Platform

Susan's Platform

Planning With Vision

Discussion: Watertown seems to lurch from project to project with no overall sense of direction. We build a fire station and library in Watertown Square and only then do we notice that there’s no room left for a police station and the parking is inadequate. A comprehensive plan for Watertown Square could have anticipated these problems. In another example, someone builds a monstrous addition to a small single family house on Bradshaw Street and we realize that the rules governing two-family housing won’t protect the neighborhoods. So we change the zoning regulations--but only for two-family housing.

Large residential projects are coming to Watertown. We have Archstone at Watertown Square and we’re watching Repton Place go up on Pleasant Street. East Enders are understandably nervous as an out-of-town developer plans to build 180 units of luxury housing at the aggregate property in East Watertown. Large residential developments aren’t necessarily a bad thing. But let’s not find ourselves in the position of putting a large complex here and a large complex there with no overall sense of how the sum of these projects will change the character of Watertown.

As Watertown changes, we need to preserve the natural and historical features that already add value to the town and its residents. Dense housing surrounded by more dense housing is much less desirable than housing that is well-situated close to attractive parks and thriving business districts. We especially need to protect the health of Watertown’s finest feature, the Charles River. Planning is about finding the right balance between competing needs. How many more housing units and cars can Watertown accommodate and still be a pleasant place to live, raise a family, and grow old? How can we support new housing with new small-scale retail areas that contribute to a sense of community and encourage people who live in Watertown to shop near their homes? How can we also develop commercial areas that will create jobs and add stability to our tax base?

Action:

I will advocate for saving some developable land for open space and mixing small-scale retail businesses to serve residents and contribute to a sense of community.

I strongly support the planning process that is underway to establish an overall vision for the Pleasant Street corridor. Once that study is complete, it will be wise to undertake a similar planning project for the town as a whole.

Linking Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, and Fiscal Responsibility

Discussion: Watertown citizens are concerned that their money is not being well spent. I am committed to seeing that our tax dollars are used wisely. We need economic development to sustain our tax base. We can demand development that beautifies and improves the community. Development that is environmentally friendly is cost-effective and good for the long-term health of the community.

Action: Below are several areas where we could cut costs or increase revenue while promoting economic development and supporting environmental sustainability. We need to

Be more aggressive about the kinds of mitigation and compensation we require from large developments.

Do a better job of tracking the promises that developers make and monitor compliance.

Factor operating costs into the budget for all town new projects.

Incorporate green technology into all new projects in order to reduce operating costs.

Retrofit existing town buildings to increase efficiency.

Turn off the lights off in all town buildings and recreational facilities when they are not in use.

Generate income from increased recycling. Accept more types of material curbside and build an attractive and functional recycle center in a location that does not impinge on our limited supply of parkland or open space.

Support local business areas by increasing foot traffic in commercial areas.

Address employee contributions to health insurance costs in a fair and reasonable manner.

Fund a plan that will determine how best to connect existing and future paths for walkers and bicyclists. Connect the paths to Watertown Square, the schools, and the Charles River path, and seek funding to complete the projects.

State and Federal Relations

Discussion: Watertown does not exist in a bubble. We know that lower state taxes lead to higher local property taxes. We know that a federal budget spinning out of control leaves less money to distribute to the states for education and road and bridge repair. It is appropriate for our local government to advocate for what we need from the state and the federal government.

I am proud that Massachusetts has elected a governor who is committed to making positive changes in the Commonwealth and that Congressman Markey has taken strong stands on issues such as global warming and ending the war in Iraq and his support for thorough cleanup and restoration at the former Watertown Arsenal.

Action:

I will advocate with state and federal elected officials and government agencies when a state or national situation affects Watertown’s interests and warrants our input.

Community Involvement

Discussion: Civic participation makes a community strong. Too many citizens are turned off by grandstanding and bickering between the councilors. The Council should follow its own rules and conduct its business with dignity and respect for diverse opinions. Citizens should be encouraged to attend meetings and every effort should be made for them to be comfortable if they do.

There are many opportunities for participating in “citizen government” by serving on a town board or commission. Some appointed committees, however, are languishing because the members don’t feel that their input is heard, appreciated, and incorporated in town policies and procedures.

Action:

The Council chambers need to be equipped with audio-visual equipment that allows attendees to see presentations made to the Council. The large wooden chairs add historic character to the room but they do not seat many people and should be replaced with more appropriate seating.

I will contribute to a respectful and thoughtful atmosphere on the Council.

I will ask the Council to review the effectiveness of the town’s committees and will be available to assist committees in having their input respectfully considered. I wlll recommend that every committee make a presentation to the council at least once per year.

I will advocate for greater citizen representation on the Traffic Commission, a board that consists primarily of town department heads.

Quality of Life

Discussion: Watertown needs to support families, since families make a community stable and vibrant. Good schools attract families and also enhance property values. Playgrounds, playing fields, and recreational facilities support a healthy community. Sidewalks and streets need to be maintained. Green strips between the sidewalk and the street make neighborhoods inviting. Residents need to know that police and fire departments will keep them safe. Streets must be plowed in winter. Traffic needs to move efficiently and people need places to park near their homes.

Action: I endorse the policies and projects listed below. As a councilor I will

Support community policing: a pro-active approach to law enforcement.

Seek ways to make housing affordable and attractive to young families.

Make safe street crossings a priority; in particular, improve the crossings at Watertown Square.

Install granite curbs to protect sidewalks and planting strips. Replace asphalt with green strips.

Be sure that Pleasant Street planning includes at least one playing field for West End residents.

Restrict the height of new building projects along the Charles River in order to protect our enjoyment of the river.
Take a neighborhood approach to addressing traffic concerns, rather than trying to “fix” problems on a street-by-street basis or assuming that one solution is the right one throughout the town.
Hold a comprehensive review of parking policies. Look for ways to create additional parking options for the winter. Reassess the need for year-round two-hour parking limits throughout the town. Consider permit parking and one-side parking, particularly in East Watertown and the South Side.
Make systematic, consistent and transparent decisions to determine how to prioritize which streets and sidewalks are repaired.