Around Town

No Snow Emergency for Watertown, but Winter Parking Ban Still in Effect

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There will not be a snow emergency for Saturday’s storm, but cars still must be off the street, according to the announcement from the City of Watertown. See more information below. The City of Watertown would like to advise you of expected snow starting later today, Saturday, February 15, 2025, which will turn into icy conditions heading into Sunday, February 16, 2025. The City is not declaring a Snow Emergency Parking Ban, but the Winter Overnight Parking Ban remains in effect and will be strictly enforced. We strongly encourage residents to park in their driveways or municipal parking lots by the time the storm begins around 6pm, if possible.

Around Town

See the City Manager’s Statement on the Housing Discrimination Test Program Findings

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Watertown City Manager George Proakis released a statement on the findings of a Housing Discrimination Test Program conducted in Watertown, and a dozen other are communities. A pair of meetings, one virtual on Feb. 19 and one in-person in Newton on Feb. 26, will be held to discuss the reports findings and recommendations. See the statement provided by the City of Watertown below.

Around Town

City Closings & Trash Schedule for Presidents Day Week

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The City of Watertown announced that some municipal buildings and facilities will be closed for Presidents Day. See the information from the City below. Watertown City Hall, Parker Annex, Senior Center, Department of Public Works Office, and Watertown Free Public Library, will be closed on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 17, 2025. Please note that there is a one day delay for trash and recycling pickup the week.

Around Town

Watertown Woman Turned Her Love of Chocolate Into a Business

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Amy Vachon, owner of Sotto Chocolate, runs the business out of her Watertown home. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Aromas rich with fruity and earthy tones fill the air each time Amy Vachon goes to work creating a batch of craft chocolate from beans she acquires from Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean. The Watertown resident began making her own chocolate in 2017, and Sotto Chocolate was officially registered as a business in 2020. She has converted a corner of her home near Watertown Square into a chocolate workshop. Regulars of the Watertown Farmers Market will recognize Sotto Chocolate.

Around Town

East Watertown Intersection to be Named for Armenian Immigrant and Artist Arshile Gorky

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Arshile Gorky painting at his sister Akabi’s house on Dexter Avenue in Watertown, c. 1922. (Unknown photographer. Collection of the Arshile Gorky Foundation). An intersection in East Watertown will be named in honor of an Armenian artist who made his home in Watertown for several years. On Tuesday, the City Council voted to name the intersection of Dexter Avenue and Hazel Street for Arshile Gorky.

Around Town

Housing for All Watertown Hosting Panel Discussion on 100% Affordable Housing

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The following announcement was provided by Housing for All Watertown:

Housing for All Watertown (HAW) would like to invite all to the “What Will It Take to Build 100% Affordable Housing in Watertown?” forum on Sunday, Feb. 23. The purpose is to gain an understanding of Watertown’s Affordable Housing situation and the possibilities for change. There will be presentations followed by a panel discussion of developers and planners. Panelists:

Madeline Lee, Senior Project Manager, Just A Start

Mel Miller, Project Manager, Preservation of Affordable Housing

Laura Weiner, Housing and Planning Consultant

Sara Barcan, Executive Director, HRI

The forum will be in the Watertown Savings Bank Room at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

To RSVP click here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-will-it-take-to-build-100-affordable-housing-in-watertown-tickets-1244250961119