Around Town

RMV Accepting Applications for Low Number Plate Lottery

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The following announcement was provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles:

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing applications for the 2023 Low Number Plate Lottery will be available online at myRMV Online Service Center beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023. To be eligible, applicants must apply for this year’s lottery by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2023. Winners will be notified by mail if selected for a low number plate. 

This year, there are 191 plates available through the low plate lottery. Some of the available low plates include 13F, 17V, 28E, Z64, 301, 1999, 4004, 4400, and 8511. Applicants should note that there is no fee to apply for the lottery.

Around Town

City Reminds Residents Outdoor Burning Prohibited, Don’t Shoot Off Fireworks

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Courtesy of the City of Watertown

Having an open outdoor fire, except for a barbecue, is prohibited in Watertown, City officials said, and they also reminded residents not to set off fireworks. The City sent out the following announcement:

Did you know that open burning (fire pits, chimineas or outdoor wood burning fireplaces/stoves) is NOT ALLOWED in Watertown? This does not apply to the use of charcoal and propane grills for cooking, that meet all the necessary requirements. Read more here. If you have any questions or concerns regarding open/outside burning regulations, please call the Watertown Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 617-972-6510.

Around Town

See How the Fourth of July Will Impact City Facilities & Trash Pickup

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Multiple City-run facilities will be closed for the Fourth of July holiday, and many residents will see their trash and recycling collection pushed back a day. The City of Watertown announced that Watertown City Hall, Library, and Senior Center will closed on Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4, 2023. City officials added that trash and recycling pickup schedule is Monday, July 3, and then a one-day delay for trash and recycling pickup on July 4th, which moves both pickups to Wednesday, July 5 – Saturday, July 8, 2023. The Recycling Center will be closed on Tuesday, July 4.

Around Town

Our History: Historic Orchard House Preserved

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The Orchard House. Decorative quoining and fluted Doric columns add to the significance of the architecture of the farmhouse (Photo courtesy of Joyce Kelly)

The following story is part of a series on local history provided by the Historical Society of Watertown. It was written by Historical Society President Marilynne Roach for the April 2013 Historical Society newsletter, “The Town Crier.” Marilynne is also on the board of the Watertown Historical Commission. The Historical Society of Watertown is pleased to report that the principal structure of the circa 1832 Greek Revival farmhouse at 917 Belmont Street will not be demolished 917 Belmont Street, also known as “Orchard House” is currently owned by the Walker Home and School and houses the Beacon High School, a co-educational, therapeutic high school. In July 2012, Beacon High School submitted an application for demolition of the historic house at 917 Belmont Street to make room for, sometime in the future, green space or trailers to house classrooms or some other unspecified structure.

Around Town

Water & Sewer Rates Rising, City Could Use ARPA Funds to Lessen the Impact

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Watertown water and sewer bills will be going up more than 5 percent this year, but the City could soften the blow by using federal COVID relief funds to pay for infrastructure projects. On Tuesday, the City Council approved the water and sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2024, which includes a 5.5 percent increase for water, and a 6 percent jump for sewer. For an average residential customer who uses 1,800 cubic feet of water a quarter the combined water and sewer bill would go up $16.88 from the current year to $306.76 ($107.56 for water, $199.20 for sewer). City Manager George Proakis said that a study by the City’s water and sewer consultant, The Abrahams Group, found that if the City uses the ARPA funds to pay for the $1.25 million in water and sewer projects from Fiscal Year 2025 to 2028, the rate increase would drop. The City Council has received 32 proposals for how to use the $10.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from City departments as well as outside organizations.

Around Town

Volunteers Needed for 2023 Watertown Arts Market

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Preparations are being made for the third annual Watertown Arts Market, but organizers still need volunteers to help before, during and after the event. This year’s Arts Market will take place at Filippello Park near the Grove Street entrance on Saturday, Aug. 19, from noon to 5 p.m.

People can volunteer for various shifts during the event, said Kristen Kenny, a member of the Arts Market Committee. “We need mostly people for set-up and break-down,” Kenny said. Individuals or groups from companies, organizations, schools and others are welcome to lend a hand.