Around Town

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

By |

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.

Government

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

By |

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.

Government

State Rep. Owens Announces December Office Hours

By |

State Rep. Steve Owens. Watertown State Rep. Steve Owens will host a pair of office hours in Watertown and another in Cambridge in December. See more information in the announcement from Rep. Owens’ Office, below. State Rep. Steve Owens, a Democrat in the 29th Middlesex District made up of parts of WestCambridge, North Cambridge, and Watertown, has upcoming office hours in Cambridge andWatertown. Office hours will take place on Friday, December 5 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at the O’NeillBranch of the Cambridge Public Library (70 Rindge Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140), Thursday,December 11 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am at Wicked Bagel (68 School St, Watertown, MA02472), Monday, December 15 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Watertown Senior Center (31Marshall St, Watertown, MA 02472).

Government

City Will Buy Modular Classrooms to Give Time & Flexibility for Middle School Project

By |

The City Council voted to purchase the modular classrooms currently being used as the temporary Watertown High School at Moxley Field. (Courtesy by City of Watertown)

City Councilors unanimously voted to purchase the modular classrooms set up on Moxley Field on Tuesday. The City will make up the cost by eliminating leasing costs, and by owning them there will no longer be a rush to start a project to renovate or rebuild Watertown Middle School and there are hopes of reducing the price tag for that project. In the latest meeting regarding the future of the Middle School, City Manager George Proakis said buying the modulars for $2.2 million makes sense. It gives School and City officials time to plan because the current lease of the modulars ends on April 30, 2026.

Around Town

Board of Health Revokes Licenses for 2 Bodywork Businesses, Details of Inspections Discussed

By |

Two body works businesses in Watertown had their permits revoked by the Board of Health for violations of the City’s Bodywork Regulations and other local and state regulations. Inspections found evidence of sexual services and employees living at the business. On Nov. 12, six businesses were found to be in violation of regulations set by the Watertown Board of Health, the Building Department, and the Zoning Department, as well as the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure. They had a range of violations, and two — Sunflower Spa and Health Hall — appeared before the Board of Health due to the extent of the violations.

Government

Residents Wanted to Serve on Several Boards, Including Health, Zoning, Planning, Council on Aging

By |

Watertown City Hall

Multiple City boards seek members, including the Board of Health, Community Preservation Committee, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Licensing Board, Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee, and the Council on Aging. See more information about the boards and how to apply in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the following boards and committees:

The Board of Health fulfills its duties under MGL 111, 26-33 and other sections including enforcement of the state Sanitary and Environmental Codes, reporting diseases dangerous to the public health, and enforcement of other applicable state and local laws and regulations. The Board of Health determines the health needs of the community and the health services available to the community in terms of the size and characteristics of the population, specific health problems, and environmental conditions. Candidates should have a background in public health, medical, or related field.

Government

City Council Looking at Middle School Options; High School Project on Time, Receiving Solar Reimbursement

By |

A new middle school could still be a possibility in the near future, as the City Council discusses the options on Nov. 25, 2026. Above is a vision of what a new Watertown Middle School could look like created by Ai3 Architects. Tuesday night, the future of the Watertown Middle School may be decided by the City Council. Councilors have discussed how to approach the rehabilitation of the school at 68 Waverley Ave.