Government

Residents, Developers Raise Concerns Over New Demolition Ordinance, OK’d by Split Council Vote

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Photo by Steve OwensThe Shick House on Grove Street was an example of a home on which the Historical Commission placed a demolition delay in efforts to save it. It was torn down after BB&N could not find someone to move it to another site. The property is now an athletic complex. Under Watertown’s new demolition delay ordinance, a large number of homes will no longer have to go through the Historical Commission process to do additions or even to tear them down, but those that do go before the Commission could be subject to a much longer demolition delay. The City Council adopted the changes to the demolition delay ordinance on Aug.

Around Town

Watertown Fitness Studio Hosting Free Dirty Dancing Workout & Social

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Watertown’s Get Lively Health and Fitness Studio will be hosting a free inspired summer social event inspired by the movie “Dirty Dancing.” The studio invites the public to come join a later summer social and enjoy a workout featuring some dance inspired moves to the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. The free community event will be on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 6-7 p.m. at Get Lively, located at 25 Clarendon St. The event is for ages 12+

Register at www.getlivelynow.com/social

Police/Fire

Watertown’s Fire Chief Thanks Family, Fellow Firefighters During Swearing-in Ceremony

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Watertown Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson was sworn in by City Clerk Janet Murphy. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown’s new Fire Chief had plenty of people to thank during his swearing-in ceremony, but Ryan Nicholson made sure not to be the sole focus of the event at the Commander’s Mansion on Tuesday afternoon. “I’m incredibly humble to be able to address this group today as the Watertown Fire Department’s eighth permanent fire chief,” he said Tuesday. “I am also excited to announce the promotion of five of our men, and celebrate the appointment of seven firefighters.” City Manager George Proakis has gotten to know Nicholson, having worked together since Proakis arrived in Watertown in August 2022.

Around Town

See Who Will be at the 2023 Watertown Arts Market This Saturday

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Watertown will celebrate arts of all kinds during the third annual Watertown Arts Market on Saturday at Filippello Park. The Watertown Arts Market is a free event with free parking at the BB&N lot next to the Park at 191 Grove St. Meet local Watertown artists and arts-related non-profits on Aug. 19, from 12-5 p.m., at Filippello Park, Grove Street entrance. Artists & Craftspeople

Visit Echo Art and Design @echoartanddesign for your name in calligraphy or a calligraphy mini lesson https://www.echoartanddesign.com/

Visit Artist, Designer & Screen Printer Eric Lavalliere @peabo_show

See Zoë Raymond’s charm bracelets @blingy_strings

Visit Artist Adam Adkison @adamadkison1

Visit Artist @vapordoll

Come meet Artist Serena Gauthier @flmgrl

Visit Jacob’s Bracelets for Good at the Watertown Arts Market!

Around Town

Watertown Hotel Hosting American Red Cross Blood Drive

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The following information was provided by the Residence Inn by Marriott:

The Residence Inn by Marriott will host a blood drive on Thursday, Aug. 31. The event will be held on the seventh anniversary of the opening of the hotel. The Watertown Community Blood Drive will be hosted by the hotel in the East End Watertown Room, 570 Arsenal St., Watertown. The American Red Cross will be at the hotel on Aug.