preservation projects that you'd like to see funded in Watertown? no Retention and maintenance of our monuments (Civil War, Saltonstall, etc.) I think that the landing in Watertown Square could could be enhanced with a couple of permanent tables and 2 modest sized benches down on the dock. This would create more vibrancy for meeting and gathering while enjoying beautiful amenity.

Brigham House and the Commanders's Mansion are iconic parts of Watertown None specifically Do something with the old library on Mount Auburn St. Use it of sell it. What's the point in letting it rot. Updates to the abandoned properties in the city or those that are left sitting by the owners and developers but not being touched. They are an eye sore.

Deluxe Town Diner. I love the food, the people who eat there. It could use a good cleaning inside and out. Install step near curb if you are parking at the Town Lot because with rain your feet get wet. Yes whatever would be beneficial. NA No

If possible, save the old branch library building at corner of Waverley and Orchard. Not sure what a refurbished building there could be used for and I know it's a project as the building has many issues. If the building can't be saved maybe create some open space there? I think the Edmund Fowle house is a treasure too and could use some funding. I have never been to the Browne house but I know that it is one of the oldest buildings in Watertown and is not all that accessible (limited hours of operation). Would love to see a monument or park dedicated to the Pequosette and Nonanutum peoples who lived here, maybe somewhere along the river path or in the delta? municipal properties I've heard there are historic paper records from Watertown's early years in storage which are in an advanced and advancing state of neglect. If that's true, it sounds like rescuing them should be a Town priority. I would like to see the old library building on Mount Auburn Street preserved and rehabilitated. Purchase the Schick house and some, if not all of the land in the parcel, and create a historic site and more open green space for the citizens of Watertown to enjoy.

I personally feel that the continued preservation of the Watertown Free Public Library is extremely important to our community, especially during this critical time when the free resources the library provides will be essential to our community.

Do something with the old libraries, anything! watertown museum! that tells the story of the river, indigenous people, etc Old library buildings

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Anything to help the Library would be great, especially regarding parking. Perhaps even expanding parking/adding study rooms; perhaps expanding into old police station. Preserve/purchase open land in Watertown for public use No Haven't lived here long enough to know No I'd like to see funding for conservation of any free outdoor public spaces. And the watertown library. no Mt Auburn Street small businesses from Watertown Square to Arlington Street-Especially the businesses from School Street to Arlington Street. We are rich with local businesses! Revitalization of the old branch library building at the corner of Orchard and Waverly. It’s a beautiful, quaint building and I’d hate to see it torn down. Dams on the river, Bemis in particular. Also old railroad landmarks and routes. No Yes, the Squares need a new look with more walkways and plantings YES

1. Purchase and repurpose the house on Mt. Auburn Cemetery property on Grove street as a musueum and for public use (like Commander's Mansion).

2. Allow historic preservation districts in Watertown (not as protected as historic districts, but there are protections that maintain the historic integrity of neighborhoods. Cambridge does this.

2. Purchase open space and plant trees that were historically present in Watertown. No, I don't want to give you any ideas. Nothing specific Leisure use Library I’d be disappointed if all the above so-far in this survey, we’re the only uses being considered for the CPA Elevate history of non white, ensure history is being told not only from the white settler perspective. Is there history in our residential neighborhoods? How do we learn about that? How do we connect history with social change in Watertown? I’m not familiar with any enough to comment here. A listing of projects would be useful Perkins School Not really. I think the Residents shouldn’t be paying a CPA tax and feel it was put on the ballot in a deceptive way. Restoring the North Branch library for Watertown Coop Nursery School; keeping Gore Place accessible to public Rehab of the former North Branch Library I'd like to see the historic North Branch Library restored so it could be used as a daycare for the Watertown Cooperative Nursery School Restoring the North Branch Library and creating more green spaces. restoring the North Branch library for WCNS

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The old branch libraries have been vacant for as long as I can remember. Both of these buildings add to the historic character of the town. It would be great if they could be put to use, however they are in need of repairs and lack parking which makes them infeasible for most uses. Making funds available to repair the North Branch library would help the Watertown Cooperative Nursery School, a local non-profit that has been educating young children in Watertown for generations make use of this building as a new home. I would like to see the North Branch Library restored in the hopes it could be leased to Watertown Cooperative Nursery School as their new home starting in the fall of 2021. North Branch Library Restoring the North Branch Library for reuse by a non-profit organization, particularly the Watertown Cooperative Nursery School, which is looking for a new home. I believe you should restore the North Branch library in order to house the Watertown Coop Nursery School north branch library I do not think CPA funds should be used to subsidize a private school's use of an historic building. Nonprofits need to be able to stand on their own (and healthy nonprofits do). However, Watertown has seen an extreme loss in available rental properties for nonprofits and schools and it would be good if some of our historic buildings could be renovated and used as revenue generating buildings for the town via reasonable rents for organizations that serve and/or enhance the local community.

North Branch Library. I heard someone suggest using the cemetery for the new high school. There are founders buried there. My historic neighborhood is ignored and not appreciated by town officials (or developers) restoring the North Branch library Shick House on Grove St. Restoring the north branch library or WCNS. Find a use for and restore the old North Branch Library on the corner of Orchard Street and Waverly Avenue for use by the Watertown Cooperative Nursery School Yes, I would love to see the North Branch library building preserved and used to support and serve the community. Original buildings and houses. Soon they will be landmarks. I’d like to see the north branch library building used as an early education site (Watertown Co-op preschool) None Restore the old North Branch library on Waverly and Orchard.

Find a permanent home for Watertown Nursery Cooperative. Of particular interest to my family is the future of Watertown Cooperative Nursery School, which my three-year old currently attends. The school is considering a move to the North Branch Library on Waverly and Orchard Street. Restoration of the North Branch Library would ensure that a Watertown institution lives on and meets the modern needs of Watertown's preschoolers. North Branch library for WCNS! Restore the North Branch Library to be used by Watertown Cooperative Nursery School North Branch Library! I would like to see the old North Branch library be be restored and brought back to life. It has been sitting empty for so many years

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North Branch library for WCNS!!! The old library on Waverly has sat empty for the entire time I have lived here. I would like to see it restored in some capacity, possibly as a new home for WCNS. Restoring the North Branch library for use by Watertown Cooperative Nursery School We are very interested in the restoration of the North Branch library as a new site for the Watertown Coop Nursery School. The north Branch Yes I would like to see the North branch library preserved and renovated for good use and to save and keep Watertown Cooperative Nursery School from closing. Would love to see the North Branch Library used for a good purpose North Branch Library turned back into a schoolhouse as an affordable, non- profit preschool to support local families. Use green space around school to create natural playground which can be used by families in the neighborhood outside of school hours.

Wcns Restoring the North Branch library Yes, North Branch library for use by Watertown Cooperative Nursery School I'd like to see the North Branch library restored and occupied. The North Branch Library being sold or leased to the Watertown Coop Nursery School. Watertown library. Deluxe town diner/Coolidge square area. North Branch Library used as school.

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No. Affordable housing No Brown house An urban naturalist center with activities and education for all ages Schools they say are being addressed all lies.they have already invested millions in a band aid solution. No. Focus on public green space- with all the building going on in this town we see nothing in the form of green space being added or updated. It's terrible. Restore access to right-of-ways for trains crossing Waverley and Main streets so they may be used for pedestrians and cyclists, not parking lots. Preserve the Charles River Just the schools Make the streets more care friendly Improvement of Watertown square Id like the commanders mansion to become a fantastic multi use event center for humanity and arts. Community gathering etc

I’d like to see contiguous neighborhoods kept intact architecturally through restoration, instead of demolishing older homes to be replaced with plywood and vinyl. No Historical property next to the police station. Be nice to see the Saltonstall statue moved from the River Rd to Saltonstall

I'd like to see something useful to the community done with the old Police station in the square. A permanent, townowned space for HATCH, for instance. Since you've already destroyed the historic arsenal with over-development, there are fewer and fewer historic projects that are respected by the town. So sad. No I'd like to see the 19 Coolidge hill road purchased and repurposed as park to avoid the monstrosity that is being proposed for it now. Not particularly no Town Hall Old Burying Ground, New series of historic preservation markers like - https://images.app.goo.gl/rQXkt2zLp4qgZTjr6 , Preserving old houses and streets Make Mount Auburn Cemetery fix up that shabby property at 183 Grove St. The old (painted blue) home on Grove Street which is next to the parking lot used by Mt. Auburn Hospital. West Branch library.

Old police station. no

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Preserving & reusing the old library building on Mt. Auburn Street; creating a fund for income-eligible homeowners to make historically-accurate improvements on their historic homes No Signage near the old dam on the Charles River at Watertown Square No The Watertown Library (although is that really "historic"?)

Am not aware of any particular projects. While Watertown dates to 1630, many cool buildings as seen in old photos are gone. The archives of photos, maps, documents are important to preserve as well as give the public accessibility to history through various tools. Buy old homes near transit and convert to high-density affordable units. The North Branch Library might be another good idea for housing and we already own it. no It may not be strictly historical; I would like to see the old Police Station (next to the library) get renovated on behalf of municipal groups. The Shick House with some land is owned by Mt Auburn Cemetery needs a new owner to preserve its history. The fence along the commander's mansion property on North Beacon St. It's in disgraceful condition - demolition by neglect.

North Branch Library East end cememtery looks as if it needs a great deal of work. Commanders Mansion

Arlington/Common St Cemeteries North Branch Library no No privately owned properties should get public funding I'd love to see the North Branch library actually put to use. it would be great to also spruce up Main St - give it some character. Sponsor flower beds, give more historic banners, make it the kind of place that people would like to walk through.

Shick House Arsenal fencing, Galen St bridge & lights, Common St cemetery, veterans memorials at town hall, original Town Seal, ADA for post offices, Deluxe Town Diner, Perkins Tower, Mt Auburn and Square storefronts, landing places along river/CRRoad

Stop allowing sterile new buildings that are built in days to continue to be built. Its a travesty the sheer number of these buildings who possess no character have taken over the beautiful character of what was once Watertown. I'm all for change but thoughtful beautiful architecture that complements new with old not sterile looking buildings that all look the same. Please preserve historic private architecture.

Preserve or rehabilitate private historic commercial properties such as Watertown Square to boost economic revitalization. The Arsenal Project is improving mall / chain retail for Watertown. Watertown Square could be the vibrant balance to that, with small independent retail. restore arbor and historic garden/landscaping at Commander's mansion Upgrading the commander’s mansion

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North Branch Library

Former Police Station Town Hall needs to revitalized in a big way! The character is good but broken lights and overall shabbiness tell an unfortunate story about our level of awareness, let alone pride, in our Town. I would start with the older monuments than can be tied to colonization of the area and work forward from that. Revitalization of Watertown Square Arlington St and Common St cemeteries including monuments need preservation; scratched murals in Town Hall; fragile town records and like archives preserved and properly stored in archival condition; save the Schick house no No No History of farms especially lovell. Monuments Lowell School peak and facade. re-use of North Library and police station structures. Schick House on Grove Street! 311 Arsenal Street Building Contractors have already knocked down many, look what they did to the arsenal As just stated- the property on Belmont St at Beacon High School though much of it has been demolished. I think preserving ALL historic sites is important. What I am most disturbed by is private owners tearing down historic structures

I would like us to hire an archivist who can spend time in the History Room of the Library and identify any documents that make reference to the original inhabitants of this place. Support Watertown's Edmund Fowle House. Gore place Reuse North Branch Library and old police station. If the town has no use , they could be turned into affordable housing.

Not exactly. But I think our natural resources (especially mature trees) are undervalued, as evidenced in the preservation questions above. Watertown pool, any of the diner buildings, Watertown Square. The dock in Watertown Square. No Not at this time

How important are the following types of community housing goals and projects in Watertown? (Comments)

I would rather not have new construction and prioritize making existing housing more affordable for this population. I also feel like home buyers give back more to communities than renters, which is why I would rank assistance with purchasing over renting.

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Immediate use of CPC funds would be a good funding source for an emergency rental assistance program during this COVID health crisis to support and stabilize the community

Affordable housing is the most important mission of the CPA for Watertown. everything is too expensive.

The provision of ownership opportunities that are affordable is extremely important. It is very difficult for first time home buyers and young home buyers to get into the market here, even in a property that needs work. The number of tiny houses and condos here that cost $1M or more is astounding. New developers are building cheaply made “luxury” apts claiming young families need a place to live here and need housing. It’s absolutely false - young families can not afford to live in the properties they are building. Additionally, there is a need for these developers to build homes that people can purchase, not rent. It would be great if this fund could make it worth the developers while to build here rather than passing that cost onto the purchaser who then becomes shut out of the market. Also, in my experience I have found frustration that I made too much $ to qualify for affordable purchase units but still not enough to pay a monthly mortgage Payment. There seems to be an abundance of programs and opportunities for people who make the least but a lack for those who finally are able to move beyond that. How about some affordable housing purchase programs for the people in the middle?

