Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/more/aroundtown/page/52/)
Arshile Gorky painting at his sister Akabi’s house on Dexter Avenue in Watertown, c. 1922. (Unknown photographer. Collection of the Arshile Gorky Foundation). The City of Watertown will hold several events to celebrate Armenian artist Arshile Gorky, who spent time living in Watertown after emigrating from Europe. See the announcement provided by the 100 Years of Arshile Gorky Committee, below.
The City of Watertown provided the following update about the road construction project on Mt. Auburn Street:
Weekend Work – March 8, 2025 – Pedestrian Signal Electrical Work
Saturday, March 8, 2025 Newport Construction and the City of Watertown will be performing electrical work to relocate pedestrian walking signals to prepare for signal preparation work at the Mount Auburn Street and Arlington Street intersection (see map below)
Traffic ImpactsTemporary lane shifts may occur and work will take place on the sidewalks, but will remain open and accessible. Parking ImpactsNo parking impacts
Drainage Installation Work Continues between Arlington St. and Bigelow Ave. Newport Construction is continuing to complete the drainage installation work eastbound between Arlington Street and Bigelow Avenue.
A condo and a single-family home were sold this week. 456 Belmont St. APT 17, $1,100,000, 2 bedroom 3 bathroom 1,552 sq. ft. Condo
154 N Beacon St., $1,102,500, 3 bedroom 2 bathroom 1,636 sq.
The Charles River Chamber announced that tickets are available for the 27th annual Spring Seasonings: A Taste of our Towns event, which includes restaurants from Watertown, as well as Newton, Needham and Wellesley. See the announcement below. Spring Seasonings: A Taste of our Towns returns to the Newton Marriott on Monday, April 7 from 5:30-8 p.m. The highly anticipated event, now in its 27th year, is hosted by the Charles River Regional Chamber in partnership with presenting sponsor The Village Bank. Forty local restaurants from Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley will showcase their distinctive cuisine, with beverage exhibitors pouring samples to pair with the delicious bites. Over 500 attendees are expected to attend the event.
See all the properties hosting open houses over the weekend. 58 Aldrich Road #B, $499,900, 2 bedroom 1 bathroom 746 sq. ft. Condo, Open houses: Saturday, March 8 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Sunday, March 9 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
168-170 Fayette St., $999,000, 5 bedroom 2 bathroom 2,336 sq. ft.
A map of alternative places to park during construction on Mt. Auburn Street in Coolidge Square. (City of Watertown)
The roadway through one of Watertown’s major business centers is being reconstructed, but the City reminds residents and customers that Coolidge Square is “Open for Business.” The stretch of Mt. Auburn Street in front of businesses like Artemis Yoga, Olespana, Dunkin’, and 7-Eleven is being torn up, theses businesses remain open.
The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:
The Watertown Affordable Housing Trust, in partnership with Watertown Community Conversations (WCC), will be hosting an “Accessory Dwelling Units Community Dialogue” on Monday, March 24, 2025.
The event will be held at The Apartments at Coolidge School, located at 319 Arlington St., from 6 to 8:30 PM, including time at the beginning for attendees to enjoy light food and beverages. The Community Dialogue will include a short presentation, small group dialogues facilitated by WCC, and a subsequent large-group summary. Registration has opened–register here. RSVPs are appreciated for planning purposes but are not required.
The Trust plans to use ideas generated during this event to help shape a proposal to the Council for permitting Accessory Dwelling Units. As of February 2, 2025, every city/town is required to allow accessory dwelling units “by right.” In November 2024, Watertown passed an “interim” ADU ordinance.
Jaqueline Sullivan was chosen as the new Executive Director of the Watertown Housing Authority. (Contributed Photo)
The Watertown Housing Authority has a new executive director, after the Board of Commissioners voted to hire Jaqueline Sullivan, who had served as the Deputy Director of the WHA. She succeeds Michael Lara, who left to become the Executive Director of the Newton Housing Authority. See the WHA announcement below. On February 12, 2025, the Watertown Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the hiring of Jacqueline Sullivan as WHA’s new Executive Director.