Transportation

MBTA to Increase Service on a Watertown Bus Route

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An MBTA bus. (Photo from City of Watertown)

The MBTA announced changes as part of the Better Bus Project, including increased service on one of Watertown’s bus lines. See information sent out by the MBTA, below. Subway and bus spring schedules will go into effect on April 6, 2025. The new schedule will include multiple changes to improve service frequency and schedule reliability in order to address growing traffic congestion. Riders are encouraged to use the MBTA’s Trip Planner to plan their trips and check out the full list of upcoming bus service changes at MBTA.com/ServiceChanges.

Business

Charles River Chamber Hosting Coffee Connect in Watertown

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The following information came from the Charles River Chamber:

Start your morning with coffee, conversation, and connections! Our popular Coffee Connect series is heading to Not Your Average Joe’s in Watertown Square, where our hosts will be showcasing some of their delicious brunch offerings exclusively for this event. April 15, 2025, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Join fellow Chamber members and local professionals to expand your network, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships in a welcoming, low-pressure setting. Our Coffee Connects often draw 75+ attendees and are open to both members and those interested in learning more about chamber membership. This event is free, but space is limited—register in advance to secure your spot!

Letters

LETTER: Ambulance, Public Safety Should be a Priority in New City Positions

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Greetings Councilors:

Has anyone noticed the cumulative monetary effects of all the new positions created within the City Administration? And yet; a second ambulance, for the well-being and safety of the citizens of Watertown, is in jeopardy of not materializing for the coming fiscal year budget. The last paragraph of the 03/06/25 Committee on Budget and Fiscal Oversight (BFO) Report states as follows:

“At the conclusion of the discussion, the Manager shared that there is uncertainty around the FY26 budget,…..He proposed that the Fire Department and Committee continue exploring the proposal, given the  value of having an additional on-site ambulance service. However, he does not see this as a possibility for FY26 given where we are in the planning cycle, and the current forecast.” [Note: referral to BFO was made on 11/12/24]

So …, after the Council and City Manager hired over thirty new employees in two fiscal years: it seems as though the City is now in austerity mode. At the 2023 Memorial Day Parade; I spoke to several City Councilors. I strongly voiced my concerns against the then proposed increased level of new City hires, included in the FY 24 Budget.

Entertainment

Call for Local Artists to Be Part of the 2025 Watertown Arts Market

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Arts Market Committee:

The Watertown Business Coalition is excited to announce the fifth annual Watertown Arts Market will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 12:00 – 5:00pm at Arsenal Park. This celebratory event brings together an abundance of artists, arts and cultural organizations, and arts- and culture-related businesses based in or serving Watertown. More information is available at www.watertownartsmarket.com. 

Calling All Local Artists

We would love to have you join us for this event! Local artists of all media, nonprofit arts and culture organizations, and arts and culture businesses are invited to host a table at the Watertown Arts Market from 12:00 – 5:00pm on Saturday, August 9, 2025. The Watertown Arts Market is committed to including a diverse range of arts and culture offerings across mediums and cultures.

Government

Councilor Lisa Feltner Holding Annual Public Meeting

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Lisa Feltner seeks re-election as District B Town Councilor. All City Councilors must have an annual meeting to meet with the public according to the recent changes to the City Charter. District B City Councilor Lisa Feltner announced the date of her meeting. See info below. Please join City Councilor Lisa Feltner at her Annual City Councilor Meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Parker Annex at124 Watertown Street, 3rd floor IT Conference Training Room 3H.

Around Town

Watertown Recreation Has Options for April Break

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The Watertown Recreation Department has programs for children each day during the April School Break. See more information in the announcement sent out by the Recreation Department. April Break is Coming Soon! Check Out Your Options for the Week! Watertown Recreation Programming-Daily programming from 4/22-4/25;  including trips to Urban Air and Charlestown. FC Film Academy-Create fun, collaborative and exciting projects at the WCATVKnucklebones Skateboarding-An intro to skateboarding class at Arsenal ParkTrip to Fenway Park-Join the Recreation Staff on a trip tosee the Red Sox play at Fenway

See the Complete 2025 Spring/Summer Brochure here

Register for All Programs here!

Around Town

DPW Earth Day Event Will Include Styrofoam & Mattress Recycling, Paper Shredding & Get a Sapling

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The following information was provided by the Department of Public Works:

Watertown Public Works will be hosting an Earth Day Event on Saturday April 19, 2025, from 10:00am – 2:00pm at the Jewish Community Day School Parking Lot – 57 Stanley Ave, for Watertown residents only (bring your ID). The event includes paper shredding, $25 mattress recycling, free dehumidifier turn in, styrofoam collection, a clothing drive, finished compost/soil give away, and baby oak trees giveaway. Mattress Recycling

HandUp, a mattress recycler, will be offering a discount on mattress and box spring recycling. Each unit will be $25 (and the City will pay the other $25). This is a first come, first serve option, until the truck is full.