Strongly believe we should hit 10% on the SHI and then continue to surpass that goal!

I strongly feel that we should maximize the CPA fund allocation to support affordable housing preservation and development.

Listening to Steve Owens discussion recently..encourage folks who raised families in public housing, and their children have left, to move to smaller units so other families can access public housing.

I think the bulk of CPA funds should be spent on affordable housing, especially in light of the current economic situation. It is imperative to devote as much as possible to this now. We want our older residents to be able to stay in our town and we want it to be affordable to young people as well. This is so important. I support CPA funds for assisting families with rent during the Covid-19 crisis. I support Watertown setting up a permanent rental assistance program.

A stable community is a strong community. It's important that Watertown find ways to keep longtime Watertown residents from being forced out of our community by rising housing costs.

Affordable housing is an important component, but I feel that the town should be responsible for this, not CPA.

As someone who just bought a home in Watertown, I'm very aware of how expensive it is to live here -- and I'm a member of an upper-middle income household with access to some inherited wealth! I would love to see our community become more affordable to both current residents and new residents of all income levels.

Rental assistance should be for people in arrears or at risk of eviction (lower eligibility requirements during COVID-19). Rental assistance should not be for first, last, and security because that is more about homeless prevention, but if people are in need of that, then the apartment rates in Watertown wouldn't be sustainable. More important to have both affordable units and emergency rental assistance. there is even a problem with affordability for those that might not fit into the guide lines for "income eligible" so I'd also say preserving affordability of 2 bed, 3bed homes for middle income folks in this area would be very important to me

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Increase affordable housing is very important. Housing is very expensive here. Even those who are are outside the income requirements cannot afford the price of housing in Watertown.

While the goal of increasing affordable rental housing is admirable, generational wealth is attained with home ownership. Our focus for housing affordability should be in creating new homeowners. Affordable housing is VERY important. I've seen what unregulated, profit-driven development does to towns - I'm from East Hampton, LI. Don't "Hamptons"us!

Please move to Maduro country. I'm sure it would be more to your liking. The need for affordable units is ever increasing. Providing more units to help meet the increased need is important.

define the term affordable housing rents; $400.00 per month or what the actual amount is with skyrocketing unaffordable rental housing market along with the laughable minimum wage amount at $15 per hour would love to see some politicians try to survive on this while patting themselves on the back about raising this number as a great thing for people ha! The basis for some questions is moot since the town has reached the 10% threshold. You must know that so why do you pretend otherwise.

Let’s consider more mixed housing with greater than 10%low income. See Boston Globe 3/15 on Social housing in Vienna. Let’s support low income and elders not only on acquisition but also on maintenance and repair.

The Greater Boston area is in a housing crisis. We need to build and Watertown and the surrounding communities need to do their part. Prioritizing affordable housing will benefit the entire community but maintaining -and even encouraging racial and socio- economic diversity, combatting climate change by building more densely, and keeping Watertown vibrant by ensuring it is an inclusive community that doesn't just say they are open to everyone, but rolls out the welcome mat for new residents and their families.

Definition of affordable is hard. People want to live where there is some green space and 1 parking space available, by permit on street is ok if no driveway. I worry about gentrification, and want aging in place. Assessments keep going up a lot and we already don't have many residents of color. The best is to keep a mix of $$ in the same building/neighborhood, but there are so many condo conversions and "mono" new buildings with no relation or transition to existing neighborhoods and nowhere for seniors to downsize.

Stop building luxury apartments

I'd love to see some sort of grant available to families that have lived in Watertown for 10+ years who may need assistance buying a home. Since we moved here 8 years ago, housing prices have soared, and I know so many people (both current homeowners and renters) who can't move within Watertown because of that. We are paying almost $1000 under market value for our monthly rent, and if anything changes with our lease, we wouldn't be able to relocate within the town. Our income is under the AMI. We'd love to buy a property here, but it seems so far out of reach.

I do NOT want to create additional housing in Watertown as it is already being overrun with new condos. I do support turning existing housing into an affordable option, but not at the sake of creating new or splitting single families into two families etc.

If Watertown continues down its current path of being increasingly unaffordable, many families/individuals will be pushed out of the community. If Watertown wants to retain a socioeconomically diverse population, much needs to be done to make it a more affordable place to live.

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As a single middle aged person working in the Human Services field, unable to move due to family circumstances and obligations, I find it increasingly unaffordable to live in the area without roommates and as I age this is a big concern. I don’t see a lot of affordable options for single households. I hope to see an increase in this area.

Watertown is no longer affordable because developers have been allowed to now own the town , driving up taxes and costs. Using tax payers CPA money to subsidize housing is futile. Question 2 "Create Affordable Housing Units" begs the question of where. Every piece of open space has been overdeveloped with expensive housing. Property tax money should not be used to build and subsidize housing for those who are not going to pay property tax. The idea of using CPA money for affordable housing is misguided.

We especially need to look after the elderly and long time residents so they can continue to live in Watertown. And, in making housing affordable for lower income families - I hope that Watetown's will continue to be a diverse community, in income, race, age, religion, etc.... Housing is a priority in order to have this be true.

Affordable housing is #1 priority for me. I don't need it fortunately but I value income diversity in Watertown. It's a social justice issue for me. This will be a very difficult area to preserve given the financial pressures from developers and the tax base/needs of the community

Any support given should be available I a variety of languages to support the immigrant population.

We need affordable housing, but not at the expense of Watertown's neighborhoods, i.e., housing should have a physical and visually obvious relationship the the neighborhoods around it. It should be designed to fit in and augment the surrounding neighborhoods. Unaffordable apartments have been overbuilt in this town. Instead of more building, these should become more affordable.

Important to achieve 10% affordable housing. Need more information as to what rental assistance programs would involve. Need to mandate that the town establish local preference percentage for inclusionary zoning units mandated in new developments.

Use existing properties vs new construction. Assist populations such as our older population develop rental units in their existing homes. More assistance for those in the 80% poverty level, esp via vouchers. An "affordable" apartment in the large complexes are way above what someone can afford. Many of our older residents who have lived here for many years, or have even grown up here, and have such a positive impact on our town now have reduced income and are being forced to move out because they have considerably below the $74,000/yr. Is there a possible eligibility that would require BOTH over 60 and e.g. 50% poverty level but without it being "senior housing". Educate apartment owners about the voucher program.

I believe Watertown has me the threshold for affordable housing. I would like to see that continue to be met, but no reason to greatly exceed the threshold.

We need to keep Watertown affordable for all. Housing is my top priority. I would add to the list a funding mechanism for landlords of multi-family homes to receive funding or other benefit for making rental unit(s) handicap accessible.

Perhaps convert unrented older business storefronts to rental units. It would nice to see a lease to own option similar to what Waltham does (people can't sell for more than they bought it, so you don't have people trying to flip property.)

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This issues is so complicated. We need state reform too, so that we're not pushed to "thoughtless" density, or just start building up over 50' everywhere without transitions or more setbacks to existing. Need more variety/types (so many expensive rentals now and are "gated"), add third floors/convert attics, "granny flats", convert garages -many are historic. we need to preserve the presence of immigrants living among us, to encourage them as they create their new lives.

Help fund MetroWest Collaborative Development's purchase of the church property for conversion to affordable housing. NO! This was not how CPA was presented and should not be how the money is used. help with housing without tearing down neighborhoods and overbuilding, be creative keeping properties up should be a priority

Housing issues are amung the most urgent in Watertown. We should invest in helping people of moderate or lower income stay in town.

Attempting to provide low income homes or rental apartments for anyone but low income town employees is a loss to Watertown's ability to hire the workers it needs. And trying to provide enough low income rentals or homes is nice for Feel Good rules somewhat like shoveling sand against the incoming tide however given that some of the CPA money must be used for this I am provided my choices Somewhat for % affordable - I think that figure should be higher

If 'create' means build new, I am not supportive of that but support making stock already built be affordable I would like to see more homeownership which is affordable. Also more access to first-time buyers.

I voted for all options to make home ownership more accessible for income-eligible people. Homeowners become a stable part of the fabric of our town and adding policies to increase the range of income to make home ownership more accessible will help to preserve the economic diversity of our town. Hoping that this will be a means to keep Watertown from becoming a bedroom community of renters who have no committment or connection to our town. Especially since the public housing fire that occurred recently, we need to step up to the plate with more affordable housing. Why couldn't the North Branch library be turned into an affordable two family? With the gentrification of Watertown affordable housing is the only viable technique available. Maby rent control. Keeping Watertown residents in town is very important to the fabric of our town. It is imperative that we find ways to keep young families in town so we need to be creative in making housing affordable. This all should be done by the housing authority ONLY Too many people are being priced out of Watertown. For both rental and ownership the prices have sky rocketed.

Mandate that the town calculate the formula for local community preference. They are doing to help people who have lived in town for years and that housing plan is completely out of date. Ongoing rental assistance is a social welfare program that is unsustainable. The town should not turn into a social service agency. One time help with a security deposit is OK. Get mitigation $$$ from developers for affordable housing like Cambridge does.

I think "affordable housing" should address folks with income up to about 50% of AMI. Something affordable to a person earning $63K/year (80% of AMI for individual) is very much NOT affordable to someone earning $30K/year, let alone someone living in poverty. Affordable housing, workforce housing, housing for the poor are all needed in order to create a single, balanced picture. Support these initiatives to make it more affordable for families to move to/stay in Watertown.

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I want watertown to aim for 25% affordable housing. Why stop at 10%? We have a great need here for both young and old lower income earners. Also, the maximum income cap should be double for two adult homes.

I only earn about 40K a year as a small business owner that lives and works in Watertown. My partner makes just above that at 44K a year. Looking at local "affordable housing" options, I could apply for a unit in my own, but then I am unable to afford a one bedroom unit (usually priced JUST under market value, somewhere between $1500-$1800). But if my partner and I were to apply

Are there any specific community or affordable housing projects that you'd like to see funded in Watertown? No Funding support for Metrowest Collaborative to purchase the former convent building at St. Joseph's to convert to lowincome studio/one-bedroom housing for older adults. Together with 100 warren St building (WHA) would allow for a "campus-like" to more efficiently provide services and amenities to older adults in the community. This is a fleeting "once in a lifetime" opportunity so CPC needs to consider this project asap. Better oversight of current adorable housing recipients who are breaking the rules. No - I would prefer building more in general to match demand Any and all. Families need help. I would like to see affordable homes that can be purchased - including houses, townhouses and condos. It was a challenge to get into a home we could afford to purchase here after being in several bidding wars here and in the surrounding communities we had the good fortune of finding a home that due to a number of circumstances no one went to the open house. It needs a lot of work but even still if others had shown up, we would’ve ended up in another outrageous bidding war.

I would like to see affordable units for the people in the middle who work hard to move forward and make too much to qualify for affordable units but don’t make enough to cover a monthly mortgage payment here. There is an abundance

Of Programming for people who make the least, and the people in the middle get left behind. They’d be better off not working as hard and being able to benefit from the mower income programs. It’s demotivating and disincentives working up the ladder.

Yes. Most Black Americans in her 30's are handicapped by not having inherited wealth. A friend of mine cannot come up with a down payment for a condo in Watertown. In 2020 could we change this and encourage home buying, and support from lenders right now. NA No No, I don't know enough to recommend any specific project. Just because we're safe under the 1.5% land area doesn't mean that we have a proper amount of affordable housing. The town should use funds to support affordable developments in locations that make sense. Convert closed business locations to affordable housing. Emergency Rental Assistance and creation of affordable units for rent for families The convent on Rosary Drive that is /was for sale and is surrounded by similar housing. Support more first time buyers, increase housing opportunities for those that so not meet income requirements but still cannot afford the ridiculous costs here. Affordable housing opportunities South of the Charles River I see a lot of luxury housing going up around me and if this trend continues, lobgtime residents who are the heart of watertown will be forced out, as is the case with places like jamaica plain.

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together, then we always exceed the maximum income cap, even though as individuals, we are considered eligible for "affordable housing." It is incredibly frustrating and if we cannot afford to buy a home here in 4-5 years, we will be forced to move away. We want to stay!

