7pm tonight: request for large signage facing Greenough/Charles River, Planning Board mtg

[lisa feltner]

Hi Neighbors,

A quick note of concern that the Planning Board will hear a Arsenal Yards request to amend the zoning ordinance, to allow a "wall-mounted or rooftop sign”, exceeding 100’ “ …for the RMUDistrict. How do you feel about this? Concerns? Joy? The Planning Board will make a recommendation back to City Council on whether to amend zoning.

My gut does not feel comfortable with this for several initial reasons, such as 

      -impact on river area users, wildlife, illumination means more light pollution, is this the “branding” of Watertown we want (easily seen from Mass Turnpike etc), expect to see more large & high signs in the future, maintenance, flexibility in the zoning language as written leaves questions  (I know that the Planning Board would ultimately vote on specific signs, if Council approves this zoning change) -

and I’m not aware of specific community benefit, although the planning staff report states “…a sign may benefit a community just by helping to build an enterprise’s brand and thereby increase its property values…."

Planning Board is meeting in person at 7PM in Council Chamber, with virtual option to connect, see Agenda https://watertownma.civicclerk.com/Web/Player.aspx?id=2602&key=-1&mod=-1&mk=-1&nov=0  Comments may be emailed to Head Clerk Ingrid Marchesano IMarc...@watertown-ma.gov

I’ve attached the Staff Report for convenience. Feel free to email responses to me as well at lfel...@watertown-ma.gov

Best, Lisa

  

[Sharon Teitelbaum]

Hi Lisa,

I can’t be at the meeting tonite but wanted to weigh in – I think it’s a terrible idea and I’m 400% not in favor of it.  it will cheapen our city and wreck the night sky for a lot of people, be bad for wildlife, and generally be a blight.  The zoning ordinance exists for a reason!  Do I sound the least bit ambivalent?  I didn’t think so!

Thanks,

Sharon

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[Libby Shaw]

Hi, Lisa:

Thank you for the heads-up.  I’m also very concerned about this intrusion on our night sky for all the reasons you and Sharon cite.  

Am sharing your email with a few other folks.  It’s very short notice but maybe some can attend this meeting tonight.  The agenda with Zoom link is attached to this email.

Thanks again,

Libby

work  617-253-5045
home 617-926-0929
cell     617-512-4894

[lisa feltner]

Oops, I forgot to attach the staff report on first email. You can also access it via the download to the agenda, but here it is.

[Susan Falkoff]

completely agree with libby and sharon.  in my opinion, Arsenal yards is an eyesore and a disaster and now they want to make it even worse.

Susan

[Diane Crowley]

Hi Lisa,
I had another meeting this evening at 7:30pm and got home late from
work so I couldn't attend the first 30 minutes of the signage meeting.
I am in total agreement with the sentiments of others in this email
thread. I think a 100 foot sign with lights is garish and would set a
bad precedent. I hope that this request is voted down. Please keep me
in the loop regarding this issue.

Best,
Diane Crowley

On Wed, Jul 13, 2022 at 8:30 PM <na...@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> Hi Lisa –
>
>
>
> Sorry that I was unable to attend this meeting.
>
>
>
> It seems that the approval of this sign would be slippery slope for similar zoning requests. Watertown does not and should not help increase the visibility of any specific enterprise – it would certainly not benefit the community as a whole. Signage of this size and scope from competing enterprises would only decrease the value of the surrounding properties.
>
>
>
> Many of the newer and larger commercial developments are visible already for the Pike and surrounding areas – the specific signage of the scope requested, on any of these buildings is unnecessary.
>
>
>
> I agree with the comments below. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Nancy Kay
>
>
>
> From: 'Super Grover' via ccgwatertown <ccgwat...@googlegroups.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2022 7:09 PM
> To: RyanFamily Ryan <jsnm...@gmail.com>; Kathy Santoian <ksan...@gmail.com>
> Cc: lisa feltner <lfel...@comcast.net>; fo...@googlegroups.com; Concerned Citizens Group <ccgwat...@googlegroups.com>; Riverside Neighbors <riverside-neighb...@googlegroups.com>
> Subject: Re: 7pm tonight: request for large signage facing Greenough/Charles River, Planning Board mtg
>
>
>
> Hi Lisa,
>
> Thanks for letting me know.
>
> Definitely agree that a 100' sign is far too big, not in keeping with the neighborhood or the town & will negatively impact overall feel of the area. The river, banks, walks, bridges are being restored to enhanced natural beauty, we don't need a huge sign imposing on it.
>
> Additionally, this will create a precedent for unacceptably large signs along the river.
>
> I am very opposed to this but unable to attend tonight's meeting, please share my concerns with my name.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Anne Fitzpatrick
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 06:57:32 PM EDT, Kathy Santoian <ksan...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> All, I do not think this is acceptable. A sign 130 feet high? Are we living in Las Vegas? Absolutely I say no to this proposal.
>
>
>
> We will see this sign from our neighborhood. That new building they built is already affecting my view in a negative way.
>
>
>
> Lisa, go with your gut and say no to this. If this is approved then, we will be opening the door to others to put up signs that are ridiculously high.
>
>
>
> Why do these bastards always ask for these things in the summer when people are away on vacation? Because they are always trying to pull the wool over our eyes!
>
>
>
> NO!
>
>
>
> That’s my 2 cents.
>
>
>
> Best regards,
>
>
>
> Kathy Santoian
>
> 277 N. Beacon St.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
>
> On Jul 13, 2022, at 6:10 PM, RyanFamily Ryan <jsnm...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> 
>
> Hi Lisa,
>
> I can’t make at 7 pm tonight wither.
>
>
>
> Strongly agree with you and others that this is an absolutely terrible idea!!
>
>
>
> Sarah Ryan
>
> On Jul 13, 2022, at 5:47 PM, lisa feltner <lfel...@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> 

