Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/more/aroundtown/page/236/)
The number of home sales in Watertown in 2022 dropped from the previous year, as well as the total sales. However the average price rose. And the same agent topped the list for the second straight year. In 2022, 383 homes in Watertown sold for a combined $296.78 million. The number of sales went down from 2021, when there were 424 sales for a total of $316.63 million.
The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:
The Charles River Regional Chamber is launching a month-long campaign in February designed to support the restaurant community in Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley, while also helping those in need. The Love Local: Supporting Our Restaurants & Our Community campaign is designed to encourage dining locally at a time when restaurants continue to struggle in a challenging economy. In addition, about 30 area chamber member restaurants are organizing a clothing drive to give back while visiting their favorite restaurants. “While Valentine’s Day may be a traditional day to dine out – the Love Local campaign runs all month long with multiple ways to support our restaurants and the community during this short, cold month when all could use a little bit of a boost,” said Chamber President Greg Reibman. Donation boxes at participating restaurant locations spread throughout all four communities will be accepting NEW sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts and other items to help in the cold winter months.
The City of Watertown provided the following announcement:
City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking residents to serve on the Planning Board. The Planning Board makes recommendations on all special permits, variances, site plan reviews, and Zoning Ordinances-Map amendments. Conducts other land-use planning studies as needed. Candidates should have background in architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, land-use planning, construction, or any related fields. Board meets 2nd Wednesday of each month.
The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Recreation Department:
The Watertown Recreation Department is now accepting applications for the following positions for the 2023 calendar year. This includes immediate employment as a part time member of the staff throughout the year or seasonal work during different seasons of the year. Applicants must be entering the 9th grade (Fall 2023) or older to be considered. Positions Available: Program Directors, Program Supervisors, Program Staff, Program Counselors, Counselor in Training, Nurse, Specialists, Pequossette Staff, Park Instructors, Park Rangers, Tennis Supervisor, Coaches and Scorekeepers. If you are looking for employment to begin before the summer season, please complete your application and an interview will be scheduled with the Director of Recreation as soon as your application is completed.
The Community Preservation Committee will hear applications for six projects seeking from groups funding from the fund created by the passage of the Community Preservation Act. This year, will be the second year that funding had been awarded for Community Preservation projects. Last year, two were funded: the preservation of two historic paintings in City Hall, and the renovation of Irving Park. A third did not receive funds. Funds can go to projects in three areas: historic preservation, community housing, and outdoor recreation.
Another one of Watertown’s major roadways will have a project this year that will slow traffic. New electric lines will be installed under North Beacon Street, and could take two to three months to complete. In January, the City Council approved the petition from Eversource to install 1,612 feet of conduit for electrical wires under North Beacon. The project also includes 177 feet of conduit under Main Street and 60 feet of conduit under Pleasant Street. The photos in the petition application show roadways starting at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Main Street in Watertown Square, and going east to the intersection of North Beacon Street and Irving Street.
This week a single family, a two-family and two condos were sold this week in Watertown. 106 Russell Ave., 3 bedroom 3 bathroom 1,885 sq. ft. Single Family, Sold: $1,200,000
4 N. Irving Park #2, 3 bedroom 4 bathroom 2,446 sq. ft.
A graduating class in front of the Palfrey Street School in the 1970s. Photo courtesy of Phyllis DiAndrea of Palfrey Street
This piece is part of a series of articles on local history. This article was written by Joyce Kelly, Board member of the Historical Society of Watertown. Joyce writes articles for the newsletter and is the newsletter editor. This was published in our April 2004 newsletter, “The Town Crier.”
119 Palfrey Street
Although many of the old houses of Watertown have been demolished to make way for “progress,” a few of these treasures have been saved by caring individuals with a soft spot for days gone by and an interest in what happened in the past.