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Not sure at the moment. Check out Cass Community Social Services in Detroit: affordable tiny homes. Love the idea. But with Watertown’s lack of land mass, the most economic way to provide affordable homes is with apartments blocks. And that has to be balanced with more public green space. No The parks and green spaces Don't know where those affordable housing projects are! More information to the general public about these projects, please!

More housing specifically for Seniors. I would love to see a community housing trust that purchases properties and makes them available to low-income families. Due to the lack of actual affordable units a subsidy program might be the quickest way to provide more assistance to those in need.

Assisting the WHA with additional development at existing sites. Taking advantage of existing opportunities at the Rosary Academy site. No Mixed mid-income and affordable housing projects. Work with local churches to determine need and programs. Small projects See prior answers. None come to mind I would like to see a whole lot less of the building that is happening. I would also like to see changes in our zoning to increase the land requirements for development. no no All of them! Since 33 Mt Auburn is still a hole, what about the town using that. What about next to Filippello Park? Can Arsenal Project increase their % (they keep making changes anyway?) Everyone keeps saying we're out of space. so seems like buyer funds and rental assistance may be best options. Police station is in center of town so you could build higher there? What about Watertown Square next to MBTA on Galen? Nothing specific None no No Wcns Finding a home for the Watertown Cooperative Nursery School no Preservation of existing affordable housing and policy development for creative affordable housing such as accessory units etc... providing subsidies to eligible families to prevent eviction and gentrification. No Provide incentives for home buyers to preserve the old historic homes in town instead of allowing developers to tear them down for more new construction

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Instead of building these expensive rental properties for like 1 or 2 people, can we get some reasonable size condos for people to own that are not enormous but not tiny either so that people with college degrees can afford to live here and not just rich people?

NONE! Programs to assist first time home buyers, so that more people can afford to transition from being a renter in Watertown to being a home owner in Watertown. I think it should be easier for homeowners to put small second dwellings for elderly parents and kids back from college etc

Single household units, co housing units. No No No No no, I do not think money should be spent on affordable housing No Maximize affordable units in existing developments (including newer ones). Integrate throughout the community. no no Supporting first-time homebuyers who want to purchase in Watertown - financial incentives, dedicated units, etc. Anything that isn't huge. Why can't we keep to the 2- and 3-family feel in Watertown while adding affordable housing. Why does it always have to look like "projects" from the 1960s "urban renewal"? Work with what exists, not build more housing.

Restrict "Luxury" apartment complexes. No I'd like to see more mid-rise buildings with substantial numbers of affordable rental and ownership units. The 10% goal is not nearly high enough given the formula used to define affordability. The schools Stop developers from 40b everything Increase inclusionary zoning percentage from 15% to 20% for affordable housing. no

As noted above, assist our older population with developing affordable units when they have too much home for their needs, possibly with specific criteria (beyond income) for the potential tenants. Subsidy vouchers. Affordability for those with income in the $30,000/yr (for a single). Intergenerational affordable housing. (no more large impersonal complexes) Help subsidize affordable developments; make existing units ADA compliant; upgrade existing PHA units. See above. Replacement of burned buildings on Robert Ford Road Conversion of abandoned police headquarters in Watertown Square to affordable housing.

Conversion of abandoned West Branch Library to affordable housing, while preserving its historical value and using its grounds for community gardening.

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Can we convert some of existing market rate rentals? Parker School conversion (is also historic). Best Buy/Watertown Mall convert to mixed near path. Next to Filippello Park near path. By MBTA in Square/Galen St with mixed use. Could create in DnD plaza mixed+open space, or above the hole in ground in square on Mt Auburn. Do a joint project with Historic Preservation and take charming old buildings and make into affordable housing. convert old police station to affordable rental housing apartments Convert the. Old police station adjacent to fire department No, not right now. See above NO! don't know no No No no

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Possibly tear down North branch to make into 4 units for ownership affordable or community housing. Don't know . . .

Reuse of the North Branch library as a two family, or even an affordable group home. Scattered 2 or 3 family houses converted to condos with 1 affordable unit. Would like community banks to work with families to give mortgages to children of the home owners so they can stay in the family home and have their parents stay as well. Many elderly cannot afford to stay in their homes but if they could sell to their children for a reduced price and have a lifetime tenancy in the home, it’s a win/win situation for everyone including the Town.

By the housing authority. New construction of affordable housing close to schools Unknown at this time. Need more info to answer this question. Stop additional mega developments until transit is addressed Nothing specific, but I would like to see some creative solutions to this problem. Support owner-occupied two- and multi-family homes. I want to see truly affordable rental units for younger people. I'm not a fan of the huge multi unit complexes. I would love to see more affordable multi family homes. And if course, way more affordable homes to buy.

I also feel inspired to create a foster home for children who have been abandoned by their families. Watertown is a wonderful place for kids and I would love to know there is a place here to give love and care to children who need it. Not at this time.

How important are the following types of outdoor recreation projects in Watertown? (comments) We have great parks in Watertown, but I wouldn't say no to more of them. THe more green space in Watertown, the better off we'll ALL be. Creating, preserving and enhancing open space will improve quality of life in Watertown. Making greater use of pocket parks for small dense public/private areas. CPC should make accessible design part of its value statement and goals and include survey questions related to accessible use and design of Town recreation, housing and historic preservation. Please finish bike path leading to Cambridge from area near Target One thing about Watertown, there's more than enough parks. More parks, trees, and open land. Not more athletic fields and fences Definitely need additional enhancements of biking and walking trails to make Watertown easier to get around. Pickle-ball more courts and in many places. During Social Distancing walking along the Charles R. I have not felt safe because too many people walking. Greenough Blvd was closed for walking East of Arsenal Blvd. really a mess with trash, and invasive plants. I wanted to nurture the trees there too with some pruning and nutritional support. I think our existing parks are pretty nice and well-maintained and prioritized by the town already. I do think it's important to buy land for new parks (if there is any available--seems like a tall order), especially in underserved areas. I think Watertown could use new community gardens in neighborhoods where there aren't any close by. The gardens that I know of are all in the East End of town. Would be good to create others throughout the districts. Is the last question redundant? If the Town is to create more parks, etc., doesn't that mean more land would need to be acquired?

Increasing opportunities for community members to grow their own food should be a community priority. It's good for the soul, and in times of grave economic upheaval it can make a life or death difference.

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The land on Grove Street with the Schick House on it should be purchased and made into shaded greenspace/parkland for the public to enjoy. Perhaps a skateboard park as well? As a biker, a parent, and a community gardener, I would love to see Watertown invest in green spaces for our community. I would not have lumped bike riders and pedestrians together in your question “create or expand bike trails and walking paths”

I’m all for walking paths. I am NOT for bike paths. I prior lived in Cambridge for 20+ years and saw first-hand how bikers can ruin a city. They don’t obey the rules and laws, they create a hazardous environment for pedestrians. I see no plus whatsoever to encourage more bike riders. I saw the plans for the expanded bike trail to connect with the minuteman trail at Faire on the Square last year. That would be my highest priority. Would love additional water access locations on the river, but not essential. All of the above are important, but it is hard to care right now since things are closed off and we are stuck home alone.

More community gardens so anyone without a backyard can have some space to garden would be great. I believe our focus should be on maintaining and creating passive recreation spaces, like walking trails and open use parks, and community gardens. phones that are used for athletic facilities and complexes, should be directed toward maintaining and rehabbing the ones that already exist. Outdoor funding is important to me, but rather than clear land for fields and playgrounds, funds should go towards land conservation. Our diverse ecosystem needs protection, especially along the charles. Watertown needs more green space and playing fields. Particularly interested in open space and wildlands preservation. Parks are fine, but nothing beats a wild place. We're lucky there's a small Audubon area nearby in Belmont. Every piece of available land in Watertown should be purchased by the town for development into park land. We are only at about 1/3 of the open spaced recommended by the State for our land area and population. There are 7 acres on Washburn Street owned by a developer. The small square of land near the library where the house was demolished, and which the town now owns, should immediately be turned into a tree-filled to add fresh filtered air to the (so-called) downtown area. The more trees the better. Connect existing bike/walking trails, esp around Arsenal Mall area. Paths are only good as far as they go safely More parks and open space needed. Less emphasis on new athletic fields or playgrounds. all great ideas BUT where is the open land? tree farm like Waltham is starting on the old farm near belmont st town line would be nice. somehow the developers & realtors/developer are willing to spend any amount possible for such parcels driving up rents, home sales to recoup their investments so the people once again have to pay these thieves! There is a whole other parts of the state that could use economic gains other than Boston only, where we have to appease them with housing & traffic which none of nearby cities & towns are designed for SOOO let's tell Mayor Marty STOP the BUILDING unless he's going to start making it all afordable housing in Boston NOW, then maybe we can get some relief from the disaster he's creating Need walking trails that are not shared with bikes. My positive ratings are primarily for parks/playgrounds, not more athletic fields. Playgrounds and athletic fields should be in budget already. Use CPA funds for different and expansive ideas that support non sports based outside experiences and opportunities. There is so little green space in Watertown, that the top priority should be acquiring as much new land as possible and enhancing what is already there. With this in mind, Victory Field should not be a consideration for the new High School but maintained as the open space that the town people are used to having as a resource. I think all of the above are important however, prioritizing affordable housing is more important to me. We need a lot more green space; should use the river more since there's not much land left. But the town rarely gives planting strips w/curbs (sidewalks are totally neglected in my neighborhood), and front AND back yards are paved so this top is very depressing. People think "oh, those Oakley CC people" -guess what. We don't have a park (new Irving is embarrassing), developments have tiny tiny "open" space and Oakley is private! In Watertown, every inch counts, but officials care more about not changing parking or zoning. Sorry for rant. Why aren't the developers improving Arsenal Park? Why is the yacht club closed

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off, not friendly to public? Why are there so many fences at Casey Park? I love gardens but I think the use, and users, is too limiting since we're out of space; there are also accessibility issues; it would probably be best to focus on them at schools, senior center, and partner with restaurants or food pantries if we had a community kitchen/start up local business facilities. People are already limited to container gardening at residences. There are green spaces "islands" in town that could be used for gardens but it seems there are more walkers, kids and dogs (even cars) that use these spaces vs. an outcry or demand for community gardens. Bird sanctuary and/or meditation garden programming would be welcome given our increasing noise problems.

The continuous use of every vacant lot or piece of land being turned into dozens and dozens of condos is excessive, I would love to see some of that space turned into green space so that our town doesn't become one giant condominium. I think it is very important that green space is preserved and expanded. For the health of all Watertown residents. With all the building that is going on it would be shame if we lost the little green space we have These funds from this tax really ahould be used to maintain and expand on our parks Please finish greenway bike path. It’s been in the works for too long As a parent of small children I feel that Watertown's playgrounds are outdated and in need of new structures. We also need more playgrounds in-town. The Beaver Brook update was fantastic - let's do more! There are also very few spray parks. As example, look at Waltham, they have had a complete overhaul of their playgrounds. I also would like to see more education and engagement to walking paths and hikes - Whitney Hill Park could be a wonderful opportunity to educate children with signage, etc. (It would also be amazing if they ever finished the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway.) It is important to preserve green space with so much development. Watertown 100% needs more green space. And not just for children, for adults and pets too. This is important for ALL residents of Watertown. More green space for outdoor activities of ALL kinds for EVERYONE! Watertown has some great parks, but I would love to see more natural/nature-inspired play environments for children. Our Recreation Department and its control of parks is a failure. Please give control to someone who has vision and/or can at minimum enforce the rules as needed. Park sidewalks are not shoveled, dogs are allowed to defecate anywhere and run amok others while off-leash in on-leash parks -- even interrupting kids baseball games -- and are used as dumping grounds for household trash and shopping carts. It's a great stain on this community. Can we have an urban nature center that has educational activities for all ages? Can we have a Bike trail on Grove street as it intersects with Mt. Auburn street and the Charles river Is there land to acquire? There are plenty of parks but some are not maintained well. I’m disappointed a large improvement was done to the Howe park dog section but no improvements make the the child area. Athletic fields, bike paths and pedestrian should all be priority for health of kids and adults We need more athletic fields. This is very little open space in Watertown, and potential spaces for athletic activities are slowly dwindling as we're inundated with high density housing development. We need to act fast to stake out space for this ASAP, before we run out. Waltham just got a chunk of land from the old Fernald site. I would bet that we could've built athletic fields there.

