DCR Traffic Advisory: Charles River Road in Watertown

[Lisa Feltner]

Hi Neighbors,

Please help spread the word. Unfortunately notice was given last minute and overnight utility work began last night. The notice below was recently forwarded to me. I suggest subscribing to DCR notices if interested, as the Town is often notified at the last minute; send requests to dcr.u...@state.ma.us
Best wishes,

Lisa 

------Forwarded message------
From: Lisa Feltner <lfel...@watertown-ma.gov>
Date: Thu, May 3, 2018 at 11:58 AM
Subject: DCR Traffic Advisory: Charles River Road in Watertown
To: lisa feltner <lfel...@comcast.net>

for public notice:

 

From: Updates, DCR (DCR) [mailto:DCRUp...@MassMail.State.MA.US]
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2018 3:19 PM
To: Updates, DCR (DCR) <dcr.u...@state.ma.us>
Subject: DCR Traffic Advisory: Charles River Road in Watertown

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2018 CONTACT Troy Wall Troy...@state.ma.us 617-626-1453     DCR Traffic Advisory: Charles River Road in Watertown   WHAT:          Tonight, May 2, 2018, and tomorrow, May 3, 2018, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will implement a roadway closure along Charles River Road in the Town of Watertown between North Beacon Street and Watertown Square from 8:00PM to 5:00AM to accommodate milling operations work. Abutters will be allowed access to their property. Additionally, traffic patterns will be clearly marked and a police detail will be on site.   WHERE:       Charles River Road in the Town of Watertown between North Beacon Street and Watertown Square   WHEN:          Wednesday, May 2, 2018, and Thursday, May 3, 2018 8:00PM – 5:00AM   ###

 

 

----

[Sarah Ryan]

Well, this is special.  

It’s 12:10 on Sunday night and we cannot sleep because our state officials seem to think this is a good time to remove the top surface from Charles River Road.   This is a very noisy process, with loud grinding sounds from the milling and constant backup alarms on the trucks.   

Why does anyone think this is a good idea?  

Can Watertown DPW and town officials coordinate with DCR to give some kind of notice to neighbors in advance of this noisy, disruptive work?   

Even if we had gotten advance notice, don’t we have noise ordinances?  If our neighbors were having a loud party,  we could call the police, but since this is our state officials, we are apparently stuck and doomed to a sleepless night. 

Thank you DCR and thank you Watertown.   

- Sarah Ryan 

Paul St.  

On May 3, 2018, at 12:17 PM, Lisa Feltner <lfel...@comcast.net> wrote:

Hi Neighbors,

Please help spread the word. Unfortunately notice was given last minute and overnight utility work began last night. The notice below was recently forwarded to me. I suggest subscribing to DCR notices if interested, as the Town is often notified at the last minute; send requests to dcr.u...@state.ma.us
Best wishes,

Lisa 

------Forwarded message------ 
From: Lisa Feltner <lfel...@watertown-ma.gov> 
Date: Thu, May 3, 2018 at 11:58 AM
Subject: DCR Traffic Advisory: Charles River Road in Watertown
To: lisa feltner <lfel...@comcast.net>  

for public notice:

 

From: Updates, DCR (DCR) [mailto:DCRUp...@MassMail.State.MA.US] 
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2018 3:19 PM
To: Updates, DCR (DCR) <dcr.u...@state.ma.us>
Subject: DCR Traffic Advisory: Charles River Road in Watertown

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2018 CONTACT Troy Wall Troy...@state.ma.us 617-626-1453

<image002.jpg>

DCR Traffic Advisory: Charles River Road in Watertown   WHAT:          Tonight, May 2, 2018, and tomorrow, May 3, 2018, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will implement a roadway closure along Charles River Road in the Town of Watertown between North Beacon Street and Watertown Square from 8:00PM to 5:00AM to accommodate milling operations work. Abutters will be allowed access to their property. Additionally, traffic patterns will be clearly marked and a police detail will be on site.   WHERE:       Charles River Road in the Town of Watertown between North Beacon Street and Watertown Square   WHEN:          Wednesday, May 2, 2018, and Thursday, May 3, 2018 8:00PM – 5:00AM   ###

 

 

----

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[RCN]

Hi Sarah, yes I’m up too, almost 2 am. I, like you, have to get up in the morning too. Guess I’m not going to sleep all night. Then Athena will start up at 7 am. I’ve written to the DCR and even Charlie Baker. I should have told him I’ll need opioids if this goes on any longer. Maybe he’d care then. 

Anyway, the DCR is proving itself idiotic. Why don’t they work on the pedestrian bridge at this time, not right outside residents’ homes?

It is incredibly noisy and all my windows are shut tight. 

What is wrong with them?

Marcia

[mciro]

RE: night work on Charles River Road in Watertown

Joke: Why is this work being done at night?

Answer: To better ensure overtime pay for workers and police

This road could have easily been closed down during mid-day to accommodate this work. Please don't tell me otherwise, or you will just reveal yourself to be ignorant of your own roads.

Why don't you give me your home phone number so I can call you at 2 am in the morning when I'm trying to sleep but can't? We can be up together and you can see what it's like. Win-win.

Also, this road needs new design to meet the needs of increased traffic because of surrounding developments. Instead, you are just paving over the road as it was before without talking to the town to find out what's needed. We have been asking for bump-outs, crosswalks, speed bumps, etc., but everyone passes the buck because everyone knows the DCR is intractable and impossible to deal with.

I'd like to see legislation that makes this kind of night work illegal. How come you can violate noise ordinances?

Something wrong with this picture.

Marcia Ciro
13 Bay Street
Watertown

On 5/7/18 7:23 AM, Rob Vercollone wrote:

Night milking operations are appropriate when the road is SO busy during the day that it can’t be shut down.   This is NOT THE CASE WITH THIS ROAD!  the money saved by the operation being more efficient at night does not pay for the overtime wages for all the employees

Sent from my iPhonellin

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[Sarah Ryan]

Dear All,

I absolutely agree with Marcia on all of her points.    According to the latest announcement, we can now anticipate sleepless nights both this Thursday and Friday nights, with overnight paving work planned between 7 pm and 5 am. 

I ask DCR and our state reps:  can you help us to get this work rescheduled to be less intrusive to all of the residents living near Charles River Road? 

I ask Watertown DPW and town councilors, what can you do to defend your constituents?   

We are still furious about Sunday night’s noise and lost sleep and we do not see why we and our neighbors are now going to lose two more nights of sleep.   This is just plain unacceptable! 

Thank you,

Sarah Ryan 

Paul St.

[Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU)]

Thanks, Will. Please loop in my office too. I think Marcia’s/Sarah’s points are valid. No reason this couldn’t have been done in daytime.

Jon

Sent from my iPhone

On May 10, 2018, at 6:25 AM, Brownsberger, William (SEN) <William.Br...@masenate.gov> wrote:

Will look into this this morning.

