Fire Department

Powerful Thunderstorm Floods School & Streets, Knocks Down Tree in Watertown

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A thunderstorm that hit Watertown Wednesday afternoon caused flooding and other damage. A strong thunderstorm caused chaos which rolled through Watertown late Wednesday afternoon, flooding part of a school, streets and knocking over a tree. The storm cell hit Watertown at about 5:30 p.m. and with several lightning bolts in the area and dumping heavy rain on town, causing flooding in some areas. Flooding was reported around Watertown, including causing water to come into the gymnasium at Cunniff Elementary School on the Westside of town. Street flooding was reported nearby on Warren at Chapman Street, where as much as a foot of water was reported by first responders on the scene, according to scanner reports.

Government

Marijuana Facility Approved for Medical Sales Wants to Sell for Recreational Use, Too

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The group approved to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Watertown now seeks to also sell cannabis for adult use, also known as recreational marijuana. Tuesday night, Natural Selections (NS AJO Holdings Inc.) appeared before the Town Council’s Economic Development and Planning Committee to discuss the application. No decision was made but the subcommittee did not stand in the way of the application. The request is to run the dispensary in the same location as their medical marijuana facility, at 23 Elm Street, near the Residence Inn by Marriott and the Watertown Mall. The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the special permit needed by Natural Selections to open in Watertown in May 2017, and a few months later the Town Council approved the letter of non-opposition.

Police/Fire

Watertown Youths Learn What It’s Like to be a Firefighter

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A cadet in the Middlesex Youth Public Safety Academy uses the fire hose as at Saltonstall Park. Holding tightly to a real fire hose, a young camper from the Middlesex Sheriff’s Youth Public Safety Academy shot a wide stream of water hundreds of feet across the field at Saltonstall Park on Wednesday morning. The Watertown Fire Department welcomed 31 youngsters from town to show them what it is like to be a firefighter. The campers are part of the week-long summer camp, and later in the day they stopped by the Watertown Police Station to learn about what police officers do. Watertown Fire Capt. Bob Power helps a camper use a fire hose.

Entertainment

First Watertown Family Movie Features “The Lion King”

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On Friday, July 19, the Watertown Police and Watertown Recreation Department will host a Family Movie Night, featuring the animated classic “The Lion King.” The free fun begins at 6:30 p.m. behind the Police Station, at 552 Main St., Watertown. The night also features games, face painting, popcorn, music, balloon animals, pizza and refreshments beginning at 6:30 p.m. The movie begins at 8 p.m.

Watertown Elementary students, bring your friends and family for a night of fun and excitement! The second family movie night will be held Friday, Aug. 9.

Building for the Future

Watertown High School Project Moving Forward, Public Meetings Planned

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The multiyear process that will result in a new or renovated Watertown High School got rolling last week when the School Building Committee heard about what it will take to make the project a reality. On July 11, the Owner’s Project Manager for the Watertown High School project, Compass Project Management, met with the School Building Committee to talk about some of the projects they have worked one, and the schedule for the project. Compass is working on a five-phase, 18-month construction project at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Natick, said Tim Bonfatti, president of Compass. “Much like the current Watertown High School it is on a very constricted site, with limited options around it,” Bonfatti said. “And the solution that is going to be built there is going to be built in phases because we can’t complete it within the constrained footprint of that site.”

Government

Two Opportunities to Meet with State Rep. Hecht in July

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State Rep. Jonathan Hecht

The following announcement was provided by Rep. Hecht’s Office:

Representative Jonathan Hecht will hold office hours twice in Watertown in July. Constituents are invited to meet with Representative Hecht at the following time and location:

Friday, July 19, 9:00-10:00 a.m., Watertown Town Hall, 149 Main St., 3rd Floor hallway

Monday, July 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., Raya Stern Trustees Room

Anyone unable to attend these office hours can call Representative Hecht at 617-722-2140 to schedule an appointment at another time.

Entertainment

LOCATION CHANGE: This Week’s Watertown Summer Concert Will be Swinging

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The Westwood Swing Band will be performing at this week’s Watertown Summer Concert

The Westwood Swing Band will perform Wednesday evening at the Watertown Summer Concert. Due to the possibility of rain and storms this evening, tonight’s concert will be held inside at the Watertown Free Public Library. The free concert is from 6:30 to 8 p.m in the Watertown Savings Bank Meeting Room inside the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., Watertown. Vocalist Gail Riley is joined by 15 instrumentalists to create the hard-driving sound of the Big Bands of swing. The Westwood Swing Band will be performing a mix of tunes popularized by such noteworthy artists as Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Peggy Lee, Barbara Streisand, and Stevie Wonder.

Development

Planning Board Supports Proposed Condo Building, Neighbors Have Concerns

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The proposal for 101 North Beacon St. would build a three-story building with 28 condos. The new proposed condominium building at 101 North Beacon Street received good marks for its design and the fact that the units will be sold, not rented, but those living nearby worry it will have a negative impact their quiet neighborhood. On July 10, the Planning Board gave its recommendation that the project should be allowed to go ahead. The project will now go to the Zoning Board of Appeals for final approval.