Not at the expense of affordable housing I am in favor of anything that would preserve open space. I am confused by the last question here. Where is there land that can be acquired for new parks or playgrounds? Open space is being devastated in Watertown. Acquire 19 Coolidge hill road. Convert to public space. The 5 story storage facility is a travesty in the making

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I put NEUTRAL to the question about creating parks for underserved neighborhoods, I selected neutral because I didn’t know if you meant underserved in Watertown. If you mean just update Watertown, YES more playgrounds is better for everyone! Also, can YOU put a bike trail starting from the intersection of MT. Auburn/Arlington street as Arlington becomes Gove street passing the side of the Tuffs building and from there becomes the Charles River trail? People are constantly riding on the grass there to get to the Charle’s trail to work; why not make it an official trail people can use to connect to the Charles River trail from MT. Auburn street? This would reduce commute traffic. Watertown tax base should be expanded with developments that are suitable and sustainable. Acquiring land for parks takes buildable land off the tax rolls and puts a burden on existing property tax payers. This is perhaps my biggest wish list - given the amount of building going on in Watertown,and the lack of much open space. We must provide space for residents and visitors and those working in town to walk, run, bike, sit in a play ground....and to have healthy shade trees, a clean (trash free) outdoor environment. We can take advantage of the area along the river, but I hope other open spaces can also be preserved, and open to all.....ensuring safety to those that visit. You should not combine "acquire new land for parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields" in one question. I support new parks/open space. I think we have enough playgrounds & athletic fields.

Later school start times, increasing number of sports (lacrosse), have actually reduced the number of playing fields. High School practices run until 10pm. Other school groups are forced to use fields that are non regulation size. Non school users struggle to get access to fields. Playing fields are 2nd rate in quantity and quality when compared to surrounding communities.

Watertown has very little green space, and there have been countless discussions about field space vs park space. If we want to support the youth athletes in our community from toddlers to adolescents, we should make sure they have some accessible field space. The space should be physically on par with competing schools at the high school level as well as available at reasonable times for younger children. At particular risk are the middle school children who often have to wait until after the younger children have practiced their sports. These kids end up having to wait until 7 or 8 or 9PM to have field space, which then requires lighting. It’s a difficult situation for neighbors and families. The river is such a valuable resource. I’d love to see it made more inviting - similar to the high line in NY. More gardens, pop-up food stalls, etc. Is this something we can do in concert with the MDC? We need places to PARK in order to bike and walk along the Charles River. The DCR lot on Pleasant St. is full of Sasaki Assoc. employee cars during the week; there is no place to park a car and get on your bike. The signs say those cars should be towed, but they are never towed and ticketed. We have a wonderful resource - the Charles River - and not enough parking to use it.

Green space is important to the health and wellbeing of human beings, as well as the overall feel of the town as a space. The town needs to buy up undeveloped land as it is disappearing fast...Plant more trees. Have places where people can relax under trees. Line all streets with trees to help reduce noise and pollution and create shade. Require developers to plant trees with long term potential, not just landscaping plants. Every park/playground in Watertown is severely in need of updating. As someone with young children I visit all of them frequently - and have made it my mission to try every one in Watertown. The only really nice one is behind the police station, every other one is older. If you go to neighboring Waltham they have updated several parks and have many splash parks. The splash parks at Filippello and Arsenal badly need updating. Can u help the town use eminant domain to aquire the 2acre parcel on 148 Waltham at? Watertown is not proactive in acquiring and rehabilitating land for open green space and outdoor recreation. The developers come first. There is no public mitigation policy that outlines benefits for the community. Capitol improvement projects Regarding the parks and community paths are delayed for years. feasability of acquiring Sawins Pond (convert to Greenway/Gateway from Community Path to River?) The Globe recently highlighted a new type of "iceless" polymer skating surface that can be set up in winter months and folder away in summer. What a huge addition to have skating on Hosmer field and perhaps another location for a winter family activity. "Glice"rinks are much less expensive and more environmentally friendly than traditional rinks and start at just $1200. We should be famous for this fun activity in the area. Perhaps one at Saltonstall Park and one at Hosmer. Get kids away from their sceens.

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We need more green space! I think our existing parts are in good shape and that along the river we have good trails and walking paths, so I don't think much of this is a priority compared to other things in town. Since community gardens comprise small but exclusive "territories" that are off-limits to other users, such gardens would be best dispersed as modest components of pocket parks that are themselves dispersed throughout town and attract the immediate neighborhood because of their proximity (high accessibility). The majority of each pocket park would be dedicated to informal multiple use e.g. wiffle ball, makeshift soccer with balls and goals of any size -- primarily grassy or "sandlot areas, shaded by perimeter trees, where children can improvise their play and adults can rest and watch on perimeter benches.

Landscape path off Arsenal would serve 100's of daily walks, wheelchairs, bikes, strollers, between square and historic neighborhood from rear Irving + incl. new units while supporting square businesses, eliminate fence between Arsenal and Mt Auburn in square area, restore/revive RR history. Goal: a well designed, welcoming park or good birding space within 10min walk/quarter mile for every resident between neighborhoods to knit us together; make it so we can GET to a kayak launch, swimming-fishing hole. People love the river dam to meet and it helps mask traffic noise, see birds-wildlife. Developer should pay for Arsenal Park but design is too jumbled; Casey Park has too many fences. Too overgrown on former path near fence-C's Mansion etc. Too many invasives are overtaking the river and views too. This historic area has major development with little green or other benefit, and I hear more is coming.

There is not a lot of unused land in Watertown unless existing properties are purchased. Expensive. Focus on upgrading existing properties and work with DCR to promote greater usage of state land such as adjacent to river Park offices near Russos Adult recreation should include outdoor adult exercise equipment in areas where people work all day, so that they can take a break, get outside, and stretch their bodies, or to do it on the way to and from lunch, or as they walk from the parking lot to the office, or at the beginning of a walking trail, or maybe even at a venue like Merchant's Row on Main St--but not to look like a gym! There is one such outdoor adult exercise-equipment play ground that I use--at Cold Spring Park in Newton MA on Beacon St not far from Walnut St. Too bad it's sort of secluded at the far end of the park. My idea is to have the equipment out in the open where everyone can see it, use it, and appreciate the need for it. Support town in taking Oakley Country Club land along Common St. by eminent domain to create more open space that is open to the public. emphasize activities other than the usual noisy "sports" which currently prevail I am interested in new parks, not playgrounds and athletic fields Watertown has high-quality parks as it is and seem to already be investing in them. We have a lack of open space and should take the opportunity to get more if it is there. There's not much land available to acquire. 1. Rehabing existing playgrounds should come out of the town budget.

2. New recreational opportunities around the Charles River would only serve a small portion of our community that is should not be looked at. No need to use our money to serve special interests.

3. We have many miles of bike paths and most are seldom used so no more spending money on this item.

4. Lets acquire land to build more playgrounds/parks or wherever we can and if we cannot find land then lets build wherever we can.

5. New community gardens would be fine but they MUST be managed so that they do not become felds of weeds. open space preferred to be more nature based, as well used for 'alternative' transportation than organized sports activites

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We need more parks and playing fields(grass!!!) for our kids and residents. We also need more activities for seniors like bocci ball or outdoor chess. I would also like to see existing fields renovated to be more resilient to weather, better drainage so that we would not have to rely on artificial turf. There are methods to make our fields very resilient. We need to focus on mixed age use parks and open spaces. More open green space is needed everywhere.

Access to green space is very uneven across Watertown. Some neighborhoods need much more!

So essential to enhance what we already have in parks and on the riverfront. These are the jewels of our town! The town should purchase the Mt Auburn land on Grove Street and earmark it 1/2 for Shick House Museum (for use like Commanders Mansion) with surrounds land for a large park and 1/2 for affordable public housing. I have seen "tot" lots in other towns. Where a single house lot is converted to a tot playground. They serve as a good meeting place for new families, as well as a neighborhood center. They are scattered around the town in centralized locations.

If you want to keep people healthy, it’s important to have recreational facilities nearby as well as good walking paths and bike paths to negate the need for autos. Need a play ground the north end of town,?Lexington St. Orchart St. Belmont St. rotary nothing this end of town The town has sold its soul to developers and has done nothing to protect quality of life in Watertown. BUY LAND !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! People live here. we should count for something. The town should follow through on their park projects.that have already been planned. CPA should be for extras. open space is my primary concern given that there is so little in watertown. Keep people and dogs out of the river! no canoes/kayaks! They harass the waterfowl--and there are uncommon ducks on the river that need protection! and other wild animals in the river. Rather, the river from Galen Street and upstream should become a bird sanctuary--and protected accordingly. Underserved neighborhoods have the greatest need in all respects. Buy land along the Charles! I'd put five checks by the last item if I could. For the health of our urban environment as well as ourselves, we should be doing everything we can to increase healthy forested and natural open spaces in Watertown. Overall, Watertown has wonderful parks, but any creation or enhancement of green space is important. I think we have plenty of parts and playgrounds though they do need updating. I all more concerned about protecting the natural environment as it is: to remove invasive species and clean up along the river and in our pockets of forest. I also believe creating landscaping to capture runoff rain water from the streets and sidewalks is very important Watertown is well below the recommended area for playgrounds and open space. There are potential parcels and can increase Watertown's Open Space and Recreation areas. These spots should be taken before they are developed.

Are there any other specific active recreation projects that you'd like to see funded in Watertown? No Activities for older adults. Permanently close greenough Blvd. It makes a better park than a road. A clean up and landscaping of the Charles River bike path. It is full of litter, overgrowth and weeds along Pleasant St and California St. I live a block away and never use it because it is unkept and as a result feels unsafe. Modeling after the Esplanade landscaping or the pathway in Cambridge would make the area more appealing. Utilizing Sazaki for landscape design would even support a local

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Make sure that there is enough space for pedestrians and bikes on the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway. On north side of Charles River near Russo's some pleasant access to Charles River. Slightly East of Russo's where we have walked buses are parked in this area. Would be nice to have spot for bus drivers to have decent benches and trash receptacles. Replace the existing tot lot at the Lowell Elementary school NA I'd like to see one of the tennis courts at Victory become a pickle ball court:) No complete the bike trail and add more off road trails The trail along the Charles can be upgraded to be more like the Spy Pond in Arlington, which used CPA funds. I am hopeful that Watertown will acquire the Grove Street property currently owned by Mt. Auburn Cemetery to create new parks and gardens. We lost a tennis court and skateboard terrain at Arsenal Park. Create another elsewhere, and set up a really awesome skateboard park, like the one in Cambridge off Western Avenue. I'm not sure if this falls under the purview of the CPA, but I think it essential that Watertown increase its biking infrastructure. While this includes the preservation and creation of bike paths, I would also like to see funds spent to increase bike infrastructure on our roads, especially in Watertown Square and Galen Street. Support for the community gardens would be wonderful! Watertown Community Gardens' oldest garden on Grove Street is set to sunset after the 2021 season because Mt. Auburn Cemetery is reclaiming the property to sell. I hope the City can help WCG identify a new garden space to replace the plots that will be lost. Walking trails and access to recreation for underserved neighborhoods most important to me I think recreation should be something besides ball parks and fields--there are a lot more artistic ways to allow for recreation for kids---playgrounds that combine with environmental learning, imagination, artist displays, creativy/crafting/climbing, combining with nature Acquiring land for new fields and creating new recreational opportunities along the Charles (would love to see Kayaking/Rowing!!!). More gardens/improved bike paths and walking paths would be great as well. Marry art and the outdoors. Have painting groups along the River, do leaf printing... how about some group walks lead by an expert in wild edibles. To be followed up with a kitchen demo for cooking and sampling the wild edibles. Offer historic talks and tours of the river bank- it’s got a rich history of industry and also the fish “run” is fascinating. Maybe in this era of COVID- 19, you could set up well spaced chairs in the river parking lot for lectures. Offer tours to disabled community. Can you create a golf cart powered train of seats that would pull elderly and disabled folks along the river path for a lively and fun discussion of that ecosystem?

The bike trail extension to the minuteman trail See above, more access to community gardens for everyone. More community gardens!!!! Would love to see the unutilized Foursquare and hopscotch courts at Casey Park converted to a community garden Land conservation Purchase of the available property in the west end. We have "good bones" - we need to continue to clean up what we have. And allow dogs please! Many more dog owners are responsible than not. I love walking along the Charles and have noticed that the landscaping by the community pool is an eyesore; it should be cleaned- up and refreshed.

I would like to see the fence surrounding Oakley CC removed, so as to provide a park-like vista fortravelers through Watertown.