Truth is that if contracts are out, unlikely that anything can change.

But, I'll look into how DCR communicated on this.  Definitely wrong if this was a surprise.

My cell is below.  Feel free to call any time.  And please call to check in with me mid-day today on results of inquiry.

William N. Brownsberger
State Senator
Second Suffolk and Middlesex District
Room 504
State House
Boston, MA  02133
617-722-1280 (office)
617-771-8274 (cell)
Visit willbrownsberger.com for news.

---

From: Sarah Ryan [jsnm...@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2018 9:28 PM
To: Friends of the Watertown River; troy...@massmail.state.ma.us; Brownsberger, William (SEN); Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU)
Cc: Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; towncou...@watertown-ma.gov; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon....@gmail.com; in...@sustainablewatertown.org
Subject: Re: [fotwr] DCR Director of Communications, please communicate

[Sarah Ryan]

Thank you so much Will and Jon!  

[RCN]

Thank you both. I don’t understand how entities like the DCR and NStar can violate noise ordinances. With a police detail no less. This should not be allowed near residential neighborhoods. 

[Sarah Ryan]

Hi Will,

Thank you so much for getting these answers for us from the DCR.   It Is incredibly reassuring to know that we have such wonderful state representatives looking after our best interests.  I have seen some trucks out there tonight, but fortunately so far, this is nowhere near as noisy and disruptive as the milling project. 

I added the FOTWR address to this list, not sure who currently manages this group, but I’m sure someone can add you to this group.  

Thanks again, 

Sarah Ryan 

On May 10, 2018, at 8:33 PM, Brownsberger, William (SEN) <William.Br...@masenate.gov> wrote:

DCR is owning and apologizing for the failure of notification regarding the night milling operation on Tuesday night.

They feel that they have to continue with the paving operation tonight and tomorrow night as committed by contract, but offer that it should not be quite as disruptive as the milling operation.

I have made the point that there was really no traffic or local reason why any of this had to happen at night.  If they had only consulted before hand, they would likely have heard that in this neighborhood, day work would have been preferred.

Please see pasted in below the response that we have received from DCR.

My cell phone is below.  Please feel free to use it!  Please share this email with your fotwr google group to which I cannot post.  Ideally, also please add me to the group.

Will Brownsberger
State Senator
617-771-8274 (cell phone).

DCR RESPONSE REGARDING NIGHT MILLING FOLLOWS
________________________________________
From: Pierce, Sean (DCR) [Sean....@MassMail.State.MA.US]
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2018 6:24 PM
To: Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN)
Cc: Budde, Griffin (DCR)
Subject: RE: [fotwr] DCR Director of Communications, please communicate

Andrew,

Thank you for the email, and for forwarding the chain from the Senator’s constituents.  Nighttime roadwork is an unfortunate reality in most areas of Massachusetts, particularly on well-traveled roadways in densely-populated areas around Boston.  As an agency, we try to minimize these instances, but sometimes they are unavoidable as paving crews are in such high demand throughout the spring and summer.  Whenever any type of roadwork is planned, particularly nighttime roadwork, DCR sends out advisories to warn those who may be affected (although, no matter the time, roadwork will always be a source of disturbance for nearby residents).  To an extent, we rely on the recipients of our advisories to distribute and post them further.

For the first 2-3 days of the 2018 paving season, DCR failed to send these advisories due to a communication breakdown internally.  We believe the issue, following internal meetings between engineering and administrative staff, has been rectified.  A secondary traffic advisory covering the remainder of work on Charles River Road was circulated on Tuesday.  Traffic advisories are always distributed to state elected officials, local press, and an external listserv that is publicly available on DCR’s home webpage.  Admittedly, requesting this service is somewhat hard to see unless someone were actively looking for this service.  We are working to see if there are ways to make it more visible.  Here is a Direct Link<https://www.mass.gov/forms/sign-up-for-dcr-updates>, if you’d like to share.

In summary, there is no way to eliminate nighttime paving from DCR’s responsibility to maintain its roads.  We apologize for not alerting the public of milling work on Charles River Road last weekend, and we do not anticipate a repeat occurrence.  It would be much appreciated if Senator Brownsberger could share the link included in this email so that constituents may be kept updated regarding future advisories and project updates.

Thank you,
Sean


Sean Pierce
Director of Government & Legislative Affairs

Department of Conservation and Recreation

From: Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN) [mailto:andrew.b...@masenate.gov]
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2018 9:46 AM
To: Pierce, Sean (DCR); Budde, Griffin (DCR)
Subject: FW: [fotwr] DCR Director of Communications, please communicate
Importance: High

Hey team, see below.

The Senator is interested in understanding 1) what type of public outreach was conducted prior to this work and 2) why this work happened at night.

We’re expecting a call from one of these constituents mid-day and we’d like to be armed with a little information.

Thank you,

Andrew Bettinelli
Chief of Staff
Office of State Senator William N. Brownsberger
State House, Room 504
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: (617) 722-1280, X 1284
Subscribe for notices of new discussion topics at Will Brownsberger.com<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__eepurl.com_SwAPL&d=DwMFAg&c=lDF7oMaPKXpkYvev9V-fVahWL0QWnGCCAfCDz1Bns_w&r=62j026-XH_VZKoPt3VNcG2LkBG73DXeWNLv1RQTSMfA&m=8wUbjjsNvXfDv269jisS9yTHQzWSstWFYw0OjEXTTcA&s=YgueVRkQvHdHSIZPuCT8jv9LHoxTV1Pt5HjNCuw4vIg&e=>
Web Site: willbrownsberger.com<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.willbrownsberger.com_&d=DwMFAg&c=lDF7oMaPKXpkYvev9V-fVahWL0QWnGCCAfCDz1Bns_w&r=62j026-XH_VZKoPt3VNcG2LkBG73DXeWNLv1RQTSMfA&m=8wUbjjsNvXfDv269jisS9yTHQzWSstWFYw0OjEXTTcA&s=mqQVkDs0fJcEhDZKAaxjNGQN5iGvtnUBo7gSOqeOWZ0&e=>
From: Brownsberger, William (SEN)
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2018 6:26 AM
To: Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN)
Subject: FW: [fotwr] DCR Director of Communications, please communicate

Please see below.  Let's find out what's happening.

William N. Brownsberger
State Senator
Second Suffolk and Middlesex District
Room 504
State House
Boston, MA  02133
617-722-1280 (office)
617-771-8274 (cell)
Visit willbrownsberger.com for news.

William N. Brownsberger
State Senator
Second Suffolk and Middlesex District
Room 504
State House
Boston, MA  02133
617-722-1280 (office)
617-771-8274 (cell)
Visit willbrownsberger.com for news.

