Schools

Mass. Seeks to Bring Back Students in Fall, Classes Will be Social Distanced

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Lowell School in Watertown, and all Massachusetts schools, will operate differently in the fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Massachusetts school officials seek to bring back “as many students as possible to in-person school settings” in the fall, but the classrooms will look different with schools being required to adhere to social distancing guidelines. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has put together its Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance, which is expected to be discussed by Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday. The plan, of which the Boston Globe obtained a copy, says getting students back into the classroom is the goal. Education and medical officials weighed the risks of COVID-19 as well as the impact of keeping students at home.

Fire Department

COVID-19 Impacted Town’s Budget, Details of the Police, Fire Budgets Presented

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Watertown Town Hall

The COVID-19 pandemic will have a major impact on Watertown’s budget, Town Manager Michel Driscoll told the Town Council Tuesday night. He also gave details about how the Police and Fire departments use their funding. Driscoll’s presentation (see the documents here) gave more details about Watertown’s Fiscal 2021 Budget the day before the Town Council will have the chance to ask questions about each Town department’s budget. Two weeks ago, Driscoll presented the $152.4 million budget proposal which included no lay offs, despite the loss of about $4 million related to the COVID-19 pandemic. State Aid is forecast to be down $2.6 million as a result of the impact of the pandemic on the Massachusetts economy, Driscoll said.

Business

Massachusetts’ Tax Free Weekend Will be in Late August

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A lot of money was raised and spent on the 2015 Watertown Election. Gov. Charlie Baker announced that the sales-tax free weekend will take place on Aug. 29 and 30, 2020. In 2018, Baker signed a law making the tax holiday an annual event. “The annual sales tax holiday is an opportunity for us to support small businesses and consumers, and this year, it’s a great way to support our economy that’s been impacted by COVID-19,” Baker said.

Entertainment

NewRep Pushing Back Performances, Coming Up With COVID-19 Friendly Productions

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Watertown-based New Repertory Theatre announced this week that it will have to push back the performances of two plays, due to the COVID-19 restrictions. However, Artistic Director Michael Bobbitt and his staff are busy coming up with new options for fans of live theater and performances during the pandemic. NewRep tried rescheduling two plays from the spring to the fall, but looking at the COVID-19 restrictions the decision was made to postpone them once again. The company also announced the cancellation of its annual gala, which they had hoped to move from April to October. “It’s the nature of the beast at the moment.

Hosmer School

Groundbreaking Ceremony Planned to Kick Off Cunniff School Project

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The latest rendering of the new Cunniff Elementary School, with the solar array in the parking lot. The first of Watertown’s new school projects will kick off Wednesday, June 24 with a groundbreaking ceremony at Cunniff Elementary School. The School Building Committee invites public is invited to the event, which begins at 4:30 p.m. at the school, located at 246 Warren St. in Watertown. Those who attend must wear a mask of face covering due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Business

See the Watertown Restaurants Approved for Outdoor Seating

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Deluxe Town Diner was one of several Watertown restaurants recently approved to have outdoor seating. Ten Watertown restaurants have been approved to have outdoor by the Town as part of a the COVID-19 reopening. Last week, the Licensing Board approved a temporary measure to allow Town Manager Michael Driscoll to approve temporary outdoor seating at restaurants in town. The following restaurants have been approved to have outdoor seating:

Gerry’s Italian Kitchen1072 Belmont Street

La Bodega21 Nichols Avenue

Conley’s Pub & Grille164 Belmont Street

Deluxe Town Diner627 Mount Auburn Street

Greg’s Restaurant821 Mount Auburn Street

Ixtapa Mexican Grill18 Mount Auburn Street

Ritcey East208 Waverley Avenue

Shiraz Cuisine72 Bigelow Avenue

Stellina47 Main Street

Tresca’s Eating Place25 Church Street

Before the local measure was passed, restaurants already approved to have outdoor seating could open on June 8, when Phase 2 of Gov. Baker’s reopening plan began. On June 22, restaurants can also start serving food indoors, with tables spaced at least 6 feet apart and parties no larger than six people.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Bikes Stolen from Storage Area, Attempted Scam Involving Dog for Sale

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department:

Arrests

None

Incidents

For the second week in a row, the Watertown Police Department received 17 reports of attempted unemployment scams. The residents said they had not applied for unemployment benefits but received a letter about getting benefits. 

June 8, 10:02 a.m.: Two bicycles were reported stolen from Tufts Health Plan. Security looked at security footage which showed two people go into the Tufts parking garage on Grove Street, went to the locked bicycle storage area and one of the people climbed over the fence around the bike storage. The person pressed a self-release button and left with two bikes. The two were seen bicycling on Mt. Auburn Street three minutes later.

Government

Congresswoman Clark Encourages Residents to Fill Out 2020 Census

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The following information was provided by Congresswoman Katherine Clark’s office. Her district includes Watertown:

68% of households in our district have already completed their U.S. Census 2020 form. That’s fantastic progress, but we need everyone to be counted to ensure that our community gets its fair share of federal resources for schools, transportation systems, family nutrition programs, and so many other vital services. Fill out the Census here! The 2020 Census determines how federal funding and resources will be distributed across our communities, and your participation can make a real difference to your family, loved ones and neighbors. If you haven’t completed your census form, please visit 2020Census.gov now—then pass this message along to family and friends! 

I hope you will make your voice heard by participating in the 2020 Census and do your part to ensure that everyone in our community is fairly and accurately counted.Sincerely,Katherine ClarkMember of Congress (MA-05)