More family-friendly outdoor space in District 4, especially Precinct 12

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District 4 (especially the northern section by Belmont St) is especially under-served, with almost no public space reserved for recreation. Trail connectivity around the Bridge St bridge. No Better recreation areas along the Charles River Redo bike paths so they are wider and pothole/bump free. I'd like to see our recreation department educate themselves about cooperative sports, like gaga and others, and focus on recreational activities that don't involve team sports. Not all kids or residents like team sports; many prefer one-on-one sports, or even solo outdoor activities. They need to do some research in these areas because all the focus is on team sports, and those kids who don't fit in are, quite frankly, ostrasized in the team sports oriented culture of Watertown. Watertown Pool with beach entra nce I'd like to see more bike and community paths around town. Nothing specific. Finish the bike path. Keep the track at Victory Field cleared of snow & ice in the winter. It is used by many people for daily exercise. Sidewalks are not cleared of snow and ice sufficiently and cause falls. As much open space as possible, and places for wildlife to go None I can think of. The Charles River Walkway needs separate paths for walkers and bikers. Its needs to be cleaned up and planted with trees and shrubs that will help pollinators and create natural beauty. Lighting, emergency call boxes, & restrooms along Charles River Path. See number 8 Again, this questions relies on knowing the options to pick one from Braille walking trail Convert the Watertown golf course into a public park; finish the bike path to Fresh Pond; make a canoe launch in Watertown with parking spaces Update our playgrounds across town - please! They are all falling apart (except the Police Station playground). I would love to see Charles River Rd. be closed to car traffic and converted to a larger park between Watertown Sq. and the Arsenal.

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Get everything you can, whether for active or passive green space. I understand reluctance on eminent domain, but there's little choice. What about rear Franklin-rear Washburn? Even the many hundreds of new residents on Arsenal want green space, dog park. What about off-Arsenal? [Arsenal St is ugly, heat island] Hundreds of people would use that potential "railtrail" daily, is good connection almost from School-Irving-Square, so many walkers, strollers, bikes, there is even room to landscape it, and that last stretch is not really developable. Wasn't this supposed to be the community path? Why is former GSA site still fenced off? Buy ponds. Can't we work with Boston on the site near yacht club near bridge, or Newton for Boyd Park access. Can't we get more green space in the Square? As the parent of a child with special needs, I’d love to see more inclusive playgrounds with adaptive play structures and equipment. I’d also like to see boards that help non-verbal children and community members to be able to communicate. Including an AAC communication board is very important. Nothing specific Joint effort with the state government to revitalize the Charles River fishery. Watertown Cooperative Nursery School no Larger dog park No playground for school The arsenal project is coming along very well. The park behind the complex is a disaster. Would be noce to see that area revamped and usable. Right now its .ore of a ghost town park Hosmer playground restoration or alternatives. Filipello and Arsenal parks. Open the gate at fillapola No turf fields! Bike paths, river access

Bike paths, walking trails, Adult recreation to keep our aging citizens healthy As previously mentioned, more playgrounds - esp. by the River and on West side of town. And they don't have to be typically playgrounds - learning gardens, climbing structures, etc. More bike friendly paths and lanes

Would like a nicer waterfront area, including a SAFE and beautiful path along the Charles in West Watertown. It should be cleaned, maintained, lit, and beautified so it can be more widely enjoyed by all. Better upkeep of parks. Community gardens I’d like to see a designated building for recreation department opportunities similar to the one that exists in Waltham. It should have a gym, be available for affordable birthday parties and events, and be used to offer better arts opportunities for children and adults than what currently exists. Mosesian Center is a great resource but very expensive for a lot of residents.

Take better care of the green space we have. Build new green space instead of all these nonsense condos with empty retail space on the bottom! Creating more natural play areas for children Completely erasing the Recreation Department and making a Parks and Recreation Department with qualified staff.

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Can we have an urban nature center that has educational activities for all ages? Can we have a Bike trail on Grove street as it intersects with Mt. Auburn street and the Charles river? Yes, Howe park play area. Bike path completed from Moxley to Lexus Connect the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway all the way to the Charles River Path. Ideally down the Linear Park towards Howard St. No

Tufts parking lot conversion to green space No Create protected bike lanes on Mt Auburn St. Connect existing bike paths across School st. It is currently a very awkward and dangerous crossing along the bike path at school and arsenal st Can YOU put a bike trail starting from the intersection of MT. Auburn/Arlington street as Arlington becomes Gove street passing the side of the Tuffs building and from there becomes the Charles River trail? Don’t know if you noticed, but Grove street intersects with the Charles trail at the bottom of the Grove street hill. People are constantly riding on the grass there to get to the Charle’s trail to work; why not make it an official trail people can use to connect to the Charles River trail from MT. Auburn street? This would reduce commute traffic Outdoor gym spaces, table tennis spaces, bigger community gardens, walking sidewalks, clean!!! the existing playgrounds. No Finish bike path to Fresh Pond from East Watertown. Better walking / street trees in East Watertown. I would like to see some great shade trees and other vegetation put in neighborhoods along the roads, to enhance walking - and to regulate traffic so that pedestrians can cross roads without as much danger as there is now. I think making the open space along the river more accessible (beginning at greenough blvd all the way down through the square) would be wonderful. Involving residents and school children in greening our environment should be encouraged - and may save $ for other projects.

Open/natural space.

Tree planting as much as possible anywhere funds will permit.

We don't need to use this $ for athletic fields. Acquisition of full size athletic grass fields. Also acquisition of land and site prep for artificial turf field (CPA funds can be used for acquistion and site prep). no no All of the fields in town should be rehabilitated to prevent injuries to athletes Expand the network of multi-use paths like those along the river - can be used by nearly everyone Yes; permanent pickleball courts. Community gardens are a must and I think any effort to beautiful and preserve the Charles River parkland should be top priority.

Would love to see small canoe/kayak launches along the river in Watertown, both below and above the dam.

Get schools/citizens involved in projects like planting milkweed, planting more trees on their property, reducing noise pollution created by landscapers, ban use of pesticides and herbicides by educating landscapers and those who hire them.

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Splash parks. New and updated playgrounds.

- Filapello (both parks)

- Arsenal

- Coolidge

- Victory field

- Bemis

- Saltonstall

And also connecting the bike path to alewife and behind town hall.

For parks Howe, Brown and most of the playgrounds at schools are ok. I’d guess all the school ones will be redone when the schools get done.

We need indoor playground spaces more than we need outdoor space. No Aquire the 148 Waltham street space. Next to bemis park. Would make a great community park and garden spot Canoe/kayak launch along the Charles. More shaded seating along the river and in the parks so people can enjoy being out in nature. Buy the property behind Walker Pond and use some of it for DPW staging and the rest for Open Space. Then complete the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway/Community Path (including the path across Main Street to Howard Street that was promised so long ago to residents!). Enough talking about this. no Would like to see a dedicated *accessible* public boat launch (canoe/kayak) in Watertown. Parks to include equipment for elders. e.g. https://www.azcentral.com/story/life/2014/08/15/playground-seniors- openstexas/14103839/. Carbide Park in Galvaston - "Motion Wellness System" Playground. Sample of equipment costs: https://www.aaastateofplay.com/adult-fitness/ See the above comment...

In addition, it would be great to have a kayak rental dock here in Watertown like Cambridge has. Expanding and upgrading existing bike and walking paths. Creating pocket parks in neighborhoods without a lot of green space.

Addition of another turf facility and an indoor recreation/turf facility for winter use (soccer, rugby, lacrosse, tennis, etc) Walking, biking trails along Charles Turn the old gas station at the corner of Mt Auburn & Boylston st into a pocket park or play space. Tennis for all ages, flex courts good. Can you include retractable coverings? Off road biking-running-skiing. River sports, non- motorized boats. But need paths to connect. Can we close part of Greenough? Public swimming -views must be awesome from the new (private) development! Ice skating on ponds Create more community paths wide enough to accommodate bikes and pedestrians. Work to clean up the land adjacent to the Charles on the path. Partner with DCR and Newton.

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not right now Arsenal Park don't know No No no I'd like to see our current athletic fields be upgraded and maintained to a higher standard for high level use (such as Moxley and Fillipello) Purchase land to make into fields which are done in a manner where the design incorporates well-drained(like many colleges do) for natural turf. (An industrial spot in town or the land by Gore estate) Removal of artificial turf and creation of natural playground I love the idea of very simple launch spots along the Charles for small boats - kayaks and canoes. This would NOT involve docks, but only minimal waterfront modifications for small boat launching. Gaga ball courts. A cooperative game! Very cheap to build and requires only a small piece of land. I like the idea of boating on the Charles. More parks with exercise stations so people can take advantage of walking and exercising free of charge. Kayak launch community garden other than Arsenal - land acquisition Community garden would be amazing Real bike/walking path along old railroad tracks from Randys Car Wash into Watertown Square. No specific suggestions. More open space should be bought before there is no more land left in Watertown to purchase for open space! Purchase of land for open space and recreation.

How important are the following types of open space projects in Watertown? (Comments) More ADA accessibility should be a goal -- we have many community assets but they can be difficult to get to. Whitney Hill was evaluated as poor in OSP. I am so interested in walking and hiking! Let us add trees to Watertown to provide more shade on streets and in key recreation areas. Get public private partnerships going. ADA is important but I don't recommend it being mandated everywhere, slowly progress. Talk to blind walkers to see what they need. AkA trees that poke their faces.

The flooding this week around town makes me think the rain gardens are a priority! Augmenting natural open space and tree canopy cover should be a goal of highest priority in this drastically green-spacepoor city.

There is a large parcel of land on Grove Street across from Mt. Auburn Cemetery that could be made into greenspace.... Watertown needs more greenspace!! I'd love to see more green infrastructure (not just rain gardens) in Watertown -- we have so much pavement in this town! More street trees and unpaved spaces would be wonderful for both native plant species and stormwater management.

This is by far the highest priority ---totally not enough green space, environmental protection, places for outdoor experience that are natural, exercise, incorporates gardens, paths, experiences, bird watching, sunsets, artist displays/poetry readings/community story reading, natural habitats for urban wildlife, safe place to sit and read or meet with neighbors and talk/walk/exercise--too much attention on sports and need outdoor space for adults too

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This is the most important use of funds. Yes! Yes!

The Town should acquire or otherwise establish passive recreation and pollinator-friendly planting in the Walker Pond area.

I guess I said my piece in section 9; the more preservation of natural open space the better. Rain gardens are a great idea! Green space is important

We need the town to stop using asphalt berms and start installing real curbs that send storm water into drains and don't constantly break up and create puddles. Sidewalks should never be asphalt, as they become dangerous very quickly when the asphalt breaks up. Asphalt is a petroleum product that seals the earth so water can't drain. Permeable concrete pavers or other permeable substances should be used so water can drain and grass can grow through it. Nothing specific

The role of rain gardens can be helpful if it is understood where they are best built and how they function best. You need a horticultural expert to help you with this and not necessarily a landscaper who can profit from overplanting and overcharging municipalities. This goes to previous page.

We need more community gardens so people can grow healthy food and save money. Watertown is a city. We have the lovely river and lots of easily accessible parkland. We don't need anymore. We need more housing.

Sorry, I already wrote some related comments on previous "active recreation" page. What does DPW say about need to create or prioritize rain gardens, because they mostly take away public green space, but I guess it depends if sewer upgrades are enough? So I don't know if we're doing enough or if zoning changes would help. Would a true focus on planting strips and parking issues help throughout town? There is too much reluctance to plant public trees; private trees are always being cut down, which can have good reasons but they aren't really replaced.

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I dont think streets should be made smaller fir more green space Not at the expense of affordable housing Love Watertown! The city council members are doing an amazing job! Keep up the good work. THANK You Watertown is too small and does not have the kind of empty space needed to do these types of projects. It’s irresponsible to pursue them from a municipal finance perspective. Sawins pond Restore / rehabilitate Sawins Pond and Williams Pond I believe I addressed this in the last area. All very important! But if we can do some of this with other resources, I would prioritize affordable housing. We are destroying our wildlife and their habitats with development and overpopulation. We must do whatever we can to alleviate the pressures on habitat destruction. Seems like it is a little late as so much wildlife has disappeared since I moved here and all this development started. I guess better late than never.

This is the most critical need in Watertown which the town continues to ignore - green space. Lots of talk, no action, and no budget appropriation. Shame, shame, shame on the town government and management. again, look into acquiring Sawins pond as greenway, gateway from Comm. Path to C. River The CPC should set aside a certain amount of its funds for opportunities to purchase property as they arise, often unexpectedly, e.g. when a property reverts to Town ownership or comes up for sale.

Stormwater important but ideally should be targeted w/development and sewer systems, or be part of an open space vs the whole purpose, since we have so little open green community space. Gore place seems to be doing a good job on their own so what do you mean by "acquire?"