---

From: RCN [mc...@rcn.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2018 5:58 PM
To: Sarah Ryan
Cc: Friends of the Watertown River; Brownsberger, William (SEN); troy...@massmail.state.ma.us; Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; towncou...@watertown-ma.gov; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon....@gmail.com; in...@sustainablewatertown.org; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU)

[RCN]

Dear Sen Brownsberger,

Thank you so much for getting this response from the DCR. However, while they own up to the bad communication, they do not seem open to changing scheduling when needed. Knowing that we will lose a night’s sleep ahead of time gives us what, a heads up on paying for a hotel room? They did not answer your question about why this particular work had to be done at night, except that crews are in high demand. Not much of an answer and certainly no excuse. 

NStar also did night work last year that was equally as noisy and kept me up. It seems to me that we need some legislation to protect constituents from this kind of bad planning on the part of state agencies and utilities. No entity should be allowed to disregard noise ordinances. 

I am also extremely disappointed that DCR did not communicate with the town to find out if there were any new needs for this road, which is under increasing pressure from traffic due to the frenzy of development happening nearby. I understand that they are underfunded, but seems to me, like the MBTA, perennially badly managed. 

Best,

Marcia Ciro

On May 10, 2018, at 8:33 PM, Brownsberger, William (SEN) <William.Br...@masenate.gov> wrote:

DCR is owning and apologizing for the failure of notification regarding the night milling operation on Tuesday night.

They feel that they have to continue with the paving operation tonight and tomorrow night as committed by contract, but offer that it should not be quite as disruptive as the milling operation.

I have made the point that there was really no traffic or local reason why any of this had to happen at night.  If they had only consulted before hand, they would likely have heard that in this neighborhood, day work would have been preferred.

Please see pasted in below the response that we have received from DCR.

My cell phone is below.  Please feel free to use it!  Please share this email with your fotwr google group to which I cannot post.  Ideally, also please add me to the group.

Will Brownsberger
State Senator
617-771-8274 (cell phone).

DCR RESPONSE REGARDING NIGHT MILLING FOLLOWS

________________________________________
From: Pierce, Sean (DCR) [Sean....@MassMail.State.MA.US]
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2018 6:24 PM
To: Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN)
Cc: Budde, Griffin (DCR)
Subject: RE: [fotwr] DCR Director of Communications, please communicate

Andrew,

Thank you for the email, and for forwarding the chain from the Senator’s constituents.  Nighttime roadwork is an unfortunate reality in most areas of Massachusetts, particularly on well-traveled roadways in densely-populated areas around Boston.  As an agency, we try to minimize these instances, but sometimes they are unavoidable as paving crews are in such high demand throughout the spring and summer.  Whenever any type of roadwork is planned, particularly nighttime roadwork, DCR sends out advisories to warn those who may be affected (although, no matter the time, roadwork will always be a source of disturbance for nearby residents).  To an extent, we rely on the recipients of our advisories to distribute and post them further.

For the first 2-3 days of the 2018 paving season, DCR failed to send these advisories due to a communication breakdown internally.  We believe the issue, following internal meetings between engineering and administrative staff, has been rectified.  A secondary traffic advisory covering the remainder of work on Charles River Road was circulated on Tuesday.  Traffic advisories are always distributed to state elected officials, local press, and an external listserv that is publicly available on DCR’s home webpage.  Admittedly, requesting this service is somewhat hard to see unless someone were actively looking for this service.  We are working to see if there are ways to make it more visible.  Here is a Direct Link<https://www.mass.gov/forms/sign-up-for-dcr-updates>, if you’d like to share.

In summary, there is no way to eliminate nighttime paving from DCR’s responsibility to maintain its roads.  We apologize for not alerting the public of milling work on Charles River Road last weekend, and we do not anticipate a repeat occurrence.  It would be much appreciated if Senator Brownsberger could share the link included in this email so that constituents may be kept updated regarding future advisories and project updates.

Thank you,
Sean


Sean Pierce
Director of Government & Legislative Affairs

Department of Conservation and Recreation

From: Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN) [mailto:andrew.b...@masenate.gov]
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2018 9:46 AM
To: Pierce, Sean (DCR); Budde, Griffin (DCR)
Subject: FW: [fotwr] DCR Director of Communications, please communicate
Importance: High

Hey team, see below.

The Senator is interested in understanding 1) what type of public outreach was conducted prior to this work and 2) why this work happened at night.

We’re expecting a call from one of these constituents mid-day and we’d like to be armed with a little information.

Thank you,

Andrew Bettinelli
Chief of Staff
Office of State Senator William N. Brownsberger
State House, Room 504
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: (617) 722-1280, X 1284
Subscribe for notices of new discussion topics at Will Brownsberger.com<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__eepurl.com_SwAPL&d=DwMFAg&c=lDF7oMaPKXpkYvev9V-fVahWL0QWnGCCAfCDz1Bns_w&r=62j026-XH_VZKoPt3VNcG2LkBG73DXeWNLv1RQTSMfA&m=8wUbjjsNvXfDv269jisS9yTHQzWSstWFYw0OjEXTTcA&s=YgueVRkQvHdHSIZPuCT8jv9LHoxTV1Pt5HjNCuw4vIg&e=>
Web Site: willbrownsberger.com<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.willbrownsberger.com_&d=DwMFAg&c=lDF7oMaPKXpkYvev9V-fVahWL0QWnGCCAfCDz1Bns_w&r=62j026-XH_VZKoPt3VNcG2LkBG73DXeWNLv1RQTSMfA&m=8wUbjjsNvXfDv269jisS9yTHQzWSstWFYw0OjEXTTcA&s=mqQVkDs0fJcEhDZKAaxjNGQN5iGvtnUBo7gSOqeOWZ0&e=>
From: Brownsberger, William (SEN)
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2018 6:26 AM
To: Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN)
Subject: FW: [fotwr] DCR Director of Communications, please communicate

Please see below.  Let's find out what's happening.

William N. Brownsberger
State Senator
Second Suffolk and Middlesex District
Room 504
State House
Boston, MA  02133
617-722-1280 (office)
617-771-8274 (cell)
Visit willbrownsberger.com for news.

William N. Brownsberger
State Senator
Second Suffolk and Middlesex District
Room 504
State House
Boston, MA  02133
617-722-1280 (office)
617-771-8274 (cell)
Visit willbrownsberger.com for news.

---

From: RCN [mc...@rcn.com]

Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2018 5:58 PM
To: Sarah Ryan

Cc: Friends of the Watertown River; Brownsberger, William (SEN); troy...@massmail.state.ma.us; Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; towncou...@watertown-ma.gov; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon....@gmail.com; in...@sustainablewatertown.org; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU)

[RCN]

Hello Sen Brownsberger,

It is 2:30 on Saturday morning and I can attest to the fact that the paving of Charles River Road is just as noisy as the grinding. The noises include vibrations strong enough to rattle things in my home. Two nights of lost sleep is unacceptable. I’m sure this wouldn’t happen in a wealthier community. I hope that someone sees fit to investigate the DCR use of night crews and the overtime these crews entail. The DCR has deteriorated even more under the Baker administration (hard to imagine). 

