Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/more/aroundtown/)
Raccoon
A resident reported being attacked by a raccoon on Arsenal Street, Watertown Animal Control warns. See more information, below. There is a raccoon in the area of 140 Arsenal Street that is acting aggressively. This raccoon lunged at and bit the pants of a Watertown resident. The resident kicked the raccoon off her leg and it ran away and could not be located.
There is still time to join the first Annual Watertown Business Coalition Holiday Decorating Contest. Then members of the public will be able to choose their favorite storefront. See details in the announcement from the WBC, below. The Watertown Business Coalition is excited to run our first Annual Holiday Decorating Contest! We’re calling on all Watertown businesses to help bring the cheer this holiday season by decorating your entrance, storefront, or any outdoor displays you have!
“You’re watching Watertown Cable News, presented by WCA-TV.” It’s the calling card heard every Thursday night at 7pm from Watertown Cable Access studios. Lights, camera, action, it’s time to talk about the week’s top stories. The winter parking ban continues for another year. The Senior Center holds its annual health fair. The Planning Board votes to approve additional dwelling units.
See the progress made on the Mt. Auburn Street Project, and the traffic, parking, and sidewalk impacts from this week’s construction in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Mount Auburn Street Project Progress Update
As the construction season winds down, we’d like to take a moment to highlight the work completed along Mount Auburn Street. While the more extensive road work is planned to come back in the spring, MassDOT and Newport Construction has made progress this season in working towards a safer, more accessible, and welcoming street. This year’s efforts focused on two major segments: the Cambridge line to Arlington Street and Arlington Street to Boylston Street.
A map of the park on the former GSA Site in East Watertown. (DCR)
A former industrial site where the U.S. Army burned and stabilized depleted uranium has been cleaned up and turned into a park at the intersection of Arsenal Street and Greenough Boulevard. State officials now want to know what features residents want to see in the passive recreation space. On Nov. 19, the Department of Recreation and Conservation held a meeting about conceptual plans for site improvements to the former GSA Site.
Charlie BreitroseA mural created by Watertown High School students for the 20th annual Unity Breakfast. World in Watertown announced it is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Unity Award, presented each year at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Unity Breakfast to recognize individuals or groups making significant contributions to civic life in Watertown. Nominations remain open through Nov. 30, 2025. Residents are encouraged to put forward the names of community members whose efforts embody MLK Jr’;s dream of a just, equitable, and inclusive society, while contributing to the Watertown community.
More than 1,500 people took part in the 20th Donohue’s Turkey Trot. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
The 20th edition of the Donohue’s Turkey Trot drew the biggest crowd in the history of the Thanksgiving morning 5K run and walk. More than 1,500 people joined in the event, which raises money for the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. The Turkey Trot has become a Thanksgiving tradition in Watertown. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Competitors came from as far as New Zealand and England to take part in the Turkey Trot, said JD Donohue, owner of Donohue’s.
Two body works businesses in Watertown had their permits revoked by the Board of Health for violations of the City’s Bodywork Regulations and other local and state regulations. Inspections found evidence of sexual services and employees living at the business. On Nov. 12, six businesses were found to be in violation of regulations set by the Watertown Board of Health, the Building Department, and the Zoning Department, as well as the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure. They had a range of violations, and two — Sunflower Spa and Health Hall — appeared before the Board of Health due to the extent of the violations.
City buildings will close early on Wednesday and will remain closed through the Thanksgiving. Some will be closed on Friday, as well. See details in the announcement from the City of Watertown. Watertown City Hall, Parker Building*, and Senior Center will be closed from 12:30pm November 26 through November 28, 2025. * Inspectional Services, and Zoning and Code Enforcement will be closed from 11:30am November 26 through November 28, 2025.
