Government

Deadline Approaching to Take Comprehensive Plan Survey

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The City of Watertown released the draft Comprehensive Plan update in late February and held an open house on March 9. Those who did not have a chance to comment on the plan then can still do so by filling out an online survey. The deadline to fill out the survey is Friday, March, 24. The survey also covers the draft Open Space and Recreation Plan. “Your participation will help the City better understand your interests and incorporate your ideas in the plans and their implementation,” the City’s announcement said.

Around Town

State Climate Bill to “Make the Polluters Pay” Kicked Off in Watertown

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Charlie BreitroseEnvironmental activists from around Massachusetts gathered at the Commander’s Mansion to celebrate the filing of the Polluters Pay Bill in the State Legislature on Friday. Environmental advocates gathered in Watertown to celebrate the filing of a new bill in the Massachusetts State House that would make the companies that produced the oil that created greenhouse gases pay for the impact on the climate. The event took place at the Commander’s Mansion, which is located in a former Federal Superfund Site — the U.S. Army’s Watertown Arsenal — because co-sponsors liken the legislation to a Climate Change Superfund. The bill is known as the Polluters Pay Bill, said Watertown State Rep. Steve Owens, who is a co-sponsor along with State Sen. Jamie Eldridge. “The principle of the Polluters Pay Bill is very simple: those who made the mess should be the ones to clean it up,” Owens said.

Around Town

Jon Taffer in Town to Visit His Restaurant, Sees Area as Strong Market

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Charlie BreitroseJon Taffer meets patrons at Taffer’s Tavern in Watertown. TV host turned restaurateur Jon Taffer recently stopped by the eatery in Watertown that bears his name: Taffer’s Tavern. Just five months after opening, the restaurant in Arsenal Yards has been doing well, as is the Boston area, he said. The host of Paramount Network’s Bar Rescue has fond memories of the Boston area, having run a nightclub and bar convention from an office in Newton. “I have always loved this city.

Around Town

Groups Participating in Memorial Day Parade Can Now Register

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown Girl Scouts march in the 2022 Memorial Day Parade. Groups planning to participate in Watertown’s Memorial Day Parade can now register. The parade will take place on Monday, May 29, 2023. Watertown Veterans Agent Patrick George sent out the registration form, on which participants can sign up in one of three categories: Business, Civic/Non-Profit, or Neighborhood. More information is available on the Registration Form that can be viewed below.

Around Town

Clothes of Any Condition to be Collected at Watertown Recycling Event

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On Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 10 am to 2 pm, the City of Watertown will host a clothing drive in collaboration with Helpsy. Collections will take place during the Recycling Event at Boston’s Jewish Community Day School at 57 Stanley Ave. in Watertown. The event also includes styrofoam collection, mattress disposal, dehumidifier collection and more. Helpsy, the city’s partner for clothing reuse and recycling, will collect clothing in a range of conditions — used and unused — at the recycling event.

Around Town

Blood Drive Being Hosted by Residence Inn in Watertown

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A Watertown Community Blood Drive sponsored by the Residence Inn by Marriott will be held on March 30. The blood drive will take place in the East End Watertown Room at the Residence Inn by Marriott, 570 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472 on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Watertown to schedule an appointment. Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment. Come give in March and get a $10 Visa Prepaid Card by email. PLUS, get a chance to win a $3,000 Visa Prepaid Card to help with gas or grocery expenses!

Government

City Buildings Closing Early for Storm, Council Meeting Postponed

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The City of Watertown sent out the following information:

The City Manager is closing City Hall, the Library, and the Senior Center at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, as storm conditions are expected to worsen this afternoon. All afterschool and evening recreation programs are also canceled. All items scheduled for this evening’s City Council meeting will be continued to a new meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 16th. As a reminder, a snow emergency went into effect at 12 p.m. Tuesday, March 14. On-street parking is banned, and cars left on the street are subject to towing.