Best regards,

Marcia Ciro

13 Bay St

[mciro]

Hello Rep Hecht and Sen Brownsberger,

Thank you for your responses and advocacy on behalf of our neighborhood with the recent repaving of Charles River Road.

Since the road is now primed for speed, and we have been complaining about speed of the increased traffic along this road for some time, could we get the DCR to consider painting crosswalks along this road when they repaint the lines? I understand that this painting will happen soon, and that the DCR is not an adaptable nor responsive agency, but I (and I know some of my neighbors) am wondering if pushed, that we might be able to at least get this simple safety measure installed to slow the traffic down.

Eventually, we would like to see this road redesigned as a park road and not a thruway, with parking lane bump-outs and raised tables matched with crosswalks, but understand that this needs planning. In the meantime, though, just a little extra paint could go a long way to making this road safer as an entrance to the riverway. Having crosswalks in the sightlines of motorists will also alert them to the fact that this is not a speedway. We'd like to see at least four added, two east of Beechwood, and two west of Irving.

Can we get them to do this? Please?

Best regards,

Marcia Ciro
13 Bay St

[Sarah Ryan]

Dear All,

I absolutely agree that we need to ensure that Charles River Road is a parkway, not a thruway.    Many town discussions have confirmed that the riverfront is a great asset to our town, but if we cannot ensure safe pedestrian access to the river, what’s the point?   

Currently, the best place to cross Charles River Road is either at Irving St. or one of the traffic lights at either end.    The smooth, newly paved road surface is clearly an invitation for speed.  This is readily apparent already today, judging by the increased speeds of cars and motorcycles driving by.  

One immediate, cheap and relatively simple improvement would be to add a number of painted pedestrian crosswalks along Charles River Road.  The eastern stretch between Perkins and the Arsenal complex has none at all.   At a bare minimum, two crosswalks would greatly enhance pedestrian access in this area.  Between Perkins and Watertown Square, at least one or two additional crosswalks would improve pedestrian safety and increase access to the riverfront. 

Longer term, the town and DCR need to work together on serious traffic calming solutions.  Raised crosswalks, bump-outs around parking and other methods have worked well in other areas.   Let’s think constructively and productively about how to enhance our use of the riverfront, starting with safe access. 

Thank you,

Sarah Ryan 

Paul St.  

On May 13, 2018, at 1:29 PM, Rena Baskin <rkba...@gmail.com> wrote:

I second Marcia's suggestion. Pedestrians must be provided safe passage on this road, and it should, indeed, be a park road, not a thruway.

Rena

[Jonathan Bockian]

Marcia and Sarah are right: there should be more pathways to the river and it has never made any sense that along Charles River Rd from Watertown Sq. to North Beacon St. there is now only one place with striped crosswalks – the crossing at Irving St.

Everyone who comes down to enjoy the river through any of the many streets other than Irving St. has to either take their life in their hands to dash across CRR or walk all the way to one end or the other. They’re also right that additional crosswalks would serve as the first step in slowing traffic on CRR. Slowing traffic might not please the people who are just passing through but it sure would please the people who live here. DCR made a big mistake by not talking with the residents before undertaking the repaving of CRR in the middle of the night. It would do a lot to redeem DCR and show that they do care about residents if DCR could find their way to paint in some crosswalks while they’re painting the new CRR pavement. That doesn’t require a 10-year study or an I-Cubed bond sale.

 

Jon Bockian

 

[Zubrowski, Eileen]

I will no longer be available at this e-address.  Please change to eilee...@icloud.com

 

Thanks.

 

Eileen Zubrowski

[Sam Falkoff]

You have to change it yourself, on groups.google.com where you are subscribed

[Lisa Feltner]

Hi Neighbors,

just a reminder that you can sign up for email notices directly from DCR as well as from the Town (although you will receive notices about all DCR updates) -see the updated link provided by DCR https://www.mass.gov/forms/sign-up-for-dcr-updates

I asked our town manager to please include DCR notices, along with road work disruptions/closures, in our town “Notify Me” service as possible -please subscribe to our town website at http://www.watertown-ma.gov/list.aspx and select “Public Works”  along with any other departments or categories of interest to you, and you will receive Town email.  I know it is very frustrating to receive last-minute utility or road work notices, especially for night work; I think this email service is the quickest and most direct way we have to communicate non-emergencies right now, including for Town meetings. (Town Councilors often receive no more advance notice either.)

FYI the Watertown Police Dept has also been using Twitter for notifications; the new Town Council Committee on Media & Public Outreach is actively working on improvements (Tony Palomba, chair).

I also continue to support more pedestrian access to the Charles River and more safe pedestrian crossings in Town.  Rep. Jon Hecht and Senator Will Brownsberger in particular are in contact with state officials and others on these efforts.

Thanks for your caring involvement,

Lisa

www.lisafeltner.com

PS  A plug to drop in to Hosmer Elementary School Cafeteria for a Mount Auburn Street Design Open House tonight from 4:00-7:00PM with DPW!

------Forwarded message------ 

From: Pierce, Sean (DCR) [Sean....@MassMail.State.MA.US]

Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2018 6:24 PM

To: Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN)

Cc: Budde, Griffin (DCR)

Subject: RE: [fotwr] DCR Director of Communications, please communicate

Andrew,

Thank you for the email, and for forwarding the chain from the Senator’s constituents…  Whenever any type of roadwork is planned, particularly nighttime roadwork, DCR sends out advisories to warn those who may be affected (although, no matter the time, roadwork will always be a source of disturbance for nearby residents).  To an extent, we rely on the recipients of our advisories to distribute and post them further.

For the first 2-3 days of the 2018 paving season, DCR failed to send these advisories due to a communication breakdown internally.  We believe the issue, following internal meetings between engineering and administrative staff, has been rectified.  A secondary traffic advisory covering the remainder of work on Charles River Road was circulated on Tuesday.  Traffic advisories are always distributed to state elected officials, local press, and an external listserv that is publicly available on DCR’s home webpage.  Admittedly, requesting this service is somewhat hard to see unless someone were actively looking for this service.  We are working to see if there are ways to make it more visible.  Here is a Direct Link <https://www.mass.gov/forms/sign-up-for-dcr-updates>, if you’d like to share….

Thank you,

Sean

Sean Pierce

Director of Government & Legislative Affairs

Department of Conservation and Recreation

[Zubrowski, Eileen]

Sorry, I can’t figure out how to do it.

 

Eileen Z

[Ernesta Kraczkiewicz]

Veronica, I think that is certainly an idea that should be discussed!

Ernesta

On Mon, May 14, 2018 at 12:30 PM, veronica mccormack <vlmcc...@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear All,

Off topic, but I wonder if there has ever been discussion of closing Charles River Road on weekends, as Memorial Dr. does.  I imagine it would be a popular idea to locals.

Veronica McCormack

Riverside Dr.

