Business

ATM Card Skimming Device Discovered at Watertown Savings Branch

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A scammer put devices to “skim” debit cards into an ATM at Watertown Savings Bank’s Church Street Branch. The “skimming” incident was discovered by a customer who noticed something strange while using an ATM on Saturday, according to a report by Wicked Local. In a skimming scam someone places devices that can record the information from cards inside the ATM’s card slot and a camera to get people’s PIN numbers. The bank removed the device which a bank official said had only been there a short time and new cards have been sent to those impacted. “This is an isolated device impacting a small number of customers,” a statement on Watertown Savings’ website reads.

Development

Phase 4 of Arsenal Project Includes Plaza With Restaurants, Retail & Apartments

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The fourth phase of the Arsenal Yards project will feature what developers hope will become a focal point of the site, with a plaza where people will stroll, eat at restaurants’ outdoor seating and gather for special events. Developers from Boylston Properties presented the plans during a Community Meeting at the Arsenal Yards last Thursday. This phase, the fourth of five, includes three buildings, two of which will surround the plaza in the center of the new layout of the former Arsenal Mall. It will be in the middle of what was the front parking lot of the old mall. Building C will have 27,500 sq. ft.

Government

Stormy Winter Pushes Watertown’s Snow Plowing Costs Nearly $700K Over Budget

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The string of snow storms over the winter of 2017–18 has busted Watertown’s snow plowing budget by close to $700,000. Last week, the Town Council approved an increase to the Snow and Ice Removal Budget for Fiscal Year 2018. The Town budgeted $1,170,000 for snow and ice removal, but Town Manager Michael Driscoll said that has been well exceeded. “Given the amount of events, and the amount of snow, we are asking for $624,734 to be added to the Fiscal Year 2018 Snow and Ice Removal Budget,” Driscoll said. Town Council President Mark Sideris said he hopes that the approval of the additional snow and ice removal funds is not premature, given the whacky weather thus far in April.

Boston Marathon

See How Runners from Watertown Finished in the 2018 Boston Marathon

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Battling rainy, gusty and cold conditions, along with the normal challenges of the Boston Marathon, these Watertown runners completed the race on Monday. 

Watertown’s fastest runner was Craig Hammond, who finished in 2:44:20. The 23-year-old’s time was the 246th fastest for men and 269th overall. The fastest female runner from Watertown was Erin Jaffke, 25, who finished in 3:10:58. She was the 305th fastest woman. Thirty-three Watertown runners completed the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston.

Sports

See How the 2018 Boston Marathon May Impact Your Day, Find Info for Spectators

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The 2018 Boston Marathon will once again draw thousands of spectators to the 26.2 mile course from Hopkinton to Copley Square, and the race may impact how you get around on Monday. See info about the T, spectator rules, street closings and more. To accommodate the race, the T will make some changes to its normal service, including altering some routes, closing some subway stations. In some cases the T has added more service to move the crowds around the area. CHANGES TO MBTA SERVICES

The MBTA provided the following information:
Subway

Due to safety concerns, Copley Station will be closed for the entire day on April 16.

Real Estate

A Colonial Sells for $1.65 Million, One of Three Watertown Homes Sales This Week

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One property sold this week in Watertown, here are the details. $977,000 – 133-135 Maplewood St., 2 unit, 13 total room, 6 total bedroom, 2 Family – 2 Units Up/Down multi-family home

$910,000 – 19 Boyd St. Unit 19, 9 room, 4 bedroom, 3 full & 1 half bathroom, Townhouse condo/townhouse

$1,650,000 – 119 Robbins Road, 10 room, 5 bedroom, 3 full & 2 half bathroom, Colonial single-family home

Sponsored by:

Arrests

Police Log: Two People Charged in One Traffic Stop, Woman Threatens Bank

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests
April 2, 5:05 p.m.: Police received a report of a man acting erratically on the 700 block of Mt. Auburn Street. They found the man, and while speaking with him, discovered he had a warrant for his arrest. The 56-year-old Watertown man was arrested on the warrant from Waltham District Court for driving under the influence of alcohol and traffic offenses.

Around Town

Public Works Has Rain Barrels Available for Purchase at a Discounted Price

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With spring here (or almost here?) the Watertown Department of Public Works announced it has rain barrels for residents to purchase at a discounted rate. 
Rain barrels can offset homeowner’s water usage, particularly in the spring, summer and fall seasons when outdoor watering needs increase. Also, stormwater from the Town’s drainage system flows directly to the Charles River without treatment and is one of many contributors to pollution in the river. Rain barrels can help reduce stormwater runoff. The DPW requests that people call in advance (617-972-6420) before picking up a barrel. The DPW sent out the following information:

Did you know that using a rain barrel to collect precious rainwater not only conserves energy and you may even save money on your next water bill?