Schools

Watertown Moves into Yellow for COVID Cases as Schools Looking at Reopening

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The state’s COVID-19 Community Level Reporting map showing Watertown in yellow, or moderate risk for the spread of the virus. Previously Watertown had been green, or lower risk. The rate of infection in Watertown has risen into the moderate risk (yellow) category in the state’s COVID-19 Community Level reporting. On Monday, the School Committee will be discussing whether to open the Watertown Public Schools for hybrid learning. Watertown’s infection rate is 4.5 per 100,000 residents, according to the state’s Community Level COVID-19 Reporting map.

Government

Marijuana Dispensary’s Community Agreement Approved by Council

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The Town Council approved the Home Community Agreement with the third and final recreational marijuana dispensary in Watertown on Tuesday night. Sira Naturals seeks to open a dispensary at 48 North Beacon St. in the building where containing Anthony’s Florist and, on the Arsenal Street side, where Escort Limousine. The agreement is the third approved by the Town Council. Cities and towns cannot deny all recreational marijuana (also called adult use) dispensaries, but they can limit the number to 10 percent of the number of liquor licenses.

Government

COVID-19 Will Impact Watertown’s Budget, Property Tax Revenue Will Grow

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Watertown’s Town Hall. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be felt in the Town of Watertown’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget (which starts July 1, 2021) but a recent real estate deal will help relieve some of the pain. This year’s budget is the 29th that Town Manager Michael Driscoll has led in Watertown, but he is dealing with a new challenge when making the FY 2022 budget. As part of Tuesday’s budget presentation to the Town Council, Driscoll had a list of budget issues for FY 2021 and FY 2022. “There are 61 bullets on this page.

Schools

Height of New High School Concerns Neighbors, Residents Want Parking for Senior Center

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One of the options for how Watertown High School may sit on the current site, on the left, and across the street where now the Phillips Building and the Senior Center sit. The architect said the illustration is for massing, and not the design of the buildings. Residents who saw the latest proposal for the new Watertown High School were put-off by the size of the academic building that would be built on the site of the Phillips School and Senior Center, under the currently scenario currently favored by the School Building Committee. The plans were presented during the fourth Community Forum for the WHS project, held virtually on Oct. 8.

Sports

Watertown Field Hockey Team Improves to 3-0, Featured in Boston Globe Story

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Watertown’s Maggie Driscoll pursues the ball in the Raiders’ game against Tewksbury in 2019. The shortened fall season is underway for the Watertown High School field hockey team, and the Raiders have continued their winning ways. Monday, Watertown beat Melrose 5-0 and improved to 3-0 without allowing any goals. On Saturday, Watertown shut out Wakefield 5-0 in the second game of the year. Molly Driscoll leads the team with six goals, Ellie Monahan has four and Maggie Driscoll gas three goals, according to reports on the Watertown Athletics’ Twitter.

Around Town

Watertown Seeks Vets for Veterans Day Interview Series

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Members of Watertown’s veterans groups salute at the Flag Retirement Ceremony in 2019. The following information was provided by the Watertown Veterans’ Services Department:

Out of an abundance of caution, and in observance with existing COVID-19 safety measures, Watertown must make changes to their traditional Veterans’ Day Observance. In keeping with the digital trends, the Veterans’ Services Department is looking to speak with residents of Watertown who would like participate in a Veterans’ Day Interview series: preference will be given to families with multi-generational military service (families with at least two Veterans). The goal is to speak about themes that may have led to a family’s continued military service. Interested participants should contact Veterans’ Services Officer Patrick George at the following methods: Office (617-972-4614) Cell (781-645-9127) or email (Pgeorge@watertown-ma.gov).

Arrests

Police Log: Package Thief Identified, Fraud Scheme Posing as Cable Company

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department:

Arrests

Sept. 28, 6:19 a.m.: A driver reported that a man appeared to be passed out behind the wheel inside a vehicle at the traffic light at the Watertown Square intersection. The witness removed the keys from the vehicle out of concern. The driver’s head was resting on the wheel and was unresponsive. Police were able to wake him after a few minutes.

Real Estate

A Single Family & a 2-Family Home Sold in Watertown

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These two homes were sold in Watertown this week. $465,000 – 117 Chapman St., Single Family – Detached Bungalow, 828 Living Area Sq. Ft., 5 Room, 3 Bedroom, 1 Full Bathroom

$970,000 – 885 Belmont St., Multi-family Home – 2 Family – 2 Units Up/Down, 2,415 Living Area Sq. Ft., 2 Units, 11 Total Rooms, 4 Total Bedrooms

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