Hi Neighbors,

for public notice:

<image002.jpg>

DCR Traffic Advisory: Charles River Road in Watertown   WHAT:          Tonight, May 2, 2018, and tomorrow, May 3, 2018, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will implement a roadway closure along Charles River Road in the Town of Watertown between North Beacon Street and Watertown Square from 8:00PM to 5:00AM to accommodate milling operations work. Abutters will be allowed access to their property. Additionally, traffic patterns will be clearly marked and a police detail will be on site.   WHERE:       Charles River Road in the Town of Watertown between North Beacon Street and Watertown Square   WHEN:          Wednesday, May 2, 2018, and Thursday, May 3, 2018 8:00PM – 5:00AM   ###

 

 

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[Ernesta Kraczkiewicz]

Yes, I was amazed that DCR was doing this repaving project without considering the other changes that should be made along with it.  When the bike lanes were painted in (what was it, 15 or 20 years ago already?) it was stated that this was a short term measure and that the road would be reconstructed with traffic calming measures and probably a separated bike lane later.  How much later?

Ernesta

Paul St.  

Rena

Paul St.

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[Patricia Ahern]

This would be a fine idea. Some years ago, about 22 maybe, the road was closed for one Saturday afternoon as an experiment and in hopes that a Faire on the Square-type event would happen there. I thought it was fabulous but people were upset because the cars all went through the neighborhood instead of on the road.  Discussion now is a great idea. Thanks Veronica for mentioning it.  

-Pat Ahern

10 Riverside St

On May 14, 2018, at 12:30 PM, veronica mccormack <vlmcc...@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear All,

Off topic, but I wonder if there has ever been discussion of closing Charles River Road on weekends, as Memorial Dr. does.  I imagine it would be a popular idea to locals.

Veronica McCormack

Riverside Dr.

On May 14, 2018, at 11:03 AM, Lisa Feltner <lfel...@comcast.net> wrote:

Hi Neighbors,

for public notice:

<image002.jpg>

DCR Traffic Advisory: Charles River Road in Watertown   WHAT:          Tonight, May 2, 2018, and tomorrow, May 3, 2018, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will implement a roadway closure along Charles River Road in the Town of Watertown between North Beacon Street and Watertown Square from 8:00PM to 5:00AM to accommodate milling operations work. Abutters will be allowed access to their property. Additionally, traffic patterns will be clearly marked and a police detail will be on site.   WHERE:       Charles River Road in the Town of Watertown between North Beacon Street and Watertown Square   WHEN:          Wednesday, May 2, 2018, and Thursday, May 3, 2018 8:00PM – 5:00AM   ###

 

 

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[Sharon Teitelbaum]

Love the idea of more pedestrian crosswalks on CRR.  And such a modest request!

Sharon Teitelbaum

 

From: riverside-neighb...@googlegroups.com <riverside-neighb...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Sibylle DeCarlo
Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2018 9:22 PM
To: jboc...@bockianlaw.com
Cc: fo...@googlegroups.com; Rena Baskin <rkba...@gmail.com>; Marcia Ciro <mc...@rcn.com>; Will Brownsberger <william.br...@masenate.gov>; Hecht, Jonathan (HOU) <jonatha...@mahouse.gov>; troy...@massmail.state.ma.us; Rob Vercollone <ver...@aol.com>; Lisa Feltner <lfel...@watertown-ma.gov>; Gerald Mee <jm...@watertown-ma.gov>; Councilor Tony Palomba <councilo...@gmail.com>; Mark Sideris <msid...@watertown-ma.gov>; Caroline Bays <cb...@watertown-ma.gov>; towncou...@watertown-ma.gov; google group CCGWatertown <ccgwat...@googlegroups.com>; Nbeacon....@gmail.com; in...@sustainablewatertown.org; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU) <Sarah.S...@mahouse.gov>; Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN) <Andrew.B...@masenate.gov>; riverside-neighb...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [fotwr] DCR Director of Communications, please communicate

 

Dear All- 

 I agree with Sarah about cars already going much faster! We have many young families, people with disabilities, seniors, & most of us who want to cross over to the river at different areas, safely. Please put in several crosswalks to keep all safe! Eventually like to see several speed bumps on Charles River Road & eventually add pedestrian lights so people can cross & be seen. Please help to keep us all safe in our town where we live.

 Thank you!

Sibylle DeCarlo

20 Riverside Street

 

 

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[David Jay]

I believe Phase 2 of the waterfront improvements will include resetting the curb and sidewalk for a 'bump out' on Perkins Hill so the sidewalk will no longer send you down into the woods.  This should slow traffic somewhat.

Phase 2 also calls for a more formal entry into the park opposite Paul St.  It would make a lot of sense to stripe crosswalks now while they're painting anyway.

David Jay

[les...@seadogpress.com]

Hi David,

Do you know when they will begin phase 2 of the riverwalk restoration? Was hoping it might be this summer...

Leslie

[David Jay]

No I don't, I think the funding is fairly close.  Be nice to get a presentation from the DCR.

David

[Sarah Ryan]

Hello Senator Brownsberger and Senator Hecht, 

Are there any updates from DCR about making Charles River Road more pedestrian friendly?  If there is possibility of getting more crosswalks painted, would it be possible to have a meeting with nearby residents first, to ensure that crosswalks will be painted in areas where they are needed?   The residents know these streets far better than DCR officials do. 

Thank you,

Sarah Ryan

Paul St.  

On May 13, 2018, at 8:04 PM, Brownsberger, William (SEN) <William.Br...@masenate.gov> wrote:

We can and will make this request.

I fully agree that the road should be more pedestrian friendly and right now DCR definitely owes the neighborhood some good news.

Jon and I will follow up.

William N. Brownsberger
State Senator
Second Suffolk and Middlesex District
Room 504
State House
Boston, MA  02133
617-722-1280 (office)
617-771-8274 (cell)
Visit willbrownsberger.com for news.

---

From: Sarah Ryan [jsnm...@comcast.net]
Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2018 5:57 PM
To: Rena Baskin
Cc: Marcia Ciro; Brownsberger, William (SEN); Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU); Friends of the Watertown River; troy...@massmail.state.ma.us; Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; towncou...@watertown-ma.gov; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon....@gmail.com; in...@sustainablewatertown.org; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU); Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN)

[Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU)]

Hi Sarah – We’ve stressed with DCR that they should be moving now to stripe new crosswalks and add other pedestrian and bike-friendly features that can be done quickly and inexpensively.   And that in doing that, they should get input from the neighborhood and the town and also look at the ideas that came out of the Riverfront Park project (Sasaki designs).  They seem open to all that but haven’t yet said what process will be followed.  We’ll let you know as/when we hear more.

 

Best,

 

Jon

 

 

Jonathan Hecht

State Representative

29th Middlesex District (Watertown/Cambridge)

State House Room 22

Boston, MA  02133

617 722 2140

jonatha...@mahouse.gov

[Patricia Ahern]

Thank you, Senator Hecht, for reaching out to DCR concerning the Charles River Road paving project.  Right now the road is smooth and shiny and fast,and feels like it could be used for Indy 500 practice.  I hope we will see some striping and crosswalks very soon.  The riverside is so lovely now, making clear the need for a friendly road.  