>
> Oops, I forgot to attach the staff report on first email. You can also access it via the download to the agenda, but here it is.
>
>
>
>
>

> On July 13, 2022 at 5:20:14 PM, lisa feltner (lfel...@comcast.net) wrote:
>
> Hi Neighbors,
>
> A quick note of concern that the Planning Board will hear a Arsenal Yards request to amend the zoning ordinance, to allow a "wall-mounted or rooftop sign”, exceeding 100’ “ …for the RMUDistrict. How do you feel about this? Concerns? Joy? The Planning Board will make a recommendation back to City Council on whether to amend zoning.
>
>
>
> My gut does not feel comfortable with this for several initial reasons, such as
>
> -impact on river area users, wildlife, illumination means more light pollution, is this the “branding” of Watertown we want (easily seen from Mass Turnpike etc), expect to see more large & high signs in the future, maintenance, flexibility in the zoning language as written leaves questions (I know that the Planning Board would ultimately vote on specific signs, if Council approves this zoning change) -
>
> and I’m not aware of specific community benefit, although the planning staff report states “…a sign may benefit a community just by helping to build an enterprise’s brand and thereby increase its property values…."
>
>
>
> Planning Board is meeting in person at 7PM in Council Chamber, with virtual option to connect, see Agenda https://watertownma.civicclerk.com/Web/Player.aspx?id=2602&key=-1&mod=-1&mk=-1&nov=0 Comments may be emailed to Head Clerk Ingrid Marchesano IMarc...@watertown-ma.gov
>
>
>
> I’ve attached the Staff Report for convenience. Feel free to email responses to me as well at lfel...@watertown-ma.gov
>
> Best, Lisa
>
>
>
> --

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> <2022July DCDP Staff Report Signs over 100' RMUD_zoning amendment.pdf>
>
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[RCN]

Oh I just love that the Planning staff thinks it helps Watertown to build a private company’s brand in the crassest way possible. I’m so glad that they are so concerned about raising the property values for a private developer that they will sacrifice river views with intrusive garish lighting and set a precedent that can only make things worse. Wow. Does anyone else think the Planning Dept has yet again put its foot in its mouth? Why are they still there?

I hate that too tall building going up along the river as it is. It’s lousy architecture and an eyesore. This developer does cheap and bad taste. 

This developer has consistently sprung bad requests on the Town. They are awful. They really want to cheapen Watertown. No no no to this bad bad proposal. 

Thanks for alerting us to this, Lisa and sorry I couldn’t make the meeting. 

I can’t wait to see the last of McQuillan and Co. 

Marcia

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 13, 2022, at 5:20 PM, lisa feltner <lfel...@comcast.net> wrote:



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[Ernesta Kraczkiewicz]

Lisa, do you have any report on whether any action was taken last night?

Ernesta

On Thu, Jul 14, 2022 at 9:36 AM veronica mccormack <vlmcc...@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear All,

The ambient light alone is reason enough to oppose this.  I'm happy to sign any letters of opposition.

