Watertown Residents Protest Proposed Wal-Mart

A few dozen protestors from Sustainable Watertown gathered at the site of a proposed Wal-Mart on Arsenal Street in Watertown on Saturday to unveil a new billboard.

"So the message is no more big boxes," said Barbara Ruskin, a Watertown resident and Sustainable Watertown member. "Maintain the character of Watertown and start thinking about what would enhance the town instead of detract from it."

Ruskin says Sustainable Watertown doesn't only oppose Wal-Mart.

"It's any big-box store," Ruskin said. "In fact, we wouldn't even want a big-box apartment building even though we like residents, because this particular location is between three wonderful, historic neighborhoods."

"Our vision is to have small businesses, local businesses, businesses that want to give back to the community and not in superficial ways, but really in sort of connected ways," said Michael Fein, a Sustainable Watertown supporter.

Walmart has a lease for the property on Arsenal Street and is working with a Boston developer, but so far hasn't presented any plans.