HomeMy Public PortalAbout2020-12-10 Natural Selections Greenough Blvd Watertown Town Council
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Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-972-6470
ELECTED
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Report of the Committee on Economic Development and Planning
Mark S.Sideris, Meeting Date: December 10, 2020
Council President
The Committee convened on Thursday December 10, 2020 at 6:00 pm by Zoom, in
Vincent J.Piccirilli,Jr., accordance with the Governor's Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open
Vice President& Meeting Law G.L. c.30A §20 relating to the 2020 COVID-19 emergency. Present
District C Councilor g g g Y•
were Kenneth Woodland, chair; Lisa Feltner, vice chair; and Vincent Piccirilli,
Caroline Bays secretary. Staff present were Steven Magoon, Assistant Town Manager/Director of
Councilor At Large Community Development and Planning; and Laura Wiener, Senior Transportation
Anthony J.Donato, Planner. Also present were Councilors Anthony Donato, Angeline Kounelis, and
Councilor At Large Anthony Palomba; members of the NS AJO Holdings team; members of the Bicycle-
John G.Gannon, Pedestrian Committee; and members of the public.
Councilor At Large
The purpose of the meeting was discussion of the relocation of NS AJO Holdings, and
Anthony Palomba,Councilor At Large discussion on a recreational closure of Little Greenough Boulevard.
Angeline B.Kounelis, 1. Relocation of NS AJO Holdings from 23 Elm St to 390 Arsenal St
District A Councilor Councilor Piccirilli recused himself for this portion of the meeting.
Lisa J.Feltner,
District B Councilor Councilor Woodland provided background on the request for the move of the NS AJO
Kenneth M.Woodland, Holdings/Natural Selections Medical and Recreational Marijuana facility that was made
District D Councilor at the November 10, 2020 Town Council meeting, and that the action for the Town
Council is to recommend amending the two existing Host Community Agreements. See
www.watertown-ma.2ov/DocumentCenterNiew/30403/ He also reiterated the Town
Council's policy of having one recreational marijuana facility in the east end, one in the
west end, and one in the center of town, for the maximum of 3 required by law..
Councilor Palomba, who had to leave for another meeting, stated that he supports the requested move,
and they are a good company, and that 390 Arsenal St is a good location.
Michael Ross, representing NS AJO Holdings/Natural Selections, gave a presentation that summarizes
their operation and the requested move (see Attachment A). Key points from the discussion included:
• They are planning a community outreach meeting for January 6, 2021, subject to coordination
with the District Councilor, and they have already met with the direct abutters.
• Once the HCA is approved, they need to get a Special Permit from the ZBA, and the move must
be completed before the end of 2021.
• They have a 10 year lease,with another 10 year option, and an option to buy the property.
• Councilor Donato supported the move, stating this is a better location than 23 Elm St.
4 Action Item: Councilor Feltner made a motion, seconded by Councilor Woodland, that the
Committee recommends the Town Council authorizes the Town Manager to amend the Host
Community Agreements with NS AJO Holdings to move from 23 Elm St to 390 Arsenal St,
contingent upon holding a community outreach meeting. Voted unanimously 2-0 on a roll call.
Page 1 of 3
Committee on Economic Development & Planning Report - December 10, 2020
Councilor Piccirilli returned to the meeting at 6:42.
2. Recreational closure of Little Greenough Boulevard:
Councilor Woodland provided background on the request from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee
that was made at the November 10, 2020 Town Council meeting to support a recreational closure of
Greenough Boulevard between Arsenal St and North Beacon St. See www.watertown-
ma.2ov/DocumentCenterNiew/30406/
The discussion included the following points:
• Mr. Magoon reiterated concerns raised by Councilors that the traffic studies by redevelopment on
Arsenal St were based on traffic using this portion of Greenough Blvd, and the impacts need to be
studied.
• Councilor Piccirilli noted that while the petition asks for permanent closure of the road, the
Bike/Ped Committee letter asks for temporary weekend closure which is what we should consider.