-Patricia Ahern

10 Riverside St.

[Sarah Ryan]

Dear Senators and Town Councilors,

Has there been any word from DCR about painting lane lines and more crosswalks on Charles River Road?  

In it’s current smooth, unmarked state, Charles River Road has become quite the speedway.   Many drivers do not know the proper traffic pattern, so there has been a lot of high speed, two land passing recently in both directions. 

Lane markers would help and the road will become far more passable and pedestrian friendly with the addition of some crosswalks. 

Thank you,

Sarah Ryan  

[Sarah Ryan]

Thank you so much Senator Brownsberger and Senator Hecht,

It’s great to hear that there is progress in the works to finish the CRR project.     

I certainly do hope that DCR engages with some residents, not only town officials.   Town councilors, DPW and Planning officials, have you heard anything from DCR?  If so, could you let us know? Many of us in the community would like to have input about where crosswalks should be added to Charles River Road.

I realize that I sent a message out only a few days ago, but things are actually getting worse since then.

Just tonight, my son was nearly hit by a car while trying to cross Charles River Road.  When he was halfway across the road, a row of cars came over the hill behind Perkins,  moving very fast.  The first car nearly hit my son and dogs, but slammed on the brakes just in time.  Because the cars behind were following so closely behind, this caused a minor fender bender as the second car hit the first.  Clearly, all were traveling way too fast for Charles River Road!  

Not related to speed, but for some reason, since the road has been newly surfaced, I am now seeing more trucks than ever on this road.   Just this morning, I saw 2 trucks in a period of about 10 minutes. 

Thanks all,

Sarah 

On Jun 10, 2018, at 9:01 PM, Brownsberger, William (SEN) <William.Br...@masenate.gov> wrote:

Jon and I have been asking about this, but don't have answers yet.

On the one hand, the good news is that they are consulting with the town (and hopefully residents) before moving forward as we urged.

But on the other hand, that has slowed them down.  They would have striped it the next day if we hadn't asked them to consult.

Clearly, it needs to get done sooner rather than later and Jon and I will continue to follow up.

/w.

William N. Brownsberger
State Senator
Second Suffolk and Middlesex District
Room 504
State House
Boston, MA  02133
617-722-1280 (office)
617-771-8274 (cell)
Visit willbrownsberger.com for news.

---

From: Sarah Ryan [jsnm...@comcast.net]
Sent: Sunday, June 10, 2018 8:07 PM
To: Brownsberger, William (SEN); Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU); towncou...@watertown-ma.gov
Cc: Rena Baskin; Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN); Marcia Ciro; Friends of the Watertown River; troy...@massmail.state.ma.us; Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon....@gmail.com; in...@sustainablewatertown.org; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU); rcn; David Jay; sasha kiani; Laura Hof; Billy Brien; drm0...@rcn.com; Kathy Santoian; david....@ge.com; el...@dna-net.com; casefa...@gmail.com; Julie; mike....@gmail.com; dak...@gmail.com; Leslie Evans; Julie L White; riverside-neighb...@googlegroups.com

[RCN]

Dear Senators Brownsberger and Hecht, 

Thank you for your continued support for a sane Charles River Road. I don’t believe any neighbors have been contacted and we have not heard from anyone in local government. It is really dangerous to leave this road unstriped and I hope we can resolve this soon. 

Sincerely,

Marcia Ciro

[Lisa Feltner]

Hi Neighbors and Friends,

just to let you know that I am reading your emails, and I support improving safety and traffic calming measures on CRR and riverfront area. I am guessing that you haven’t seen  responses from local officials/TC given Open Meeting Law concerns -I have not included all previous email addresses on my response here; I have not received response from DCR. I’m sorry to hear about the near-miss Sarah but glad family is safe; it’s very disconcerting.

I can relate to traffic concerns stated here, thru District B, and in my immediate neighborhood as well, where sidewalk and planting strip parking violations are prevalent given lack of curbing, and no designated delivery zones on Mount Auburn St and other areas abutting residences.  I have almost been hit more than once on my street due to frequent U-turns and driving onto the sidewalks; I have been yelled at and beeped at for “driving too slow”, and vehicles have tried to pass me on the L while I’m turning left into my driveway with my L turn signal on! I witness increased running of red lights, turning R on red where prohibited, parking in no parking zones, and gridlock across intersections. Many residents also want more crosswalks, speed bumps, trees, 4-way stops, more enforcement, etc.

But I digress -I do hear you and the WPD has confirmed that they monitor speeds on CRR within their resources, although DCR has jurisdiction over CRR -see numbered page 40 of the Comprehensive Plan. Thank you for staying in touch with your concerns; progress is or often feels slow, but vigilance and resident participation is necessary.

FYI the next Watertown Traffic Commission meeting is ten. scheduled for June 27;  it is helpful and valuable for local officials to hear from you, our resident experts, for the bigger picture and collaboration goals. I am copying WPD Sgt. David Sampson on this email for informational purposes; he is our Traffic Division Commander who handles requests, and also serves as secretary to the commission. There are many questions about our local roads, and I thank the WPD for recently posting our Traffic Rules and Regulations online after their diligent efforts to verify and organize historical paper documents. 

Thanks again for caring and hope to see you soon,

Lisa Feltner

Watertown Town Councillor, District B

617-926-5344

PS  Tonight: Arsenal Park 4-6:30, Planning Board 7pm, and more!

On Wed, Jun 13, 2018 at 9:48 AM, Julie Valiton <juli...@att.net> wrote:

Sarah,

What a scare for you! This is a big fear of mine in this neighbourhood. More and more I see cars speeding or trying to pass me when I travel the speed limit. As well, cutting through my street with speed. And even the light at S hood and North Beacon Athena intersection. Just yesterday the car in front of me did not stop at that STOP sign and did not stop at the RED light turning left into the traffic going toward Brighton. I hope it does not take an pedestrian accident before more is done.

Thank you for your vigilance in these safety issues. 

Regards,

Julie

Sent from my iPad

[mciro]

Thank you Will!

On 6/15/18 6:20 PM, Brownsberger, William (SEN) wrote:

My understanding is that the next step will be a walk through of proposed striping onsite with residents and all who are interested.

This is per the Commissioner of DCR. 

Expecting schedule soon and will promptly share.

/w.

William N. Brownsberger
State Senator
Second Suffolk and Middlesex District
Room 504
State House
Boston, MA  02133
617-722-1280 (office)
617-771-8274 (cell)
Visit willbrownsberger.com for news.

