Around Town

DCR Seeks Input from Residents About Future of Park on Former GSA Site in East Watertown

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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.

Around Town

Call for Nominations: Unity Award Continues Long Tradition of Honoring Watertown’s Unsung Heroes

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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.

Around Town

Sold Out Donohue’s Turkey Trot Draws More Than 1,500 Runners & Walkers

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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.

Around Town

Board of Health Revokes Licenses for 2 Bodywork Businesses, Details of Inspections Discussed

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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.

Around Town

See the Thanksgiving Hours for City Hall, the Library & the Senior Center

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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.

Around Town

Northeast Health Services Opens Offering Life-Saving Mental Health Care Clinic in Watertown

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The new Northeast Health Services clinic on Pleasant Street in Watertown. (Photo by Mario Joseph Forgione)

An outpatient mental health care clinic opened in Watertown on Pleasant Street, with another near town on Soldier Field Road in Brighton. Both are part of Northeast Health Services and offering a variety of services. See details in the announcement from Northeast Health Services, below. Northeast Health Services, a trusted provider of outpatient mental health care throughout Massachusetts, has expanded access to quality mental health care with the opening of two new clinics in the Boston area.

Around Town

Parking Restrictions, Lane Shifts for Work on Man Holes, Drainage on Mt. Auburn Street

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From Nov. 24 to 26, drivers will see lane shifts and parking restrictions on two stretches of Mt. Auburn Street as crews raise man holes and install drainage. See details in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Raising Buried Structures

Crews will be raising buried utility structures, such as manholes and valve boxes, within the newly paved area along Mount Auburn Street between Lloyd Road and Boylston Street.

Around Town

Lane Closure Near High School Project for Drainage Installation

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Drainage will be installed along Russell Street and Broadway for the Watertown High School project. There will be lane closures from Monday to Wednesday this week. See info provided by Vertex, Watertown’s project manager, below. Please be aware that a drainage liner will be installed on Monday 11/24 from Russell St along the lower portion of Broadway to the drain manhole at 24 Broadway. The duration of this work is expected to take 3 days and will require a one lane closure on Broadway from Monday, 11/24/25 thru 11/26/25.