• Councilor Feltner asked for clarification whether the Town of Watertown has ownership of the
road, and Mr. Magoon stated that all indications show the road being owned by DCR.
• Councilor Kounelis stated her opposition to the road closure based on traffic from developments,
and asked her email stating her position be read into the record(see Attachment B).
Note: Councilor Woodland left the meeting at 6:58, and Councilor Feltner took over as Chair.
• Amy Plovnick, member of the Bike/Ped Committee and author of the petition, submitted an email
with comments (see Attachment Q. She confirmed the request should be for weekend closure only,
and said Senator Brownsberger, Representative Hecht, and Representative-elect Owens support it.
• Councilor Feltner asked about the status of the I-Cubed project that would have updated the
Greenough/North Beacon intersection, and Mr. Magoon stated Alexandria Real Estate is still
pursuing portions of I-Cubed, and it will involve DCR.
• Resident Hannah Rakoff supports the closure, noting that no developments have driveways on this
section of road.
• Councilor Donato asked that we do the research to insure the Town of Watertown does not retain
some property rights to this section of roadway.
• Andy Compagna, member of the Bike/Ped Committee, said we can use the riverfront property
better for recreation, and is asking for the DCR to help us evaluate how to do that.
• Janet Jameson, member of the Bike/Ped Committee, asked the Town Council to support this.
• Councilor Feltner asked about input from Arsenal Yards, the direct abutter, and Mr. Magoon stated
they are concerned on the traffic impact,but there are too many unknowns at this time.
• Resident Tom Sullivan, former Recreation Director, submitted an email in support of the closure.
• Resident Elodia Thomas submitted a chat message supporting the closure.
• Resident Alan Fortin submitted an email asking who will be responsible for erecting and taking
down the barriers and enforcement; if the two public parking lots at either end could be kept open
for people with mobility issues; and concerns of residential side streets being used for cut-through.
• Councilor Piccirilli stated more research is needed to answer all these questions,but we shouldn't
be afraid to try a pilot program to see if it works.
Page 2 of 3
Committee on Economic Development & Planning Report - December 10, 2020
4 Action Item: Councilor Piccirilli made a motion, seconded by Councilor Feltner, that the
Committee recommends the Town Council authorize the Council President to send a letter to ask
DCR to evaluate traffic data in the area of Greenough Blvd between Arsenal St and North Beacon
St in Watertown and determine if a longer term or weekend closure is feasible, and ask DCR to
work with Watertown's Department of Community Development &Planning and the Department of
Public Works to explore the possibility of doing a pilot program to close the this section of road on
weekends during the spring/summer/fall of 2021. Voted unanimouslv 2-0 on a roll call.
The meeting adjourned at 7:34 pm, following a unanimous roll call vote.
Report prepared by Vincent Piccirilli
Attachments:
A. NS-AJO Holdings Presentation
B. Councilor Kounelis email-Comments on Greenough Boulevard petition
C. Amy Plovnick email - Comment for Economic Development and Planning Committee meeting
Page 3 of 3
PRESENTATION TO TOWN COUNCIL 0
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CUSTOMER FEEDBACK 0
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Corey Sloane
5 reviews
6. Urpapuffnik
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* * * * * 2 months ago
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the Watertown location couldn't have been more Local Guide•25 reviews 7 reviews
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order so they said to come down and they would things pop up on the menL Great to have a dispensary in Watertown. Ordered
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through leafiy and it was ready fast. The location was
and well laid out with everything clearly visible behind easy to find with plenty of parking. The people who
glass cases. All precautions were taken for covid-19. checked me in were friendly/professional. The first
visit paperwork was basic. The ...
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COMMUNITY BENEFITS 0
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• Beautification of vacant property
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• Continuation of 3+/ revenue paid
to City EST. 10
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THANKYOU .