---

From: Councilor Tony Palomba [councilo...@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 10:18 PM
To: Lisa Feltner
Cc: Julie Valiton; Sarah Ryan; Brownsberger, William (SEN); Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU); Rena Baskin; Marcia Ciro; Friends of the Watertown River; Rob Vercollone; google group CCGWatertown; N. Beacon Neighbors; in...@sustainablewatertown.org; David Jay; sasha kiani; Laura Hof; Billy Brien; Dave Martin; Kathy Santoian; david....@ge.com; el...@dna-net.com; April and Michael Case; mike....@gmail.com; dak...@gmail.com; Leslie Evans; Julie L White; Riverside Neighborhood Watertown; Lisa Feltner

Subject: Re: [fotwr] DCR Director of Communications, please communicate

Lisa,

Thank you for the very comprehensive update.  The reason that I have not chimed in, though I have read all the emails, is not because of the open meeting law, but because I thought (and still do) the issues is in good hands with both Will and Jon involved.  However, maybe we should ask Mark to have the TC send a letter to DCR asking for more safety and traffic calming measures.

Tony

To: Brownsberger, William (SEN); Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU); towncouncilors@watertown-ma.gov
Cc: Rena Baskin; Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN); Marcia Ciro; Friends of the Watertown River; troy.wall@massmail.state.ma.us; Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon.neig...@gmail.com; info@sustainablewatertown.org; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU); rcn; David Jay; sasha kiani; Laura Hof; Billy Brien; drm0...@rcn.com; Kathy Santoian; david....@ge.com; el...@dna-net.com; casefamily3...@gmail.com; Julie; mike....@gmail.com; dak...@gmail.com; Leslie Evans; Julie L White; riverside-neighborhood-wate...@googlegroups.com

Cc: Marcia Ciro; Brownsberger, William (SEN); Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU); Friends of the Watertown River; troy.wall@massmail.state.ma.us; Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; towncouncilors@watertown-ma.gov; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon.neig...@gmail.com; info@sustainablewatertown.org; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU); Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN)

Paul St.  

Rena

Cc: Friends of the Watertown River; Brownsberger, William (SEN); troy.wall@massmail.state.ma.us; Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; towncouncilors@watertown-ma.gov; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon.neig...@gmail.com; info@sustainablewatertown.org; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU)

To: Friends of the Watertown River; troy.wall@massmail.state.ma.us; Brownsberger, William (SEN); Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU)
Cc: Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; towncouncilors@watertown-ma.gov; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon.neig...@gmail.com; info@sustainablewatertown.org

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Tony Palomba

Councilor At-Large

617-926-8560 - home

781-664-3525 - cell

apal...@watertown-ma.gov

councilo...@gmail.com

 

 

[Sarah Ryan]

Thanks so much Will, this is great news!

This email thread includes many people who live near CRR, as well as a couple of community groups, so once you hear of dates from the DCR, I’m sure we can figure out availability and logistics to find some residents to participate in this process.

- Sarah 

On Jun 15, 2018, at 6:20 PM, Brownsberger, William (SEN) <William.Br...@masenate.gov> wrote:

My understanding is that the next step will be a walk through of proposed striping onsite with residents and all who are interested.

This is per the Commissioner of DCR. 

Expecting schedule soon and will promptly share.

/w.

William N. Brownsberger
State Senator
Second Suffolk and Middlesex District
Room 504
State House
Boston, MA  02133
617-722-1280 (office)
617-771-8274 (cell)
Visit willbrownsberger.com for news.

From: Councilor Tony Palomba [councilo...@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 10:18 PM
To: Lisa Feltner
Cc: Julie Valiton; Sarah Ryan; Brownsberger, William (SEN); Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU); Rena Baskin; Marcia Ciro; Friends of the Watertown River; Rob Vercollone; google group CCGWatertown; N. Beacon Neighbors; in...@sustainablewatertown.org; David Jay; sasha kiani; Laura Hof; Billy Brien; Dave Martin; Kathy Santoian; david....@ge.com; el...@dna-net.com; April and Michael Case; mike....@gmail.com; dak...@gmail.com; Leslie Evans; Julie L White; Riverside Neighborhood Watertown; Lisa Feltner

Subject: Re: [fotwr] DCR Director of Communications, please communicate

Lisa,

Thank you for the very comprehensive update.  The reason that I have not chimed in, though I have read all the emails, is not because of the open meeting law, but because I thought (and still do) the issues is in good hands with both Will and Jon involved.  However, maybe we should ask Mark to have the TC send a letter to DCR asking for more safety and traffic calming measures.

Tony

To: Brownsberger, William (SEN); Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU); towncouncilors@watertown-ma.gov
Cc: Rena Baskin; Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN); Marcia Ciro; Friends of the Watertown River; troy.wall@massmail.state.ma.us; Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon.neig...@gmail.com; info@sustainablewatertown.org; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU); rcn; David Jay; sasha kiani; Laura Hof; Billy Brien; drm0...@rcn.com; Kathy Santoian; david....@ge.com; el...@dna-net.com; casefamily3...@gmail.com; Julie; mike....@gmail.com; dak...@gmail.com; Leslie Evans; Julie L White; riverside-neighborhood-wate...@googlegroups.com

Cc: Marcia Ciro; Brownsberger, William (SEN); Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU); Friends of the Watertown River; troy.wall@massmail.state.ma.us; Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; towncouncilors@watertown-ma.gov; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon.neig...@gmail.com; info@sustainablewatertown.org; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU); Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN)

Paul St.  

Rena

Cc: Friends of the Watertown River; Brownsberger, William (SEN); troy.wall@massmail.state.ma.us; Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; towncouncilors@watertown-ma.gov; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon.neig...@gmail.com; info@sustainablewatertown.org; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU)

To: Friends of the Watertown River; troy.wall@massmail.state.ma.us; Brownsberger, William (SEN); Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU)
Cc: Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; towncouncilors@watertown-ma.gov; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon.neig...@gmail.com; info@sustainablewatertown.org

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[Richard H.]

Yes I agree

On Sat, Jun 16, 2018 at 11:46 AM Sarah Ryan <jsnm...@comcast.net> wrote:

Thanks so much Will, this is great news!

This email thread includes many people who live near CRR, as well as a couple of community groups, so once you hear of dates from the DCR, I’m sure we can figure out availability and logistics to find some residents to participate in this process.

- Sarah 

On Jun 15, 2018, at 6:20 PM, Brownsberger, William (SEN) <William.Br...@masenate.gov> wrote:

My understanding is that the next step will be a walk through of proposed striping onsite with residents and all who are interested.

This is per the Commissioner of DCR. 

Expecting schedule soon and will promptly share.

/w.

William N. Brownsberger
State Senator
Second Suffolk and Middlesex District
Room 504
State House
Boston, MA  02133
617-722-1280 (office)
617-771-8274 (cell)
Visit willbrownsberger.com for news.

