Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/business/page/83/)
These three Watertown homes were sold over the past 10 days. $915,000 – 220 Main St. Unit 220, Condo – Townhouse, 2,010 Living Area Sq. Ft., 6 Room, 4 Bedroom, 3 Full Bathroom
$669,000 – 85 Putnam St. Unit 85, Condo – 2/3 Family 2,374 Living Area Sq.
One of the key form of aid to businesses dealing with the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak begins Friday — the Payroll Protection Program. The program is part of the Federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, and provides loans not only to businesses, but also non-profits and sole proprietors. The PPP was announced just last week and details are still being ironed out, including where to to to get the loans. Doug Orifice, principal at Arsenal Financial and co-founder of the Watertown Business Coalition, said that he has spent most of the last week pouring over the details of the CARES Act looking for ways it can help small businesses. The PPP may be a big help.
Watertown Town Hall
The following announcement was provided by Watertown Town Manager Michael Driscoll’s office:
Essential Services Order
Governor Charlie Baker’s emergency order requiring that all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public will be extended until May 4th. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order. This order also prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people until May 4th. On March 31st, The Commonwealth updated the “COVID-19 Essential Services” list, which is based on federal guidance that was updated earlier this week. While these businesses are designated as essential, they are urged to follow social distancing protocols for workers in accordance with guidance from the Department of Public Health (DPH).
The following announcement was provide by Wegmans Food Markets. The chain has locations in Chestnut Hill, Medford, Burlington, Natick, Westwood and Northborough:
Committed to keeping its doors opened and its shelves stocked during this time of uncertainty, Wegmans Food Markets is hiring for more than 400 part- and full-time positions throughout its six Massachusetts stores. “Even as we look to grow our team, the health and safety of all Wegmans customers and employees remains a top priority,” said Kelly Schoeneck, New England Division Manager. “We are humbled by our amazing employees who continue to show up for their colleagues and our customers every day,” she continued. “At Wegmans, we love what we do, and we love the communities we serve.
Gov. Charlie Baker announced that non-essential businesses would remain closed in Massachusetts through May 4 in an effort to control the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The announcement came before the announcement of the lastest statistics for the impact of COVID-19 in Massachusetts on Tuesday. The Mass. Department of Public Health announced 33 more deaths from the virus, brining the total to 89. Massachusetts has 868 new postive cases for a total of 6,620.
The Federal government unveiled the the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act which will help business of all sizes, and has special programs for small businesses and private non-profits. The legislation passed by Congress last week and signed by President Trump provides programs to help retain employees, gives grants and loans to businesses negatively impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak
The Payroll Protection Program offers loans to businesses that maintain their payroll during the Coronavirus emergency. Businesses with fewer than 500 employees can qualify. The Small Business Debt Relief Program gives loans to businesses. Loans can up to $5.5 million, and there are also micro loans of up to $50,000.
Watertown had one property sale this week. $560,000 – 131 Coolidge Ave. Unit 319, Condo – Mid-Rise, 1,333 Living Area Sq. Ft., 5 Room, 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom
Looking for a restaurant in Watertown to pick up food or have a meal delivered, check out the list compiled by the Watertown Business Coalition and the Town of Watertown. A few restaurants have closed temporarily during the Coronavirus outbreak, but most remain open for take out and, in many cases, delivery. You can call to order, some restaurants take orders on their website, or through food delivery apps such as Grub Hub, Doordash or Uber Eats. Town officials sent out the following statement:
In order to track what restaurants and other food establishments are open during this challenging and unprecedented time, the Town of Watertown has coordinated with the Watertown Business Coalition to compile and keep an up to date list of food establishments. We will continue to update the list with missing establishments and changes to current status for takeout and delivery.