Veronica McCormack

43 Riverside St

On Thu, Jul 14, 2022 at 8:40 AM Martha Sesin <marth...@gmail.com> wrote:

Problem with roof tops is kids like to throw parties on them. Due to the one across street on North Beacon the noise has kept us up a few nights the residents have been entertaining on their roof top

MARTHA SESIN

ABR, Certified Negotiations Specialist

Residential Real Estate Sales

Boston Luxury Homes

Mailto: Marthase...@gmail.com

Direct line (617) 938-4517

Licensed to practice real estate in Massachusetts since 1989

On Jul 13, 2022, at 6:13 PM, Joseph Levendusky <jleve...@earthlink.net> wrote:

130 feet in the air? 105 feet long? 10 foot letters?  In proximity to the river?  That is insane,  And planning wants to give it to them?  
This is proof positive that DCPD cares more about developers than the town.

I cannot attend this evening, but will attend Town Council if necessary.

Unbelievable.  Simply unbelievable.

Joe

On Jul 13, 2022, at 5:46 PM, lisa feltner <lfel...@comcast.net> wrote:

<2022July DCDP Staff Report Signs over 100' RMUD_zoning amendment.pdf>

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[lisa feltner]

Dear Ernesta and residents,

The Planning Board voted to favorably recommend the zoning amendment for the RMUDistrict to Council, as drafted by staff (4-0, Jason Cohen was absent)…so it will be up to City Council to vote on whether to change zoning to allow such signage, thus grant an exception in the current Design Guidelines, which currently prohibits rooftop signs.

If two-thirds of Council says yes, Arsenal Yards would then submit actual design plans for review and approval by staff & Planning Board (although there is a current sign concept shown last night). I don’t know if Pres. Sideris would put this on a regular Council agenda for Aug 9, or Sept 13 or 27, or call a special meeting...

I recommend reading the Staff Report (attached) and also viewing the recording of July 13 Planning Board public hearing once WCA-TV makes it available. I have many thoughts to share later. 

Yours, Lisa

[Lynn Bratley]

I agree with Susan, the Arsenal Yards is an eyesore and a disaster already. I do not go there. The big sign will make it worse. Watertown does not need "branding"..

Lynn Bratley

21 Church Lane, Watertown, MA 02472

617-959-5634

Boldly going nowhere...

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[jboc...@rcn.com]

Friends, Groupies and Neighbors, If anyone would like to see Boylston Properties’ submission to the Planning Board which the DCDP staff referred to in their report, please let me know and I’ll send it to you. (Or if people are concerned about opening attachments, tell me how to make it available. I use an antiquated technology called Dropbox.) The staff said they were unable to post it online. The pretty pictures are “illuminating” (pun intended) to get a sense of what BP claims the sign would look like and how inobtrusive it would be. We each can make our own judgement.

 

Jon

 

From: ccgwat...@googlegroups.com <ccgwat...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Family Ryan
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2022 6:52 PM
To: lisa feltner <lfel...@comcast.net>
Cc: Friends of the Watertown River <fo...@googlegroups.com>; Concerned Citizens Group <ccgwat...@googlegroups.com>; Riverside Neighbors <riverside-neighb...@googlegroups.com>; Friends of the Watertown Riverfront <FriendsoftheWat...@groups.outlook.com>
Subject: Re: 7pm tonight: request for large signage facing Greenough/Charles River, Planning Board mtg

 

Forwarding to include new FOTWR email group. 

 

And I already replied to Lisa to say that I think this is a terrible idea!  

 

- Sarah Ryan 

On Jul 13, 2022, at 5:46 PM, lisa feltner <lfel...@comcast.net> wrote:

 

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[Nancy Hammett]

Thank you Jon. I would like to see it. No worries with attachments.

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Nancy Hammett

nham...@gmail.com

617-763-2761 cell

[Jbhawes]

Hi Jon, could you send the presentation to me?

Thanks, John 

Sent from my iPad

On Jul 23, 2022, at 11:14 AM, jboc...@rcn.com wrote:



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[Patrick Fairbairn]

Jon,  Thanks for the notification.  Please send me the Boylston Properties' submission.

                                                             --  Patrick.

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[Karin Rosenthal]

Jon,

Please send me the submission.  I have been following the commentary and totally agree with how appalled everyone is about this proposal which would open a new level of crude commercialization in Watertown.  That is the antithesis of Watertown’s nature.  Will be in Europe In a few days, so will follow from there as I am able.  This signage cannot happen!!!

Karin

On Jul 23, 2022, at 11:14 AM, jboc...@rcn.com wrote:

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