From: Councilor Tony Palomba [councilo...@gmail.com]

To: Brownsberger, William (SEN); Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU); towncou...@watertown-ma.gov
Cc: Rena Baskin; Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN); Marcia Ciro; Friends of the Watertown River; troy...@massmail.state.ma.us; Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon....@gmail.com; in...@sustainablewatertown.org; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU); rcn; David Jay; sasha kiani; Laura Hof; Billy Brien; drm0...@rcn.com; Kathy Santoian; david....@ge.com; el...@dna-net.com; casefa...@gmail.com; Julie; mike....@gmail.com; dak...@gmail.com; Leslie Evans; Julie L White; riverside-neighb...@googlegroups.com

Cc: Marcia Ciro; Brownsberger, William (SEN); Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU); Friends of the Watertown River; troy...@massmail.state.ma.us; Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; towncou...@watertown-ma.gov; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon....@gmail.com; in...@sustainablewatertown.org; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU); Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN)

Paul St.  

Rena

Cc: Friends of the Watertown River; Brownsberger, William (SEN); troy...@massmail.state.ma.us; Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; towncou...@watertown-ma.gov; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon....@gmail.com; in...@sustainablewatertown.org; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU)

To: Friends of the Watertown River; troy...@massmail.state.ma.us; Brownsberger, William (SEN); Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU)
Cc: Rob Vercollone; Lisa Feltner; Gerald Mee; Councilor Tony Palomba; Mark Sideris; Caroline Bays; towncou...@watertown-ma.gov; google group CCGWatertown; Nbeacon....@gmail.com; in...@sustainablewatertown.org

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Tony Palomba

Councilor At-Large

617-926-8560 - home

781-664-3525 - cell

apal...@watertown-ma.gov

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[Jonathan Bockian]

And thanks to DCR for listening.

 

Jon Bockian

- Sarah 

 

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[Sharon Teitelbaum]

Yes, this is a good development, and not a minute too soon.  Thankfully, Sarah Ryan’s son was not injured by the speeding cars on CRR and hopefully no one else will be either if the striping, crosswalks, etc are done well and soon.  I look forward to participating in this process.

Sharon Teitelbaum

 

From: riverside-neighb...@googlegroups.com <riverside-neighb...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Sarah Ryan
Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2018 11:47 AM

- Sarah 

Hi Neighbors and Friends,

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[Lisa Feltner]

FYI I’ve asked that a message about a ten. walk-through in helping to determine best location for crosswalk/s go out via Watertown’s Notify Me email service to more quickly and directly reach residents-subscribers, and to coordinate with DPW and WPD so folks can be on the same page. Please encourage neighbors to sign up online and select all category options for now -users can determine preferences.

I don’t want communication limited to a post on the town website or email to local officials.

sample screenshot of Notify Me page:

Sincerely,

Lisa Feltner

[mciro]

Lisa, great idea, but where will this notice be? Should we sign up for DPW and WPD? I'm signed up to a bunch, but wanted to make sure I've got the right one for this notice. Also, I'll send out directions to NBN.

Thanks!

Marcia

[SARAH-RYAN SARAH-RYAN]

Dear All,

I am very pleased to hear that a walk through has been scheduled to evaluate planed roadway painting and hopefully crosswalk additions for Charles River Road.   I do have two concerns about this meeting: 

First, if we start at Irving St, will the group be prepared to walk eastward all the way to N. Beacon St?  Irving St. is probably the safest part of Charles River Road right now. The stretch east of Perkins heading towards North Beacon seems to have the most problems with speeding and difficult pedestrian access.  Not to say that the western portion of CRR heading to Watertown Square couldn't also use more cross-walks.  I just want to be sure that this is a thorough walk and discussion.  

My second concern is that if we have a reasonable sized group, it could be very difficult to gather input and facilitate productive conversation.   Is there a plan to organize or possibly even amplify this discussion so taht there can be one productive conversation between community members and DCR? 

Honestly, I really do not want to make the effort to come to this event only to find myself at the back of a group, far away from DCR representatives and the people making these decisions.  

thank you,

Sarah Ryan 

[Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU)]

Hi Sarah -- Thanks for raising these points.  I don't know exactly what route DCR has in mind but can't see why we shouldn't be able get to North Beacon St.  I like the idea of amplification.  Does anyone know where we can get a mike and portable speaker?  Or a bullhorn or two?  I also assume DCR will have someone there to write down all comments made by residents.  I can also do back-up duty on that.  Happy to hear others' suggestions on this.

Best,

Jon

Jonathan Hecht

State Representative

29th Middlesex District (Watertown/Cambridge)

State House Room 22

Boston, MA  02133

617 722 2140

jonatha...@mahouse.gov

 

---

From: SARAH-RYAN SARAH-RYAN [jsnm...@comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2018 12:49 PM
To: Hecht, Jonathan - Rep. (HOU); Brownsberger, William (SEN); Town Councilors; lfel...@watertown-ma.gov; councilo...@gmail.com; cb...@watertown-ma.gov; msid...@watertown-ma.gov; troy...@massmail.state.ma.us; jm...@watertown-ma.gov; Steinberg, Sarah (HOU); Bettinelli, Andrew (SEN)
Cc: Jonathan Bockian; Marcia Ciro; juli...@att.net; jlw...@bu.edu; les...@seadogpress.com; bill...@comcast.net; ver...@aol.com; dak...@gmail.com; weinma...@rcn.com; lau...@me.com; riverside-neighb...@googlegroups.com; ccgwat...@googlegroups.com; ksan...@gmail.com; rkba...@gmail.com; N. Beacon Neighbors; fo...@googlegroups.com; watertow...@gmail.com; sasha...@gmail.com; kim.ch...@perkins.org; casefa...@gmail.com; mike....@gmail.com; david....@ge.com; el...@dna-net.com; drm0...@rcn.com

[David Jay]

Nice work, Marcia!

One obstacle we should be prepared for is that a crosswalk implies HP ramps at both ends, and I believe these ramps are required in all cases.  It wouldn't do to have the wheelchair bound crossing the street only to find they are stuck in the street, unable to access the sidewalk.  These crosswalks should be made part of the scope for the Phase 2 park work, including the necessary curb resetting on both sides of CCR.

See you tomorrow.

David Jay

On 6/23/18 12:16 PM, Brownsberger, William (SEN) wrote:

Yes. I agree that the route will be fine. We are looking into amplification.

[Sarah Ryan]

Dear Neighbors, Town Councilors, Senators and DCR representatives, 

Thank you to Senator Hecht and Senator Brownsberger for coordinating a very productive discussion and Charles River Road walk-through this morning.   Thank you also to Jeffrey Parenti from DCR for great discussion and for attentively listening to the concerns of our community.  

Prior to today’s meeting, Marcia Ciro assembled the excellent series of annotated maps, diagrams and figures attached below.  These clear graphic representations provided an incredibly demonstration of proposed sign, lane and crosswalk additions to Charles River Road which together will slow traffic and make the street more accessible for pedestrians.    Thank you Marcia!   Because these diagrams were shared with DCR and state senators prior to today’s meeting, the groundwork was set for a very productive discussion.