Be careful with Whitney Hill Park - one wrong-headed project in the 70s eradicated the native ferns near Marshall St. Keep it as "wild" as possible. We need more open space. Open space in nice but ONLY if it can be used by our citizens like a park would be.

I believe this is the most important way to spend the CPA funds because natural open space areas will add the most to Watertown's resiliency - environmentally, socially, economically - by absorbing flooding water, cooling from heat island effect, mental health calming, improvements of beneficial wildlife, beautification of city on a whole, and economical tax base desirability and enhancement (psychologically and economically via proximate principle). Open space that is median, traffic circle, or roadway edge unless for runnoff capture, should not be counted in total acreage or percentages.

Rain gardens are OK if this fits within wetlands or natural resource/wildlife protection areas. Restoring wetlands has had dramatic effects in other places around New England. Wildlife diversifies and the community gets a new natural resource. Win- Win for everyone! I know Watertown is considered low on Open space but the Charles River makes up for much of that.

I know the Charles River is DCR but we could improve any Watertown interface with the Charles. The Charles river is our most important and unique natural asset. Clean up hill back of Victory (Whitney Hill) BUY LAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUY LAND !!!!!! Strategically located rain gardens should proliferate! :)

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I'd put five checks by the first two items if I could. I would like to see clean-up, if necessary, of contaminated natural resources. Buy land for open space before it is not available for purchase!!!!

Yes to all of the above! I own a gardening business in Watertown and I'd love to be a part of any kind of invasive species removal, rain garden and landscaping projects! All of the items identified in Item 10 will benefit the town in many ways. This is an opportunity to provide spaces for residents to enjoy the outdoors.

Are there any specific passive recreation or open space projects that you'd like to see funded in Watertown? No Retain the contaminated site at the east end of Arsenal as green space. See earlier comment regarding enhancement of Watertown Square landing (although may be part of MDC land). Program to plant more street trees! Find volunteers to water street trees and Tree Warden teach volunteer the proper pruning in of early life street trees. So many mature street trees need pruning. On Hall Avenue and Fairview street trees need pruning as do so many streets in Watertown. Street trees reduce AC usage, and create more birds and other wild life. NA No Preservation and expansion of, and improvement in public accessibility to, the natural green space at Walker Pond. Purchase and plant Schick House land on Grove Street. Take care of what we have and support pocket parks (cool ones by the new apartments along Arsenal) and rain gardens, storm swales, and pocket storm water parks everywhere!!!!! Watertown should purchase Walker Pond and use CPA funds to develop it /expand its NATURAL HABITAT Wildlife protection and preserving habitats No. But I think best use of the money that I pay in taxes should be to purchase any remaining open space in Watertown, to hopefully stay open, rather than building another 100 unit complex Don't know any See previous page Not at this moment Complete the DCR bike path that leads to Fresh Pond, and provide some nice benches and landscaping in spots along the way (akin to the High Line Park in NYC). Walker Pond Better maintenance of the river and nearby trails No Green I'd like to see the land between the two big Arsenal Street Apartments complexes have a large park area for public use. I realize it is owned by a developer, but ANY approval to build should REQUIRE that there be open space with public access. AND should include a walking path from the neighborhoods behind through to Arsenal Street. Please purchase the golf course and convert it into public preservation lands, affordable housing complexes, and a new high school. No None I can think of.

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Watertown already does a good job with outdoor opportunities, but it can do better as children must now be drawn outdoors and tempted away from inactivity. No Improve care for existing native trees and restore areas occupied by invasive trees to support native ecosystem on Whitney Hill, and improve maintenance and signage at Whitney Hill. Improve riverbank native ecosystems with plantings and maintenance, also trails and access (partner with CRWA, DCR, etc). no No

Rear Washburn-Rear Franklin would benefit both my historic are and new residents; also could you get an agreement to join with Chico property to add more green space? Rear Washburn is an important buffer to towering developments. Since they didn't build a grocery, how about making that public green space. Since the batting cages space is kind of a recreational rental spot, why not convert some of that huge parking lot to green -it is next to former RR. Arsenal Park is so important but we should stop taking it for granted. Town failed in getting $ from the developers but we shouldn't neglect this sad design potential. Walker Pond and other ponds. Commander's Mansion and the quiet little Greenough I worry about -many invasives and the historic fence is being lost. We are in danger of losing most all of our historic character (sorry, wrong page for comment I guess). Make connections so residents are within 1/4 mile walk to public open green space. Do cemeteries qualify as open space? They are also historic. I heard we have a shortage of burial spaces. Could CPA funds be used to support deal with BBN-Mt Auburn Cemetery on Grove St? DPW really shouldn't be on Orchard St; that could be green space too & a field (sorry, this comment belongs on previous "active rec" page -just like, why have the tennis courts long gone to pot, by WMS). I know very $ and involves more than CPA projects, but the town should be planning ahead, juggling space ideas. Saltonstall Park could use investment, but I think the Town needs to develop an Admin campus plan first.

Nothing specific River cleanup project Watertown Cooperative Nursery School no No no Sawin and Williams Ponds have been neglected for years. At one time, many years ago, there were park areas and walking paths there. East Watertown would benefit by some additional open space, since it has been burdened by so much commercial overdevelopment. Sawins pond No no No Restore / rehabilitate Sawins Pond and Williams Pond No - but if we could somehow work with the MBTA to make public transportation easier and limit the amt of cars and traffic and town it would help with open space as well. Fewer heat causing parking lots and more trees/green/gardens Ones with trees :) Walker Pond. Passive recreation park and green space. as well and site prep for artificial turf playing field (CPA funds can be used for acquisition and site prep of land for artificial turf field) no no

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Invasive plant removal and native planting along the Charles. I would hope that some places can be left WILD, and not manicured as parks are. That last bit of open space on Arsenal Street between the Gables and the Elan apts needs to become a park with lots of trees.

Developing a bike path that can be wheelchair/stroller accessible throughout Watertown, aka it takes you from west to East, would be good No See previous comments... 148 Waltham street. Buy that land from the developer with the help of the town Buy Walker Pond!!! Finish the community path so people can walk and cycle safely through town. Be proactive about panting trees and native plants and groundcover. Ditch the grass in median strips. And while this cannot be covered by CPA funds - install real sidewalks with granite curbs and fix the potholes so people can safely walk or cycle around town. Watertown looks like a third world country in many areas. See previous comments. again, look into acquiring Sawins pond as greenway, gateway from Comm. Path to C. River

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no Restore Sawins Pond enough so the public can safely access. Redesign and rehabilitation of Whitney Hill Park footpath system to stabilize soil on steep gradients, thereby preventing further gully formation and tree root exposure.

Acquire Sawin Pond and Williams Pond properties as major part of potential greenway link between Fillippello Park and Charles River. Aside from a public path, the properties should be kept undisturbed to promote self-cleansing by natural bioremediation and progressive burial of toxic residues by sedimentation.

This is a significant wetland-upland "urban wilderness", the only habitat of its kind in Watertown. Rear Washburn St serves as crucial buffer from hulking Arsenal developments -a bird sanctuary, walk a labyrinth. Empty parcel on Arsenal, Arsenal Park, do several small green spaces: Ladd St, Morse-N/S Park St, team with Newton for Boyd Park? Irving Park, Carver Rd, School St at Belmont, Taylor St, etc. Walker Pond, Sawin Pond, a park near MBTA/Galen square, Whitney Hill, a park at Super 8 on Irving. Issue request for proposals to qualified landscape architects to design and implement plans for more interesting landscaping around town buildings (library, town hall, schools) and in pocket parks (such as Irving Park) and along edges of municipal playgrounds and fields. Such improved landscaping to include use of broad leaf evergreen plantings (e.g. rhododendrons, laurels, etc), deciduous flowering bushes and trees, and perennial bulbs and flowering plants). No Sawins Pond restoration. Walkers Pond, Sawins Pond No No Sawins Pond, Nichols Ave WHA former community garden, pocket park at abandoned gas station corner of Mt Auburn and E. Boylston Street no Whitney hill some ada, some way to collect water in neighborhoods without the threat of mosquitos. One of the pond projects mentioned above would be exciting. I heard that one is currently poluted. Could CPA funds be used for cleanup? Otherwise, this is a very sad waste! Land on Grove Street (which used to be a dairy farm); walker Pond; Riverfront land! No more riverfront development, please!

Fix up the small triangular parcel at the east end of Baptist Walk. By Walker Pond. The people that promoted the CPA said they would buy it. A nature center acquisition of land (including existing commercial properties and houses) along Pleasant Street/river bank and take down the buildings and convert the land to wetland/wildlife habitat/flood control. Would like to see Watertown aggressively purchase properties to convert to green space, especially property contiguous with DCR land along the river. Those mentioned above. Walker Pond as mentioned is a good choice to purchase. What about Sterritt land if the current transaction falls through? Rain gardens along sidewalks to capture runoff. Invasive species removal along river and planting along river to prevent erosion. Community garden. Fruit orchard! Lowell school hill used to be an apple orchard!

Purchase of the undeveloped parcel near Walkers Pond.

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Which of the CPA categories do you feel are most needed for funding in Watertown? (Comments) Preservation of open space seems to be hard to fund and gather support for, but it's one of the first things people notice and miss. Affordable housing is expensive and hard to produce and needs CPC funding to leverage other funding sources. Open/passive recreation is at a premium in dense town.

All are important, but affordable housing is Watertown's biggest challenge. All of this is useless is families can't afford to live here and enjoy them. Creating affordable housing in the area is extremely expensive and challenging and needs all the assistance from the Town it can get. Global warming is here. More rain, high temperature so increasing Open space is a high priority. Community Housing means supporting a diverse community along race and income. We have chosen not to be a Belmont and I am proud of that. We need many more street trees replaced. I think the bulk of funds should go toward community housing and open space/recreation in that order. Housing costs are out of control and with the current economic situation our residents need help with housing. As our climate weirds and warms, urban communities with a high percentage of established healthy tree canopy and green space will be much better positioned to manage the climate stresses ahead. At a mere 3.4 acres of green open space per 1000 population, Watertown is drastically below the recommended ratio of 10 acres per 1000 population. I think we need to get creative, but first of all we need to purchase more open space for the citizens of Watertown. Once we have a parcel of land, preferably with a building on it, we can create something of historical and environmental significance, and, as with the Commander's Mansion, have it make money to support itself and enhance the history of Watertown for all to see. Though I do think increase bike infrastructure is essential, as I see Watertown growing and serving bio-tech and commuters into Boston, I think it is also essential to balance the construction of projects like Arsenal Yards with open and green space.

Outdoor space, trees ---there is not enough of it in this town at all, we've considered moving! It's a big piece of life!! The minuteman trail extension, followed by community housing My decisions are based on what I define to be "quality of life" for as many people as possible Options for peaceful parks without athletic fields. By active recreation, I mean better bike paths. We are far below what the state recommends for open space for the size of our community, which is growing by leaps and bounds with all the apartments being built. We must increase open space and trees, first and foremost. They are all important but increasing affordable housing is very much needed. All of these areas are important, but open space is critical given all the development. Affordable housing too. The multi- ethnic and working class friendly character of Watertown should be preserved. Charles River is a gorgeous open space. It might be nice to add more space but I'd prefer to see the town become more affordable first. Watertown lacks sufficient funds to meet its housing obligations without a consistent funding source. Everyone is being priced out. Improve existing playgrounds, create beautiful outdoor spaces, provide more opportunities to explore the existing historical places. I am very sad my children will not be able to afford to purchase a home in Watertown, they are disappointed about that too. Central Mass - here we come! We're losing green space too quickly and once it's gone you can't get it back

I think a mix of several items or a singular focus that changes every year in accordance with a plan. Folks supported this for a variety a reasons and each of us needs to see a range of funded projects or our favorite funded.

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The Town has very limited space for active recreation. Providing these spaces brings more community members together and creates a sense of neighborhood.. Being a welcoming community and providing every person a safe, affordable place to live is imperative to maintaining quality of life for all of us. Thanks for listening. I know my comments are not all in the correct section since things came to mind as I progressed through the survey. Restoring north branch library or WCNS. I believe that these are all extremely important for our community as it continues to expand each week. Watertown Cooperative Nursery School I would strongly support moving Watertown Cooperative Nursery School into the North Branch Library. watertown coop school

I’d like to see open space preserved. I’d also like to see the town start using CPA funds to purchase land (instead of developers purchasing it) to use for building up town resources. In the search for land to build our schools, it’s become apparent that the town doesn’t have enough land at their disposal (ie, already owned by the town) to build upon. This needs to change. We need to reclaim our land and use it for much needed resources rather than allowing it to be sold off to build more housing.