Mail- vpiccirilligwatertown-ma.gov Page 1 of 5
Re: Greenough Boulevard petition
Kounelis, Angeline
Thu 12/10/2020 11:23 AM
To:Woodland, Kenneth <kwoodland@watertown-ma.gov>; Lisa Feltner <lfeltner@watertown-ma.gov>; Piccirilli,
Vincent 1 <vpiccirilli@watertown-ma.gov>;
cc:Sideris, Mark <msideris@watertown-ma.gov>; Driscoll, Michael <mdriscoll@watertown-ma.gov>; Magoon,
Steven <smagoon@watertown-ma.gov>; Kounelis,Angeline <akounelis@watertown-ma.gov>;
Dear Councilors Woodland, Feltner and Piccirilli:
My position statement, against closing of"Little Greenough Blvd.", was sent to Sen. William
Brownsberger on 08/06/2020. The same communication was read into the record at the 11/10/2020
Town Council Meeting.
Kindly make note of my rationale for lack of support for the proposal and include in the minutes of the
12/10/2020 Committee on Economic Development and Planning. Thank you.
"Open green space and recreation are the ideals that al/communities strive to encourage and
implement. In the Arsenal St. Corridor area;I tread with great caution when a citizen initiative
proposes that a roadway link is closed to vehicular traffic."
httDs://www.watertown-ma.aov/DocumentCenter/View/30460/2020-1 1-10-Kounel is---Closure-of-Greenoua h-Blvd?
bidId=
httos://www.watertown-ma.aov/DocumentCenter/View/30505/2020-12-10-Economic-Development-and-Plannina---
MJ-Loc---DCR-Rd
Best,
Angie
Angeline B. Kounelis
District A, East End, Town Councilor
The City Known as the Town of Watertown
617-926-2352
All electronic mail to and from this City address should be considered subject to Massachusetts Public
Records Laws. Thank you
From: Kounelis,Angeline
Sent:Wednesday, November 11, 2020 8:19 AM
To: Pronovost, Marilyn
https://webmail.watertown-ma.gov/owa/ 12/10/2020
Mail - vpiccirilli@watertown-ma.gov Page 2 of 5
Cc:Town Councilors; Driscoll, Michael; Magoon, Steven; Tracy,Thomas
Subject: Re: Greenough Boulevard petition
Hello Marilyn,
Please include the communication that follows, within this email, in the minutes of the 11/10/2020 Town
Council Meeting. The informational statement was read into the record during Agenda Item: 7.B. Letter
from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee Requesting the Closure of a Portion of Greenough Boulevard
in Watertown to Vehicular Traffic.
Thank you.
httos://www.watertown-ma.aov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4973
https://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30406/2020-11-10-Greenouqh-Boulevard---Town-Council-
Resolution-Reauest
Best,
Angie
Angeline B. Kounelis
District A, East End, Town Councilor
The City Known as the Town of Watertown
617-926-2352
All electronic mail to and from this City address should be considered subject to Massachusetts Public
Records Laws. Thank you
From: Kounelis,Angeline
Sent:Thursday, August 6, 2020 8:18 PM
To: Brownsberger, William (SEN)
Cc: Driscoll, Michael; Magoon, Steven;Tracy,Thomas; Hecht,Jonathan- Rep. (HOU);Town Councilors
Subject: Re: Greenough Boulevard petition
Hello Will,
Many thanks for taking the time to share the petition, addressed to the Department of Conservation and
Recreation (DCR), that is being circulated to permanently close "Little Greenough Blvd." to vehicular
traffic. I was not aware of the petition.
Open green space and recreation are the ideals that all communities strive to encourage and implement.
In the Arsenal St. Corridor area; I tread with great caution when a citizen initiative proposes that a
roadway link is closed to vehicular traffic.
The impacts from the pending build-out of Arsenal Yards; and other area developments are unknown. An
excerpt from communication that I sent to the Watertown Planning Board on 12/14/2016, references the
https://webmail.watertown-ma.gov/owa/ 12/10/2020
Mail- vpiccirilli@watertown-ma.gov Page 3 of 5
Transportation Impact Assessment document. Arsenal Yards is anticipated to generate 6000-10000
vehicle trips per day.
