HomeMy Public PortalAbout2016-02-23 EDP Committee ReportTown of Watertown
Committee on Economic Development and Planning
Meeting: February 17, 2016
Report: February 23, 2016
The Committee convened at 7:00 pm on Tuesday February 17, 2016 in the Town Council
Office. Present at the meeting were Susan Falkoff, chair; Kenneth Woodland, vice -chair; and
Vincent Piccirilli, secretary.
The purpose of the meeting was to interview candidates for reappointment to the Zoning Board
of Appeals.
Kelly Donato has served on the ZBA since 2014. As Assistant Housing Director for
Somerville, she has a great deal of experience with affordable housing programs, which helps
inform her views on the ZBA. As a resident of the East End, she knows firsthand the many
challenges facing that neighborhood.
Neeraj Chander has also served on the ZBA since 2014. His work as an architect specializing
in reuse and repositioning older properties provides him with valuable insight into
redevelopment projects in Watertown. With two young children soon to start school, he values
the small-town feel of Watertown as a great place to raise a family.
The Committee questioned both candidates about their past term on the ZBA, in particular their
thoughts regarding the recent CVS and 80 Elm Street decisions. Councilor Falkoff stated that it
would be beneficial, going forward, if ZBA members attended more public meetings to hear
comments from the public, as well as explained more fully their thinking prior to voting on a
proposal. Both candidates agreed with these suggestions.
The Committee thanked Ms. Donato and Mr. Chander for their volunteer service to the citizens
of Watertown.
Councilor Woodland made a motion, seconded by Councilor Piccirilli, to recommend the full
Town Council confirm Kelly Donato for reappointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals as a
Full Member for a term to expire February 15, 2021. Unanimously Voted
Councilor Woodland made a motion, seconded by Councilor Piccirilli, to recommend the full
Town Council confirm Neeraj Chander for reappointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an
Alternate Member for a term to expire February 15, 2018. Unanimously Voted
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.
Report prepared by Vincent Piccirilli