Letters

LETTER: MWRA, Keep Your Promise of a Clean Charles River

By |

I don’t know about you, but I love being able to access the Charles River here in Watertown. We have invested a lot in cleaning up our waterways, especially the Charles River and it shows. Many of us remember when you had to get a tetanus shot if you were exposed to the water. But we have waited a long time (since 1972!) for the MWRA to live up to its promise of a truly swimmable, fishable Charles River. 

However, a recent proposal from the MWRA will betray this promise and replace it with certain pollution for many years to come. The main object in the way are the continued Combined Sewerage Overflows (CSOs) that are released into the river whenever we have serious rainstorms. Rainstorms are becoming more severe, dropping large amounts of water at a time and triggering these CSOs.

Government

Rescheduled Tree Hearing to be Held for Proposed Removal of 4 Trees

By |

The tree hearing about four trees on public property on Channing Road, Elmwood Avenue, Fairview Avenue, was originally scheduled for July 23, but was rescheduled for Aug. 4. See the announcement provided by the Watertown Tree Warden, below. Public Shade Trees are protected by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87. The removal of a healthy public tree requires an advertised public hearing.

Elections

Watertown Police Unions Endorse Candidate for Middlesex District Attorney

By |

David Solet

The following announcement was provided by the David Solet for Middlesex District Attorney Campaign:

Two Watertown Police Unions announced July 22 that they have endorsed David Solet, a veteran trial attorney and 2025 Middlesex County Prosecutor of the Year, to replace current District Attorney Marian Ryan, citing fundamental differences in their approach to pursuing justice and protecting the residents of Middlesex County. The Watertown Superiors Police Association and the Watertown Police Patrol Association noted that Solet would crack down on illegal gun trafficking, prioritize the prosecution of repeat violent offenders, and fight for changes to close loopholes in state laws that jeopardize public safety. The two unions join 25 other public safety unions and organizations across Middlesex County — including the Cambridge, Somerville, Lowell, and Framingham Police Associations — endorsing Solet in his bid to unseat the 13-year incumbent in the Sept. 1 Democratic primary. Lt. Wayne Hoiseth, President of the Watertown Superiors Association, said: “In our line of work, trust is everything.

Development

City Council to Hold First Discussion of Watertown Square Project, Including a Parking Garage

By |

The proposed Demonstration Project in Watertown Square — which includes a parking garage, a residential building, retail space, and green open space — will be discussed by the City Council on Aug. 10 at the Watertown Library. See more information provided by the City of Watertown, below. The City Council, sitting as the Redevelopment Authority, is hosting a hybrid meeting to have an initial discussion regarding the Demonstration Project plan. We encourage you to join and participate in the meeting.

Government

Bodywork Businesses Shutdown by City, One Had “Items of Sexual Nature”

By |

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The Watertown Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Watertown Police Department, Zoning & Code Enforcement Team, Inspectional Services Division, and with assistance from the FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation — Human Trafficking Task Force, conducted inspections of bodywork establishments in Watertown on July 22, 2026, resulting in closure of multiple businesses due to violations of the City’s rules and regulations. These inspections were carried out in accordance with the City of Watertown’s rules and regulations governing bodywork with the goal of ensuring compliance to safeguard residents and businesses in Watertown, as well as protect against human trafficking. This joint operation was conducted at four establishments, resulting in all locations being shut down. One of the locations, Thai Body Spa (12 Belmont St.), was shut down due to items of sexual nature present, no Certificate of Occupancy, and no bodywork permit. The other three locations were closed down for failing to acquire appropriate certifications, including a Certificate of Occupancy and/or bodywork permit.

Letters

OP-ED: Comparing the Watertown City Manager’s Salary to Other Top Administrators & Mayors

By |

By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

And If Comparisons Were Made (A Quick Comparison of Administrator Salaries for 37 Massachusetts Cities and Towns)

This is a followup to “Answers and Questions about City Manager’s New Contract”

See: https://www.watertownmanews.com/2026/06/24/letter-answers-and-questions-about-city-managers-new-contract/

I received quite an array of comments to my letter, “Answers and Questions,” but one very simple response got me thinking. One resident said quite simply when referring to Mr. Proakis’ new salary, “That’s too much.”

I thought, is it? We were told that this “compensation package” fell within the range of other administrators from other municipalities. It was in the middle of the pack. I thought that I’d put that remark to the test.

Elections

State Auditor Endorses Candidate for State Senate

By |

Daniel Lander. The following announcement was provided by Daniel Lander for State Senate:

State Auditor Diana DiZoglio endorsed Daniel Lander’s campaign for State Senate, providing significant momentum to Daniel Lander’s campaign against the architect of the broken status quo on Beacon Hill as the campaigns head into the last six weeks. A former State Senator herself, DiZoglio has spent her career fighting for transparency on Beacon Hill. As Auditor, DiZoglio led the successful statewide ballot campaign to audit the state legislature. Despite receiving overwhelming support from more than 70% of voters, Senator Brownsberger and his colleagues in Senate leadership have spent the past year and half trying to block the legislative audit.

Around Town

Library Hosting Art of Cast Aluminum Class for Ages 10-18 Taught by MassArt

By |

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:

On July 31 and August 1, tweens and teens ages 10 – 18 are invited to create custom cast aluminum art at the Watertown Free Public Library! This event is made possible by MassArt, Eutectic Arts, and the Massachusetts Libraries Board of Library Commissioners. Here’s how it works: under the guidance of MassArt 3D Arts faculty and Eutectic Arts Founder Marjee-Anne Levine and current MassArt students, participants will carve their own design into a “scratch block” (a pre-formed mold made of resin-bonded sand) and watch as the design is cast in metal. Aluminum will be melted onsite on the Library lawn and poured into the scratch blocks created by each participant. Within minutes, the metal will solidify and be cooled and finished by the MassArt team.