"According to the Transportation Impact Assessment document, page one, Executive
Summary, the project is expected to generate 6366 additional vehicle trips on an average
weekday and 10,648 additional vehicle trips on a Saturday (both are two-way, 24 hour
volumes). The prospect of so many vehicles in one concentrated area is overwhelming."
https://www.watertown-ma.aov/DocumentCenter/View/20375/M PSP-Traffic-Impact-Assessment
Many of us will recall the 01/31/2018 meeting that we attended; coordinated by the City of Boston,
MassDOT, DCR and others, to review short and long-term plans for the Western Ave./Soldiers Field
Road/Birmingham Pkwy. Intersection. On page forty-four of the document, there is a diversion analysis,
onto "Little Greenough", to alleviate congestion at the intersection and the east bound approach to
the Western Ave. Bridge.
http://www.bostonplans.org/getattachment/ee7e5249-6ed2-4ae2-8e85-Ofd4aa5654c5
During conversations, specific to I-CUBED, along with pedestrian enhancements, traffic signals were
proposed for both ends of"Little Greenough". At this time, status of I-CUBED is unknown.
httos://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22707/2017-06-29-ICube-Presentation?bidId=
Herein, I am sharing the information with East Enders to be aware of the implications from ongoing and
proposed developments. The answer may not be as straightforward as presented; pros and cons
abound. Thank you.
Best,
Angie
Angeline B. Kounelis
District A, East End, Town Councilor
The City Known as the Town of Watertown
617-926-2352
All electronic mail to and from this City address should be considered subject to Massachusetts Public
Records Laws. Thank you
From: Brownsberger, William (SEN)<William.Brownsberger@masenate.gov>
Sent:Wednesday,August 5, 2020 11:30 PM
To: Kounelis,Angeline
Subject: Fw: Greenough Boulevard petition
Angie,
Wanted to make sure you were aware of this.
If you know of folks who are opposed to this proposal, let me know and I will make sure that
DCR hears their voices too.
https://webmail.watertown-ma.gov/owa/ 12/10/2020
Mail - vpiccirilli@watertown-ma.gov Page 4 of 5
/w.
William N. Brownsberger
State Senator
Second Suffolk and Middlesex District
Room 319
State House
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-1280 (office)
617-771-8274 (cell)
Visit willbrownsberger.com for news.
From: Brownsberger, William (SEN)<William.brownsberger@masenate.gov>
Sent:Wednesday,August 5, 2020 10:58 PM
To:AMY PLOVNICK<amyplovnick@gmail.com>
Cc: hannah.rakoff@yahoo.com <hannah.rakoff@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Greenough Boulevard petition
Great job.
I sent the note below to about 900 people in Brighton and Watertown directly and then also
sent it to a neighborhood list in Brighton just across the river, another few hundred.
Keep me posted on how it goes.
-------------------
I am passing on to you for your consideration a petition that two Watertown residents have
authored.
The petition asks that DCR, the state's park agency, return to closing "Little" Greenough
Boulevard to vehicles -- so making it available for general recreational use.
"Little" Greenough is the stretch of road and paths that runs along the Watertown side of the
Charles between the Western/Arsenal bridge and the North Beacon Street Bridge.
The real question is would many people really use it for recreation if it were closed. Please sign
the petition if you would actually use it yourself, not out of general principle.
You can sign it by following the link below.
htto://ch nq.it/vwscH G RG
/w.
Will
Will Brownsberger State Senator
Back Bay, Fenway, Allston, Brighton, Watertown, Belmont
https://webmail.watertown-ma.gov/owa/ 12/10/2020
Mail - vpiccirilli@watertown-ma.gov Page 5 of 5
617-722-1280 (office)
617-771-8274 (cell)
Visit Will Brownsberger dot com for news.
Just let us know by reply email if you want your email address removed from our database.
