COVID-19

Metrics Look Good for Schools to Move to In-Person Classes, For Now

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A map from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health showing the levels of COVID-19 in communities. Green means fewer than 4 cases per 100,000, yellow between 4 and 8 per 100,000 and red more than 8 per 100,000. Grey is less than 4 per 100,000. If the COVID-19 rates were they same as they are this week, Superintendent Dede Galdston told the School Committee Monday that the Watertown will start in-person hybrid classes in late October for the elementary students, late November for the middle and high school. The Watertown Public Schools decided in August that the first day of school will be on Sept.

Government

Council Roundup: Fire Department Radios Approved, Election, DPW Openings

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The Watertown Fire Department will be replacing a key piece of equipment after the Town Council approved matching funds for a grant to pay for new portable radios. The Fire Department has 35 portable radios ranging in age from 1 year to 19, Fire Chief Bob Quinn told the Town Council on Sept. 8. Some of the radios have recurring battery failures and others lack clarity, Quinn said. “Communication is a critical part of a Department being able to operate efficiently at incidents each and every day,” Quinn said.

Arrests

Police Log: Alleged Drunk Drivers Caught After Accidents, Phone Scams Stopped

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

Sept. 2, 7:39 p.m.: Police got a call about a motorcycle accident on Pilgrim Road at Puritan Road. When officers arrived they found the rider standing on the front lawn of the home of a Puritan Road residence next to a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He had been traveling northbound on Pilgrim Road and attempted to turn left onto Puritan when his bike went off the road and up onto a lawn.

Real Estate

Three Watertown Condos Were Sold This Week

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Three properties were sold this week in Watertown. $610,000 – 199 Coolidge Ave. U:111, Condo – High-Rise, 1,434 Living Area Sq. Ft., 5 Room, 2 Bedroom, 2 Full & 1 Half Bathroom

$911,500 – 153 Lexington St. Unit 153, Condo – Townhouse2,853 Living Area Sq.

Government

Basketball Rims Being Removed from Park Due to Non-Mask Wearing

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The rims have been removed from the basketball courts at Watertown’s Casey Park because of repeated violations of the face covering requirement by people using the courts. Watertown Recreation Director Peter Centola announced Saturday that the basketball rims will be removed from a town park after people were found playing basketball without face coverings. Centola said he has been dealing with people playing basketball at Casey Park on Watertown Street for several weeks and he warned them they need to be wearing face coverings. He has even had to call police when a group refused to wear masks and continued to play. Last week, two rims were removed (one from each of the full basketball courts) in hopes that people would shoot around on the half courts but not play games, Centola said.

Government

Watertown Receives a Gift of BlueBike Stations

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Watertown will be getting seven Bluebike stations, with the first few already installed. Watertown received more than $200,000 in gifts to establish BlueBike rental stations in town. The move was made so that the Town did not have to own the bicycles or be responsible for the upkeep. The Town of Watertown received a gift of $224,257.06 worth of items to install six BlueBike Stations with 38 bicycles to be rented. The items were donated by MetroFuture Inc., a non-profit charitable organization, said Town Manager Michael Driscoll.

Entertainment

Find Out About Weddings at Commander’s Mansion During COVID-19

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UPDATE: Please note the change of date. Couples can find out about having a wedding at Watertown’s Historic Commander’s Mansion during COVID-19 at and event called “Gossip!” The event will be held on Oct. 28 from 6-8 p.m. at the mansion, 440 Talcott St., Watertown (off Arsenal Street), which is owned by the Town of Watertown. Under the state’s COVID-19 rules numbers of people are limited, and the organizers will show attendees about what a petite event during the pandemic looks like.

Real Estate

Busy Weekend for Watertown Open Houses

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More than 30 open houses in Watertown this week in Watertown. $1,450,000 – 9 Pearl St. Unit 9-3, Condo – Townhouse, 2,934 Living Area Sq. Ft. (Includes Finished Basement), 8 Room, 3 Bedroom, 2 Full & 1 Half Bathroom, Open Houses: Saturday 1-2:30 Sunday 11-12:30

$1,500,000 – 85 Summer St.