Government

Conversation Begins About Current Watertown Police Services & Proposed Reforms, New Programs

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Watertown Police Station

During a wide ranging meeting about policing in Watertown, the Watertown Police discussed what they do including community police efforts and training, resident groups brought up concerns and proposed new initiatives and reallocation of part of the Police budget, and there was much discussion about statistics. The Town Council’s Public Safety Committee met Friday afternoon. Town Council President Mark Sideris made the referral to have the meeting after hearing from resident groups who were concerned following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last spring. During Friday’s meeting, Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn gave an overview of what the Watertown Police Department does during the year, including statistics, community programs they participate in, and trainings provided to officers. He also discussed the upcoming changes the department will have to make as a result of the passage of the State’s Police Reform Law.

Environment

Public Can Comment on Proposed Removal of Contaminated Soil from Arsenal on the Charles

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The oval with blue stripes is the location of the contaminated soil at the east end of Building 311 in the Arsenal on the Charles. The U.S. Army has come up with a plan to remove contaminated soil from the former military site, which is now the Arsenal on the Charles. The public can submit comment on the proposed plan until April 14, 2021. The area where the contaminated soil is located is by 311 building on the Arsenal on the Charles site. Building 311, the long building along Arsenal Street, is home to Athenahealth, and used to be home to Boston Sports Club.

Arrests

Police Log: Employee Steals Copper Fittings, String of Car Break-Ins

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

March 5:36 p.m.: An officer on patrolling on Main Street spotted a man going into the Dunkin’ Donuts who was known to be wanted on an arrest warrant. As the suspect came out, the officer told him about the warrant and placed him under arrest. The 19-year old Watertown man was arrested on the warrant from Waltham District Court for assault and battery. 

Incidents

March 1, 2:14 p.m.: An employee at Jomar Distributors on Pleasant Street was suspected of stealing merchandise. Police were contacted by an employee who spotted the suspect on security video taking a full box of copper fittings and copper coils from the stock room, put them in a box and cover the items with a sweatshirt.

Real Estate

Four Properties Were Sold This Week in Watertown

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A colonial, two multi-families and a townhouse sold this week in Watertown. $681,000 – 75 Harnden Ave., Single Family – Detached Colonial, 1,344 Living Area Sq. Ft., 6 Room, 3 Bedroom, 1 Full Bathroom

$940,000 – 25-27 Stuart St., Multi-family Home – 2 Family, 2,696 Living Area Sq. Ft., 2 Units, 12 Total Rooms, 5 Total Bedrooms

Sponsored by:

$429,000 – 88 Pierce Road Unit 88, Condo – Townhouse, 874 Living Area Sq. Ft., 5 Room, 2 Bedroom, 1 Full Bathroom

$727,500 – 18 Palfrey St., Multi-family Home – 2 Family, 2,102 Living Area Sq.

Environment

Resolution to Declare a Climate Emergency to be Examined by 2 Council Subcommittees

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The Town Council postponed a vote on a resolution that would declare a climate emergency, instead sending it to a pair of subcommittees to study it more closely and come back with a revised version. At Tuesday’s meeting, Councilors said that they supported taking action against climate change, but members of the Council said they did not believe enough discussion had been allowed on the resolution. Some pointed to the fact that it would change the Town’s deadline for eliminating greenhouse gas emissions in Watertown from 2050 to 2035. “This is a difficult decision for me because I believe climate change represents a real and dangerous threat to life on our planet and it is an emergency we must address,” said Council Vice President Vincent Piccirilli. “However, this resolution was placed on agenda for vote with a lack of transparency, and circumventing our commitment for engagement on matters of great importance.

Police/Fire

See Photos from the 2 Rallies Near the Watertown Police Station

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The sun sets as crowds disperse after the two rallies Thursday in front of the Watertown Police Station. Hundreds of supporters from two groups gathered on either side of Main Street in dueling rallies in front of the Watertown Police Station on Thursday afternoon. The pro-police supporters outnumbered those supporting the teacher who showed the controversial video at Watertown Middle School. Supporters of the Watertown Police waved flags and held signs on Thursday afternoon. Many came to support the Watertown Police, in a “Back the Blue” rally following the showing an anti-police video at Watertown Middle School.

Around Town

See How to Preregister to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine at a Mass Vaccination Location

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Massachusetts residents can now sign up to get preregistered for the COVID-19 vaccine. The state’s vaccine signup went live on Friday, March 12. The system preregisters users to get a vaccine at one of the Mass Vaccination sites. These currently include: Gillette Stadium, Fenway Park (until March 26), the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, the DoubleTree in Danvers, the Eastfield Mall in Springfield, the Natick Mall, and the former Circuit City in Dartmouth. Beginning March 27, the Hynes Convention Center in Boston will be a vaccination site.

Real Estate

A Wide Variety of Open Houses in Watertown This Weekend

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Check out the open houses around town this weekend. $699,900 – 53 Duff St., Single Family – Detached Cape, 1,650 Living Area Sq. Ft. 6 Room, 3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom, Open Houses: Saturday 1:30-3:30 Sunday 1:30-3:30

$997,500 – 37 Langdon Ave., Single Family – Detached Dutch Colonial, 2,855 Living Area Sq. Ft.