Replying to message from <amyplovnick@gmail.com> sent 2020-08-05 20:28:56:
Hi Senator Brownsberger,
We wanted to share with you the link to the petition to DCR asking them to close Greenough
Boulevard to cars. Thanks again for your time a few weeks ago and helping us think through
how to do this.
The petition is available here: http://chnq.it/vwscHGRG
We would really appreciate any help you can provide getting the word out, including sending to
your email list. We are planning to share it with several groups within Watertown and on social
media.
Thanks,
Amy Plovnick
https://webmail.watertown-ma.gov/owa/ 12/10/2020
Mail - vpiccirilli@watertown-ma.gov Page 1 of 1
Comment for 12110 Economic Development and Planning
Committee meeting
Amy Plovnick <amyplovnick@gmail.com>
Thu 12/10/2020 8:34 AM
To:Piccirilli,Vincent 1 <vpiccirilli@watertown-ma.gov>;
1 attachments(32 KB)
Greenough Petition Signatures and Comments.xlsx;
Hi Councillor Piccirilli -
For the Committee on Economic Development and Planning agenda item on DCR Road Closures, I wanted to submit for
the record signatures and comments on a petition to DCR to close Little Greenough to Motor Vehicles(see attached).
Looking forward to discussing this later today.
Thanks,
Amy Plovnick
https://webmail.watertown-ma.gov/owa/ 12/10/2020
Name City State Postal Code Country Commented Date Comment
Sam Scoppettone Watertown MA 2472 US 8/4/2020 "The purpose of a parkway should not be for motor vehicles if it's in an
urban setting like Watertown,or in any of the inner Boston communities.
We need more usable open space in this community,and Greenough
doesn't get used by many cars.It should be closed in anticipation of the
Arsenal Yards redevelopment which will activate that area with more
pedestrians and bicyclists.Instead of the community having to
demonstrate demand for non-motorized space,DCR should have the
burden of demonstrating why they feel it should remain open to cars,
other than simply status quo.If motor vehicles are allowed to remain,
there should be dramatically less space allocated to them."
Ethan Davis Watertown MA 2472 US 8/5/2020 "That road is seldom used by cars and closing it will barely be noticed by
drivers,but will be a tremendous improvement to Watertown by adding to
its recreational space and river access."
Megan Bishoff Brighton MA 2135 US 8/6/2020 "I love this part of the charles for rec use!"
Thomas Evans Watertown MA 2472 US 8/6/2020 "I live within walking distance and love to inline skate That stretch when
closes."
Daniel Totten Cambridge MA 2135 US 8/6/2020 "Keep it closed!"
Charles Hydrio Cambridge MA 2138 US 8/6/2020 "Please keep it closed"
Kevin McCarthy Watertown MA 2472 US 8/6/2020 "This road is perfect for pedestrian and recreational use.I live nearby and
had not heard it was closed to the public.We enjoyed it one afternoon
when we accidentally stumbled on it in July. More publicity would go a
long way.As a cut through road in the car.It's ok.But access to Arsenal St
and N Beacon is a challenge on most days because you have to cross a
couple lanes of traffic.My point:Shut it down and let folks enjoy an extra
space to play!This one's easy!"
Geoff Martin Watertown MA 2472 US 8/6/2020 "Having spaces like this available to use car free improves the quality of life
both physically and mentally."
Mark Lindberg Watertown MA 2472 US 8/6/2020 "it was a delight this spring in the early Covid days to discover the Little
Greenough stretch,especially with Arsenal Park closed. Even with traffic,
we still use this river path."
Donald Perrault Brighton MA 2135 US 8/6/2020 "Keep Watertown Green and Safe"
Judith Nygren Watertown MA 2472 US 8/6/2020 "I'm signing because my husband and I like to walk in that area--it is more
shaded than other parts of the river walk."