I think creating affordable housing, while maintaining open space for recreation is the biggest challenge facing Watertown.

Need more bike trails Once something is gone, you can’t get it back We are losing green space along the Charles to developers encrhnmoaching on the bike path and building higher than the trees. I’d rather see weeds than mulched shrubs along the bike path - and I’d rather see trees than people barbecuing on their 6th floor balconies. There is a lack of affordable housing particularly for single occupants. I feel like expanding ped/bike options will be necessary to meet climate harm-reduction goals. And we need affordable housing to keep the town from turning into a Tech burbclave. 1st is housing, 2nd open space and active recreation. Would love to see a housing project combined with historic preservation.

I love biking, so anything to expand on and improve the bike trails is great for me! Affordable housing is critical if we want to keep the diversity that makes Watertown so special! Open space and passive recreation are on danger. Once we lose it, it is nearly impossible to regain. Countless studies have shown the physical and mental and environmental importance of such areas. Similarly with historic sites and documents; once gone, they are not replaceable. My second most important area would be housing. My students are all low income immigrants who enrich Watertown. They are beginning to be priced out. Emphasis has been put on active recreation in the past and other areas need to be focused on first. Once land is developed, it's gone. If we don't retain what open space we can now, we will be sorry. I have read that community housing numbers meet the minimum required by the state and the historic preservation of buildings seems fine. Truly affordable housing, esp for our elders, but not segregated. Again, although all areas are important to me, affordable housing is my top priority. People are getting priced out of Watertown! It feels like we have a lot of parks and places for people to go that never see a lot of use, so creating more seems counterintuitive.

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Land appreciates in value with its increasing scarcity. No land in Watertown is more potentially at risk of development than its remaining open green spaces. Once gone, it is hard to recover. Indeed, because of the scarcity of open space in Watertown, recovery (restoration of already developed tracts) has to be one of our goals, however costly. Since existing open space is only going to increase in price, and it incurs relatively little further cost once purchased, acquisition of such land should take precedence over land that requires restoration, excepting occasional unforeseen opportunities of the latter kind as they arise. . People are also interested in astronomy so- We've lost so many historical places & homes already so ties to historic places are important; long neglect with "archives" and objects, no local history museum (just library room). Community housing is important it's just we've added so much housing...affordability a real concern. Current active rec. could be better managed between locations and overlap with some passive uses. We definitely don't have too much green space for recreation regardless! All 4 are vitally important. Affordable housing is Watertown's biggest problem. It is important to maintain at least some semblance of diversity. how much longer will the CPA be in effect? The area desperately needs more affordable housing. Open space for the overall health of the town Whatever we do I would like it to be done with existing funds and not using future funds to pay for it.

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Historic structures are part of the special character of Watertown and many have recently been demolished for development. This has to stop! Natural open spaces are one of the greatest assets of our town. Preserve and enhance what we have and add more wherever possible. Historic Preservation isVERY important to me---once it is gone, you can't get it back. However, we have a severe affordabel housing crisis in Eastern MA and need something to address it. How do those with small incomes even make it in MA?

We are being choked by development. Trees are dying because the town uses too much salt on the roads. There no really planning going on for this town. Just developer appeasement. Everything you listed is important. CPA funds should be used for projects that are least likely funded through the town budget. mitigating climate change in the neighborhoods that are hardest hit -- trees, rain gardens, air-cooling spaces Watertown is very densely populated and is losing critically important tree canopy and wildlife habitat. IMO no new building should be allowed to be built without substantial green space, and the Town should have a strong ordinance to protect existing healthy shade trees wherever they are in Watertown. Watertown is so small that land is for open space is becoming less and less available. Buy now for us and future generations. Consider what our country would be like had it not been for the vision of Teddy Roosevelt and other conservationists to preserve so much open space in our national parks and forests for so many people to appreciate and enjoy!

The purchase of property for open space and recreation will provide areas where many of our residents can enjoy the outdoors and I think that is of the utmost importance. There is also a need to provide affordable housing in some way.

Website Engagement Data (raw) What do you think of the values statement? Comment Likes Dislikes With the recent large-scale developments, Watertown has lost a once in a generation opportunity to design for enhanced usability by all of its residents rather than bare minimum ADA code requirements of accessibility. Moving forward, it would great for Watertown’s CPC to demonstrate leadership in this area by including a statement about enhanced usability in its values statement. So as projects are proposed and considered this concept would be at the forefront of the process rather than shoe-horned in at the end to meet bare minimum code requirements. Perhaps, CPC could also include an additional guiding principle “Guided by principles of universal design to be usable by the widest range of users.”

1

I apologize for this second comment but would like to reiterate what Dawn Scaltreto said about valuing the arts in Watertown and, in particular, The Mosesian center for the Arts, our extraordinary town asset. The arts life all of us up and engaging in art making truly changes lives. The Center offers immeasurable benefit to our town through its exhibits, performances and class for both children and adults. I have taught there since the doors opened and have seen first hand how the greatest benefit might be the community building the Center facilitates. It is a place where new connections are made and friendships born, and a home for the creative explorations that feed our spirits. I'd love to see the Center supported by this commission also.

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I would like to see a more specific acknowledgement of "the challenges and opportunities offered by increasing urbanization." We need to start thinking about pocket parks in high value commercial neighborhoods, so the town can start balancing high density, taxable properties with livable, breathable, community spaces. Pocket parks can incorporate recent town initiatives to develop public art projects. 2 I also like this statement "the enhancement and care of our community assets - its people, history, and natural resources." Our river walks and children's parks are a beautiful assets for which we are very grateful. I'd especially like to see our main thoroughfares also made beautiful with seasonal plantings and sidewalk cleaning. Sometimes we design and plant green spaces, such as the one at the corner of School and Arsenal, and then it just falls apart as no one tends it. The bike path is the same and has been overtaken by invasive plants when it could be an uplifting garden. Across the street the car dealership has done a super job beautifying their green space. Our public spaces can be the same. Beauty lifts people up and encourages residents to care for their own properties too and to be respectful. To accomplish this we would need to hire a summer gardener or two and perhaps buy a watering truck. Thank you for considering this suggestion! I would like to see a commitment to supporting and preserving the diverse arts in our community. The community was strongly behind the creation of the arts center which opened in 2005, but that is an autonomous organization which receives little or no public funding. Right now the arts center is 15 years old and in need of capital funding for updates and improvements that will enable it to continue to serve Watertown into the future, and insure accessibility to the arts for all. If eligible for CPA funds, this historic cultural organization can expand and grow, continuing to engage citizens in the practice and appreciation of visual and performing arts. 1 I like this value, "the enhancement and care of our community assets - its people, history, and natural resources. The public swimming pool needs enhancement. Creation of more access to the walks along the Charles River is very important to me. This would include getting rid of so many invasive plants. Maintaining paths during winter is helpful to older walkers. Lastly teaching people to take their dog's baggie of poop home with consequences. 3

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Value Statements are hard to create. That being said, I do think there can be a more robust articulation of values. For example, the CPC values - diversity of economic status, cultural background, gender identity and sexual preference, age, etc. community engagement equitable access to resources and servicest ransparency inclusion. I am also concerned that the statement emphasizes serving "all" or "for the benefit of the community". I may be nitpicking here, but I worry about the exclusion of programs that benefit some members of the community. Unless of course, you mean to say that by benefiting some will result in an overall benefit to the community at large. 3 Add to the final statement following "...pride of place..." a more specific listing, e.g. "welcome and support of people in all their diversity of income, race, culture, gender and age; inclusiveness of all citizens in community planning, and in their access to community resources". 6 The Values Statement seems complete. 1

Is anything missing from the values statement? Comment Likes

I think just the inclusion of a commitment to supporting the arts and culture would greatly benefit the community. See my response to first question above. 1

What do you think of the guiding principles? Comment Likes Dislikes Response 1 likes 1d re-phrased: "Carefully consider the needs, goals, and priorities in local planning documents, while assisting in refining and updating the goals in the Community Preservation Plan inherent in the CPA's more detailed project development phase." My years of urban planning have taught me that goals and priorities are not rigid, They change with deeper examination and with efforts to implement them. Often for the better!

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I appreciate the hard work and Barbara, thank you for considering the thoughtfulness of the CPA Committee in artists in our community. I gave up my creating itself for Watertown in this studio of 13 years at Mosesian Center for difficult time. The first draft of my the Arts last August because I simply could not afford the rent increases each year. comments disappeared, so I am quickly Thank God I did, like other artists and trying to recall my thoughts. It will be performers, the COVID epidemic has briefer at least. I have to agree with Tony stopped all work and paychecks for most of that there are issues for discussion in the us in the arts community, I would have areas that he suggested. For example, the been unable to pay any studio rent. need for endorsement of town entities Regardless, it was a heartbreaking decision and locating projects in planning for me and I have a lovely home studio documents, sections c and d of the now, but I miss being a part of that vibrant Guiding Principles, might prove arts community. Few artists can afford spaces within the 128 belt. Real estate is cumbersome and inflexible. Of course, the just so, so expensive. I have friends outside CPA Committee must work with the broad that belt with generously sized studio community and that includes all aspects of spaces more than twice the size of mine for the Town--particularly for expertise. But less than half the rent. Like me and other there may be projects that are new and artists, we are generous with our time and deserve consideration, an example of talents in the community, teaching, doing which might be affordable live-work projects , beautifying , enriching and spaces for artists that include performance supporting neighbors of all ages, yet we and visible studio units here in can’t afford create space here. We see Watertown. The fact that you have buildings like the old police station and North Branch Library sit fallow for many created this interactive document for years when they could be places for artists participation before the webinar with a Q and makers. and A is admirable. There may be other issues in the future that demand a unique approach by the CPA so that we don't find ourselves limited. The vision and language are important as the CPA begins. We may even have to amend the Vision and Principles down the road. Again my thanks for the work the Committee has been doing and for the opportunity to participate on line. Barbara Ruskin 2

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I have serious reservations about prioritizing projects based on these principles. In general I find them constraining and unnecessarily restrictive.1) What if a project is not highly visible and what do you mean by that, does an addition to a park such as the inclusion of playground equipment that is designed by those with a handicap, highly visible.2) Is it necessary for a project to build in funding for maintenance for a project and if so for how many years? Is the CPC willing to allocate funds for maintenance for the long term?3) This principle is particularly upsetting. Now a project needs to get approval from boards, which only meet monthly, and Town departments. So in addition to writing a proposal one needs to win the approval of not only the CPC, but of others. Why should proponents need the approval of Town employees. These are community projects that deserve to be judged on their merits, not on whether town employees like the idea. Isn't this an abdication of CPC's responsibility.4) Does this mean if a project has nothing to do with a local planning document, many of which are very old, they lose points?5) I am all for making sure a proposal is financially feasible, but it should not be a requirement of a proposal that it leverage additional funding. So now, in addition to draft a proposal and creating a budget, the proponent needs to shop it around to a foundation, community organization, or Town department in order to be considered feasible.2b is on clear and reasonable.2c is overly restrictive. Proponents do not have to be professional fundraisers responsible for raising money for long-term maintenance. The only source of funding that might be able to do this is the Town, thus proponents are forced to seek approval for long term each Town budget cycle.2d) Strongly disagree with this criteria. An affordable housing project should not need to be required to address a historical need or open space.2e) I like the "think big" approach that I see in the call for transformative Thank you Tony for this analysis. I agree, proposals. However a) not every proposal you were able to detail the flaws and is transformative and b) the principles 5 cumbersomeness of the guiding principles. 2

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outlined above in 1 and 2 do not reflect a think big approach.

I think these should be simplified. 1. Benefits many people, 2. Promotes a healthy community, 3. Sustainable (low maintenance, low env impact), 4. Connected and holistic approach with Town's existing assets and master plan 1

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The guiding principals are well done, projects funded should benefit as many residents as possible. 2 1

Is anything missing from the guiding principles? Comment Likes

I am just playing one note on this piano - the arts. Get them in the Guiding Principals. This is a community which values visual art, music, literary arts and theater. It has defined us for generations, spawning enduring arts organizations, brilliant artists and musicians, theater companies that promote change and writers producing works of lasting value. Foster this core principal of supporting the arts and it will insure our community an enduring voice on the World stage. 1

There is nothing about being creative, involving residents and seek community input (not approval) but input or participation. For clarification, I do not see what I wrote above as the same as 1c - "endorsement of community groups and a range of public support." Again, a proponent should not have to hold a public meeting to gather public support. 1

Wherever possible, look for opportunities to distribute CPA benefits widely throughout town. 1

Transit oriented design (ie placement in close proximity to public transit options) should be a priority for development of facilities and housing. 1 Health 1

What do you think of the recreation goals?

