This is a recording from a live podcast event in November 2025, hosted at Italian Design Interiors in Watertown Square. Watertown’s Open is a series of live podcast events that bring local businesses and local business advocates together to share their stories and knowledge. The project is a collaboration between the City of Watertown’s Economic Development Planner, the Little Local Conversations podcast, and the Watertown Business Coalition.
The conversation was on the topic of the state of development in Watertown and featured a panel of:
Bob Airasian (Co-President Watertown Business Coalition, Coldwell Banker Broker)
Andrew Copelotti (Principal at Boylston Properties)
John Nealon (WJ Nealon Commercial Realty)
Laura Portney (PCA Design Firm)
Gideon Schreiber (City of Watertown's Director of Planning and Zoning)
They were asked to discuss and reflect on their role in Watertown, what changes they've seen over the years, what they're most worried about and most excited about going forward, and specific thoughts on housing costs for residents and costs for businesses. The discussion was followed with some Q&A with the in-person audience.
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