Deanna Wieler Watertown MA 2472 US 8/7/2020 "It was amazing to have a space so close to home that was safe for us to be
on as a family and easily social distance from the many others on the
street.Back in May both of our sons learned how to ride their bikes
without training wheels on the closed Greenough stretch and it was so
special for them to be able to ride ahead slightly without fear of cars.There
is no other space close by in the area that we've found in our 11yrs in
Watertown that offers our entire family the ability to exercise together
with the peace of mind that this space provided.To say it was not well
utilized by people would make me assume that the ones making that
statement did not visit the road often.We rode bikes on it every day at
least twice each day to keep our kiddos moving and there were always 10-
20 others we would pass by,regardless of time of day."
Becky SQUIER Watertown MA 2472 US 8/7/2020 "1 did use this while it was closed in May/June.I would however keep the
two parking spaces open to cars."
Stephanie Orifice Watertown MA 2472 US 8/7/2020 "Please keep this open for some much needed outdoor exercise space!"
Amy Nadel Cambridge MA 2138 US 8/8/2020 "1 cycled on Greenough Blvd when it was closed to traffic.It's such a quiet,
beautiful treat to us,and other wildlife.I've driven my car there regularly,
and convenient as it is,I'm ready to give that up and take a different route,
and let this road go to cyclists and the occasional turtle and
fishermen.Please keep the road closed to traffic."
Pia Owens Watertown MA 2472 US 8/9/2020 "My kids and I used to bike on Little Greenough daily when it was closed.
Outdoor recreation during this COVID time is keeping us sane,and it was
great to have a wide open space where we could easily keep our distance
from others."
KRISTIN ROSNER Waltham MA 2453 US 8/9/2020 "We enjoyed using it this Spring and were disappointed when it was
opened to cars again. It should be permanently closed since the
intersection is dangerous and it is on part of the river path system."
Dan Stewart Germany 8/10/2020 "1 like them bikes"
1 of 2
Name City State Postal Code Country Commented Date Comment
Brynna Epperly Boston MA 2135 us 8/10/2020 "Pedestrians and cyclists need more dedicated space in the Greater Boston
area.The shutdown of Greenough to cars this past spring and summer was
a(literal)breath of fresh air for those us who like to use our feet.I biked
there are least twice a week during that time,and I live 2 miles away.I
would see dozens of people walking,running,and biking each time.Please
preserve Greenough for the people,not for cars!"
Anne Griepenburg Boston MA 2121 US 8/10/2020 "Covid means we need more space for recreation not more space for cars."
Warren Lee Watertown MA 2472 US 8/11/2020 "The benefits of more green space would outweigh the minimal
convenience of vehicular traffic."
Hannah Rakoff Watertown MA 2472 US 8/11/2020 "This closure was the'deal-maker'that made bicycling from Watertown to
Cambridge just that little bit more pleasant enough to do it regularly.With
Little Greenough re-closed,I am looking forward to biking to work more
regularly as I return more and more to the office.As is the case on much of
the river paths,unfortunately,the bike/pedestrian path is not up to
current user volumes.Forget about keeping 6 feet of distance;it is difficult
to safely pass in any case.And when I'm not bike-commuting,I'm looking
forward to strolling along;to having space to spread out;to enjoying the
wind in the trees and the sounds on the river.We can and should get more
out of this space than we do by consecrating so much of it to motor
vehicles."
Patrick Lavoie Saguenay G7S 3E3 Canada 8/11/2020 "We need more safe space to ride our bike.It was really nice to be able to
ride beside my wife when it was closed.Unfortunately they reopened it.0"
Matthew Wunderlich Brookline MA 2446 US 8/13/2020 "Because we have enough streets full of cars as is,especially along the
water.The DCR should be about conservation and recreation,not cars and
roads."
Finn McSweeney US 8/15/2020 "This change would serve the greater good,particularly when factoring in
the very young,and future generations.If we can invest in the future and
all it costs is mildly inconveniencing some portion of the present,that's a
trade we should make."
Jason Dunklee Watertown MA 2472 US 10/14/2020 "In my view,this road is not needed as a road-there are no homes or
businesses on this section and there are many other alternate routes.
Conversely,Watertown has such limited green space and such a premium
opportunity to embrace the Charles River.To me,it really is a no-brainer
2 of 2