State Climate Bill to “Make the Polluters Pay” Kicked Off in Watertown

Charlie BreitroseEnvironmental activists from around Massachusetts gathered at the Commander’s Mansion to celebrate the filing of the Polluters Pay Bill in the State Legislature on Friday. Environmental advocates gathered in Watertown to celebrate the filing of a new bill in the Massachusetts State House that would make the companies that produced the oil that created greenhouse gases pay for the impact on the climate. The event took place at the Commander’s Mansion, which is located in a former Federal Superfund Site — the U.S. Army’s Watertown Arsenal — because co-sponsors liken the legislation to a Climate Change Superfund. The bill is known as the Polluters Pay Bill, said Watertown State Rep. Steve Owens, who is a co-sponsor along with State Sen. Jamie Eldridge. “The principle of the Polluters Pay Bill is very simple: those who made the mess should be the ones to clean it up,” Owens said.

Watertown TMA Puts Out Survey About City’s Shuttle, Commuting

The City of Watertown provided the following information:

Take the Watertown Transportation Management Association’s survey. This is an opportunity to be represented in transportation-related developments within Watertown. Your participation can help decision-makers to understand the needs and preferences of the community and make informed decisions. Take the WATConnector survey and make a difference in your community. The survey will be up for one month.

Jon Taffer in Town to Visit His Restaurant, Sees Area as Strong Market

Charlie BreitroseJon Taffer meets patrons at Taffer’s Tavern in Watertown. TV host turned restaurateur Jon Taffer recently stopped by the eatery in Watertown that bears his name: Taffer’s Tavern. Just five months after opening, the restaurant in Arsenal Yards has been doing well, as is the Boston area, he said. The host of Paramount Network’s Bar Rescue has fond memories of the Boston area, having run a nightclub and bar convention from an office in Newton. “I have always loved this city.

Groups Participating in Memorial Day Parade Can Now Register

Charlie BreitroseWatertown Girl Scouts march in the 2022 Memorial Day Parade. Groups planning to participate in Watertown’s Memorial Day Parade can now register. The parade will take place on Monday, May 29, 2023. Watertown Veterans Agent Patrick George sent out the registration form, on which participants can sign up in one of three categories: Business, Civic/Non-Profit, or Neighborhood. More information is available on the Registration Form that can be viewed below.

Clothes of Any Condition to be Collected at Watertown Recycling Event

On Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 10 am to 2 pm, the City of Watertown will host a clothing drive in collaboration with Helpsy. Collections will take place during the Recycling Event at Boston’s Jewish Community Day School at 57 Stanley Ave. in Watertown. The event also includes styrofoam collection, mattress disposal, dehumidifier collection and more. Helpsy, the city’s partner for clothing reuse and recycling, will collect clothing in a range of conditions — used and unused — at the recycling event.

Watertown Business Community Town Hall Being Hosted by Charles River Chamber

The Charles River Chamber of Commerce will host a Watertown Business Community Town Hall on Wednesday, March 22 from 9 to 10 a.m. via Zoom. The event is free for members & non-members. The Chamber sent out the following information:

Watertown has experienced a remarkable period of growth and change that’s projected to continue in the coming years. By 2031, the city is expected to add more than 6,000 jobs, mostly in the research and development sectors. A positive impact of this economic development is that it will increase the non-residential tax base.