Comment

Goals seem clear, but I suspect that lack for attention to organized sports, town or community sponsored, might be an issue.

Is anything missing from the recreation goals?

Comment Playing fields are in short supply, and demand for their use is likely to increase with the town's increasing urbanization. Development of such fields should be a priority, but ideally not at the expense of new green open space for informal recreation. Think: conversion of expansive parking areas into vertical structures, thus freeing up space for competitive outdoor events.

In the forum and website, was there any mention of expanding the number of fields by acquisition? There was an emphasis a year or so ago to create more fields for soccer, field hockey and lacrosse. Our current fields get overused and worn out.

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All Watertown’s recreational areas, but most especially those that provide opportunities for passive recreation need substantial landscape upgrades to provide plantings of seasonal interest and to make them alluring. More alluring passive recreation areas will attract greater use and enjoyment and will by their very attractiveness help to ensure that users treat these areas with respect.

Which recreation goals are top priorities to you, if any? Comment 1, 4, 2, 3, 5

Aside from playing field expansion (cf. my comment above) -- Goal #2. Walking, jogging and bicycling are very popular forms of outdoor recreation that may include practical intent as well -- getting from Point A to Point B without motor vehicle use. Connectivity in the form of a loop has demonstrable appeal for walkers (e.g. the Victory Field track oval). This concept is replicated on a larger scale elsewhere, but offers possibilities yet to be explored. CPA funds can be applied only in dedicated public open space. Can we consider ways to selectively create linear strips of such space out of the town's existing transportation network without compromising traffic and utilities interests? Think a narrowed version of the Community Path, perhaps little more than doubling the six-foot width of sidewalk + green strip; good enough to accommodate walkers, joggers and healthy street trees.

To me, goals 1 and 2 are very important. To rehabilitate, for example, the Watertown Community Path that links Saltonstall Park to Mosley Playground is an under appreciated treasure. It is in need of major rehabilitation to include upgraded planting which provide seasonal interest (blooms in the warm seasons, berries, interesting bark in the winter), better seating and other amenities to allow users to enjoy the space.

What do you think of the open space goals? Comment

These seem comprehensive. I think it would be useful to include something about including plants that foster and support pollinators/bees. In an overdeveloped town like ours, preservation of what little green open space remains must be guaranteed with the help of CPA funding. Our state of overdevelopment also requires a hearty emphasis on restoration of properties currently recognized as industrial, commercial, or residential. Townwide, the imperative must be a significant increase in the amount of dedicated green open space.

I think all of these goals are spot on--and quite critical for Watertown---especially when we realize that expanding, preserving, and restoring existing open space and natural habitats simultaneously moves Watertown towards a solution for climate change resiliency. We all know that NOW is the time to invest/plan for climate impact. What better way than to provide much needed GREEN space that will also improve the Quality of Life for Watertown residents? In addition, the 2nd Goal, which mentions "connectivity" is another important concept if we are going to build a Greener, Healthier, more Pedestrian & Bike friendly community that works for us all--children, adults and seniors. I could imagine blue bike stations at these new Open Space spots.. handicap accessible walkways & nature look-outs, places for the community to meet, exchange ideas, read poetry, display art, learn about birds, plants, trees, and ecosystems---So we'd "connect" in that way. There can also be a literal connection by looping paths around ponds, connecting to the Charles River and other pedestrian walks through the town center etc. There is endless potential for positive transformation through these Open Space Goals...

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I think the goals are excellent. We really need more open space. During the self imposed lock down, people wanted to get out and walk and feel the healing power of nature.

I think the goals are on the mark. As seen from the CPC forums and those meetings conducted in support of Watertown's Massachusetts Vulnerability Program Application, open space was identified as critically lacking.There is a parcel that could be purchase that provides access to Walkers Pond and its associate wetland. Not pristine but it is a gem in an urban environment. The benefits of the site is that it could also provide Watertown with another playing field.

Which open space goals are top priorities? Comment ALL important, but my priority order: 4-1-3-2 Priorities would be 4 - 1- 2 - 3 1 and 3, and see my response to the first question above. Goals 1,3 & 4 of the Open Space Goals overlap in many ways--as mentioned, in my previous comment (above) I think expanding and restoring natural habitats (the few left that we have) provide us with a way to Greenify our city, ultimately making it more Resilient against future environmental challenges. I think Goal 2 (Connectivity) is something to keep in mind when planning how to maximize benefit to the community, to represent everyone, and to consider perhaps multi-phased (big picture) idea of how these precious Watertown Green spaces can be safeguarded and eventually all interwoven together through paths/trails/bike lanes etc.

They are all very important to me. According to Watertown's most recent Open Space Plan, we have 3.7 acres per 1,000 persons. The standard recommended by the National Parks and Recreation Association is 10 acres per 1,000 persons. WE NEED TO PURCHASE OPEN/RECREATION SPACE. The last three open space plans have the same list of parcel to consider. The time to move forward is now. During the pandemic, people sought place of be outdoors in nature. Difficult to do that in Watertown, but there are places that people seek out, like Arsenal Park or Whitney Hill. The parcel adjacent to Walkers Pond would provide residents access to the largest of the nine ponds in Watertown. NONE are on publicly owned property. The parcel can provide both active and passive recreation.

Unlike more rural parts of Massachusetts, Watertown does not really possess pristine natural areas and we are very constrained in the amount of open space we enjoy. Being charitable, our best natural areas can at best be called “urban wild.” That being said, we should preserve what we have and critically make it open for passive recreation via accessible trails, well designed paths, overlooks, and pleasant seating and picnicking areas.

What do you think of the housing goals? Comment Responses

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Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the synthesized draft community housing goals to provide general guidance when considering proposed CPC projects. David Leon and I serve as members of the Watertown Housing Partnership, but are speaking for ourselves in sharing these comments. Starting from the draft CPC goals, we suggest the following revisions to provide more overarching guidance related to affordable housing. We think these revisions will give the committee the opportunity to review a broad range of proposals. 1. Support both income and demographic diversity by supporting diverse housing options.2. Prioritize affordable housing opportunities for diverse low and very low-income households to achieve 10% affordable housing stock.3. Preserve long-term affordability and capital maintenance needs of existing incomerestricted housing units. 4. Support the creation of community housing by prioritizing projects that leverage additional sources of assistance, such as funding or land controlled by a government entity or public authority. 5. Support the creation of housing that is consistent with the Town’s adopted design standards. I agree that this could well be the case. The Black population of Watertown is 2%. Among the surrounding towns only Belmont has a lower proportion. Local preference has the effect of I am concerned that the goal of creating demographic diversity and maximizing perpetuating the status quo in terms the use of a local preference run counter to one another. If we are prioritizing of local demographics. While some creating diversity in Watertown, which I am fully in support of, then applying a degree of local preference may be 70% local preference (the DHCD max) to affordable housing units created with acceptable it needs to be carefully CPA funds will hinder that goal. designed and applied so that it does not run counter to the diversity goal.

While the language "income and demographic diversity" sounds good, I would be more specific and speak directly to creating housing for low to moderate income residents.The goal is not to preserve 40B Safe Harbor, the goal is to build more affordable housing. if preservation of 40B Safe Harbor is the outcome of building more units, great. I do not support local preference unless there are limits of how many units will be allocated to this preference (maybe via a lottery). Local preference is a way to maintain the homogeneity of a community and it has been particularly used to exclude people of color.There is nothing in the goals about protecting renters (45-48% in Watertown) and helping them to remain in their homes.

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Goal #2 is not a goal but one of several alternative means to realize the goal of promoting demographic diversity in the provision of community housing for people directly or through an organization that provides housing in such a way as to make it affordable.

Is anything missing from the housing goals? Comment Response 1 Response 2 Covid-19 has brought economic I am sure all are concerned for those distress to many who rent. While suffering from the economic direct Federal stimulus payments and impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown enchanted unemployment benefits and we want to find ways to help. have made it possible for many For this particular process of households to continue to make collecting feedback, the In reply to the comments of Lanae, I rental payments, those respectfully want to clear up two enhancements expire in August and Watertown Community economic recovery will undoubtedly Preservation Committee (CPC) can misunderstandings. First, it’s simply not lag on. Given that some 47% of make support of rental assistance the case that the Community Watertown households rent, should and/or first-time homebuyer Preservation Coalition or its Executive not thought be given to instituting an assistance programs part of its Director oppose using CPC money for housing goals. However, it is emergency rental assistance emergency rent assistance. Only important to remember the CPA program? Such a temporary program yesterday the Coalition newsletter might also be used to assist those hit was not designed for emergency assistance programming, according boasted, “CPA Leads the Way on Housing by other disasters, e.g. fire, Relief,” proudly citing that most of the 48 hurricaines, other pandemics. to Community Preservation Coalition, Executive Director, Stuart MA communities funding emergency Saginor. While some established rental assistance programs utilized local community preservation programs CPA funds for that purpose. Second, are allocating funds to emergency while I’m not replying to the substance of rental assistance programs, the role mkracz’s comment, that comment did of the CPC is to review project not suggest that the CPC should not applications from qualified carefully evaluate a town or non-profit organizations or town agencies and proposal for emergency rent assistance in recommend funding projects aligned with the values, goals, and accordance with CPCadopted principles selection criteria found in the or a statement of community needs (a so approved Community Preservation called Plan. Community Preservation Plan ).

Which housing goals are top priorities?

#1 and #4.

What do you think of the historic preservation goals?

I do not have significant knowledge about this area, but the goals appear comprehensive.

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Since Watertown has such a long and varied history from pre-Colonial times to the present, the last goal is especially important. Also, we should not forget the role Watertown played since the late 19th century to this day as workplace and residence for successive waves of immigrants. The churches, clubs, old mill structures, and other monuments testify to their contributions.

Which historic preservation goals are top priorities to you? 5 - 4 - 1 - 2 - 3

Mapping comments 5 Repton Circle, Watertown, This property can provide passive and active recreation. It cold possibly Massachusetts 02472, have a soccer field, parking and nature walking trails. United States

Sawins Stream and Pond provide a wildlife habitat like no other in 39 Clarendon Street, Watertown, Watertown. Privately held and contaminated. If cleaned up wold make a Massachusetts great walking path in East Watertown. 02472, United States Currently privately held undeveloped land. Historically is part of Governor 249 Waltham Street, Watertown, Gore's property asa well as the Waltham Country club in the 1930s. Massachusetts 02472, United States 267 Orchard Street, Watertown, Massachusetts The old library location, possibility of a pocket park. 02472, United States Engage a landscape architect to develop a plan for more interesting 9 South Irving Park, Watertown, plantings for this park and some amenities, maybe a gazebo. Once, the Massachusetts plan is approved implement it 02472, United States Invite landscape architects to redesign and implement improved plantings 123 Main Street, Watertown, and landscaping around municipal buildings (town hall, library, municipal Massachusetts 02472, parking lot) United States This land used to be an apple orchard! Plenty of space here to get a fruit 11 Lawrence Street, Watertown, orchard going, and could be tied in with the WPS edible garden curriculum. Massachusetts 02472, United States Buy Walker Pond and restore green space, outdoor recreation, refreshment 5 Repton Circle, Watertown, cart in the nice weather. Massachusetts 02472, United States Whitney Tower Apartments, 275 Enhance the landscaping along the path to provide greater diversity of Main St, plantings, including flowering bushes, better seating: all with the aim of Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, improving the passive recreation aspects of this linear path United States Capitol Street Extension, Creation of community garden plot, possibly where the unused 4 square & Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, hopscotch courts are United States Improve and clearly delineate pathways, clean up debris tossed by 67 Oliver Street, Watertown, abutters, use granite curbstone to bolster pathways against erosion, Massachusetts 02472, improve trail marking, make entrances more alluring United States 5 Repton Circle, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, Room on this site for a soccer field. United States

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Dr. Paul Dudley White Path, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, Restore arbor and historic garden aroung Commander's Mansion United States Thaxter Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United Restore murals in town hall States Many 2 family buildings going way up in rent and not even being updated... 97 Boylston Street, Watertown, could perhaps be bought and made into rent controlled affordable housing Massachusetts 02472, United States Agree with Leo; acquire Walker Pond, improve pathway around it; conjoin that purchase with purchase of unused parking area to create playing field 5 Repton Circle, Watertown, thereby vastly increasing recreational area in Watertown Massachusetts 02472, United States

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