Government

35 Years Ago Watertown Underwent a Monumental Change & Became a City

By |

Thirty-five years ago Watertown voters made an earth shifting decision to  completely changed the way the town is run and likely put it on course for some of the changes seen today. In 1980 the town voted to become a city, at least in form of government, if not in name. 

The new government took effect on 35 years ago today: July 1, 1981. Known as a city form of government, with a Town Council and a town manager, it brought in professional management and sped up decision making. Some say it took away some of resident’s voice and power in town issues. Town Meeting
In the 1970s, Watertown used the form of government seen in many towns around Massachusetts – town meeting.

Real Estate

See the Open Houses on July 4th Weekend in Watertown

By |

There are a few properties to look at this weekend in Watertown. $684,900 – 11 Hersom St. Unit 2, 6 room, 3 bed, 2.t bath detached, Open Houses: Saturday 1-3 Sunday 12-2

$849,900 – 8 Hawthorne St., 11 room, 4 bed, 4 bath colonial, Open House: Saturday 12-1

$994,500 – 153 Russell Ave., 8 room, 4 bed, 2 bath colonial, Open House: Sunday 12-1

Sponsored by:

Government

Town Manager Signs Letter Urging Congress to Vote on Gun Control Bills

By |

Watertown Town Manager Michael Driscoll signed a letter urging Congress to take a vote on gun control legislation, along with other mayors and town mangers from Massachusetts. 

The letter was organized by Congresswoman Katherine Clark, who presented it at a recent gathering of municipal leaders from the 5th Massachusetts Congressional District. See the letter from the mayors below. The letter urges House Speaker Paul Ryan to allow a vote on legislation that would prevent suspected terrorists from obtaining guns, and expand background checks on those seeking to buy guns. The meeting was for town managers, mayors and town administrators, but Driscoll could not attend. Instead, Town Councilor Susan Falkoff attended.

Police/Fire

State Police, AAA Drop Watertown Tow Company After Driver Made Sexual Advances

By |

A Watertown towing company will no longer be used by the Massachusetts State Police after one of its drivers allegedly made unwanted sexual advances toward a woman whose vehicle he was towing. Fox 25 reported that a woman called police after a tow driver picked her up on the Mass. Pike and drove her home along with her car. On the way the driver asked her to perform sexual acts, Fox 25 reported. The driver was from Watertown-based Perfection Towing.

Government

Town Seeking Volunteers to Serve on Victory Field Renovation Committee

By |

After a two-year hiatus, the town will begin looking at renovating the track and tennis courts side of Victory Field, and Council President Mark Sideris seeks community members to serve on the committee. 

There will be nine members of the Ad Hoc Committee on Victory Field Renovations, including five people appointed to represent different parts of the community. The one stipulation the committee must abide by is that the renovation will include a natural grass area inside the track, not artificial turf, because that was the biggest area of concern, said Sideris at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. Three members of the general public will be selected, including one direct abutter of the field, Sideris said. The two others will represent field users, but are not related to school athletics or youth sports, he added. Additionally, there will also be one member representing Watertown youth sports groups who will be selected by the Council President.

Letters

LETTER: Lack of Participation & Info in Planning for Future of Town Schools is Worrisome

By |

Hi Folks,

Here’s my take on the 6/29 Monday night First Community Forum to discuss the framework for evaluating Watertown’s aging school buildings and facilities in light of changing educational needs, teaching modalities, and enrollment numbers. Some topics that were touched upon: What is a Master Plan? Existing Conditions, 21st Century Skills, 21st Century Design Patterns. There was a bit more but without a written agenda, I’m sure I missed something. There were no handouts regarding the power point presentation that often could not be read on screen.

Schools

Parents, Public Asked About What They Want to See from Schools, Education

By |

This summer will be an important one for the future of the Watertown Public Schools, and a first step toward designing new schools for 21st century learning was taken Monday night. Parents and community members gathered in the Watertown High School Auditorium for the first of three community forums being held as to help come up with the School Facilities Master Plan. Those at the forum were asked to try to think about the schools of the future, and how they might be built using the current schools or in new ones. Also, organizers wanted to know what educational qualities people want to see in Watertown’s schools. Michael van Hamel of  SMMA, the group doing the master plan for the district, showed some modern classrooms. They are designed to be more flexible, with more natural light and allow for more movement by students.

Business

Hip Coffee Bar Chain Appears to be Opening a Watertown Location

By |

Chicago-based Intelligentsia Coffee, which also has coffee bars in Los Angeles and New York, appears to be headed for Watertown. The craft coffeemakers have been advertising job openings on Sprudge.com. The openings were first reported on Eater Boston last week. The company is seeking a “retail educator,” a retail store manager, and a sales executive. No word on where Intelligentsia would be located.