Election 2021

See How to Watch the School Committee Candidate Forum Replay

By |

Watch the candidates for School Committee discuss a variety of subjects at the Oct. 14 candidate forum. The six candidates appeared on the virtual forum co-hosted by Watertown Cable Access TV and Watertown News. Watch the forum on the Watertown Cable website by clicking here: vodwcatv.org/CablecastPublicSite/show/1267?channel=1

Also, mark your calendar for Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. when the forum featuring the District Town Council candidates will be held.

Around Town

Watertown Connector Shuttle Links Pleasant Street to Harvard Square, Serves Residents & Employees

By |

Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Connector’s Pleasant Street shuttle pulls into Watertown Mews, the first stop during morning runs to Harvard Square. Watertown’s newest public transportation option made a special run on Wednesday to show Town officials and residents what it is like to ride the Watertown Connector Pleasant Street Shuttle. The Watertown Connector began running on Pleasant Street the day after Labor Day, and has given more than 150 rides on the route that goes down the westside corridor, to Watertown Square and on to Harvard Square. The shuttle makes four runs in the morning and four in the afternoon and evening. Rides are free for residents of apartment complexes and employees of businesses that contribute to the Watertown Transportation Management Association (TMA).

Sports

Watertown Field Hockey Coach Reaches 700 Wins With Victory Over Wakefield

By |

Watertown Field HockeyWatertown Field Hockey Coach Eileen Donahue, wearing blue and grey, celebrated win number 700 on Thursday. The Watertown High School hockey team’s 12th win of the season on Thursday at Wakefield was milestone for head coach Eileen Donahue. The Hall of Fame coach now has 700 victories. The Raiders defeated Wakefield 6-0 on Thursday. Afterward, the team presented the game ball to Donahue.

Real Estate

More Than 20 Open Houses Around Watertown This Weekend

By |

Check out this week’s Watertown open houses. $559,500 – 50 Watertown St. Unit 502, Condo – Mid-Rise, 1,246 Living Area Sq. Ft., 4 Room, 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom, Open Houses: Saturday 11-12:30 Sunday 11-12:30

$729,000 – 108 Acton St., Single Family – Detached Cape, 1,458 Living Area Sq. Ft., 7 Room, 4 Bedroom, 1 Full & 1 Half Bathroom, Open Houses: Saturday 12-2 Sunday 12-2

$899,900 – 16 Keith St., Single Family – Detached Colonial, 2,184 Living Area Sq.

Around Town

FY2022 Budget Looks Stronger Than Expected, Next Year’s Budget Includes High School Project With No Override

By |

Town Manager Michael Driscoll submitted his final preliminary budget to the Town Council on Tuesday before retiring in early 2022. Town Manager Michael Driscoll presented his 29th, and final, preliminary budget to the Town Council on Tuesday night. The Town’s financial outlook is positive, with significant increases in property taxes and from inspection fees. The current fiscal year, FY2022, came in nearly $7 million above the budget approved in the spring of 2021. The majority of the increase, Driscoll said, came from inspection fees, which were $5 million more than projected.

Government

Changes to Watertown’s House Districts Proposed, Residents Can Give Input During Hearing

By |

Wikimedia Commons / ChensiyuanMassachusetts State House. Every 10 years Massachusetts Legislative districts are adjusted and changes are proposed for both of Watertown’s House Districts. The Senate District may change, but the new boundaries would not impact the town. On Friday, Oct. 15, a virtual public hearing will be held to get testimony from the public and residents can submit written comments.

Elections

Deadline to Register to Vote in November is Wednesday

By |

Charlie BreitroseWatertown residents cast their ballots at Watertown Town Hall in 2020. The Watertown Town Election is Nov. 2 and the deadline to register to vote is Wednesday. On the ballot are the Town Council, School Committee, Library Trustees, and the changes to the Watertown Town Charter, the document that defines how the Town government operates. The Town Clerk provided the following information:

The last day to register to vote for the Watertown 2021 Local Election on November 2, 2021 is Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

Arrests

Police Log: Two Face Charges After Melee in Street, Man Seen in Woman’s Apartment Late at Night

By |

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

Sept. 27, 3:43 p.m.: An altercation in the middle of Lloyd Road involving six people got violent. Police received a report of the incident and when officers arrived they got between the parties. One woman, a 53-year-old from Waltham, had a cut on her face and was bleeding.