Around Town

Report on Southside of Town Has List of Buildings, Areas Places That Could Historically Preserved

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A study of the historic buildings in the area south of the Charles River was recently conducted by the City of Watertown. The report is intended to guide future historic preservation efforts in that area of town. The full report can now be viewed. The final report includes a list of buildings, as well as blocks of homes and buildings that have the potential for National Register eligibility. Individually eligible properties were: Casey Playground, 0 Watertown Street; Dalby Mill, 101-103 Morse Street; Adams-Keith Block, 129-147 Morse Street; Parker School, 124 Watertown Street; and Hibernian Hall, 153 Watertown Street.

Around Town

Community Preservation Funds Approved for 2 Affordable Housing Projects & Work at the Commander’s Mansion

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A rendering of the affordable Willow Park affordable housing complex. Funding for a home for adults with special needs, to help build a 138 unit affordable housing complex, and to replace the elevator at a historic home owned by the City of Watertown were approved by the City Council Tuesday night. The three projects came recommended from the Community Preservation Committee. The funds come from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) surcharge on Watertown properties, which are to be spent in three areas: affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space/outdoor recreation. For each area, 10 percent of the funds collected go into a reserve.

Sports

Watertown Boys & Girls Basketball Teams Both Tip Off Seasons Against Rivals

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The Raiders hope to celebrate more State Tournament wins in 2025-26. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Basketball is back for Watertown High School (well, at Watertown Middle School for one more year). The season tips off for the boys and girls varsity teams on Friday when each face rival Belmont, as both look to return to the MIAA State Tournament. Boys Basketball

In 2024-25, the Raiders boys squad went 15-7, and defeated Oakmont in the first round of the State Tournament. Abington ended Watertown’s season in the Round of 16.

Sports

Watertown Field Hockey Coach Receives National Award

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Watertown Field HockeyWatertown Field Hockey Coach Eileen Donahue celebrated win number 700 in 2021. Watertown High School Field Hockey Coach Eileen Donahue received the Coach of the Year award from the National Federation of State High School Associations. Donahue was one of 24 high school coaches from across the country in a range of sports to be selected as 2023-24 National Coaches of the Year by the NFHS Coaches Association. She was the only honoree from Massachusetts. The coaches are nominated by the NFHS member state associations, which often works with the state coaches’ association in its respective state, according to the NFHS announcement, which continued: “The state association then contacts the potential state award recipients to complete a coach profile form that requests information regarding the coach’s record, membership in and affiliation with coaching and other professional organizations, involvement with other school and community activities and programs, and coaching philosophy.”

Government

Watertown Police Will Soon Start Using Cameras That Can Capture License Plate Info, ACLU Expresses Some Concerns

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In the next few weeks the Watertown Police Department will have access to new equipment that can capture images of license plates of passing cars. The technology is intended to help with criminal investigations, but some have expressed concerns about how it will be used, including the ACLU of Massachusetts. City Manager George Proakis provided information about the Flock Safety program to the City Council on Nov. 25. The Flock system was approved in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and eight cameras will be installed on major roadways in Watertown.

Business

Watertown Restaurant to Close After 50+ Years, 2 New Eateries Opening in Town

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China Rainbow

A fixture on the Watertown eating scene, China Rainbow, will be closing after more than half a century. A post on Boston Restaurant Talk quoted a note posted by the owner of China Rainbow. Thank you for your patronage. I am deeply grateful for the memories, laughter and loyal support over the years and will cherish the time we’ve spent together. I love you all.Tammy

Fans still have time to enjoy a meal at China Rainbow, which will be closing on Dec.