Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/more/page/159/)
This book was retuned to the to the Watertown Library after being checked out for the better part of a century. (Courtesy of the WFPL)
If you’ve been waiting for that travel guide to Italy, it’s back at the Watertown Free Public Library … after nearly 90 years! “Hill Towns of Italy,” a book by Egerton R. Williams Jr. that was first published in 1903 recently came back to the Library. It was checked out on Jan.
The following information was provided by MassDOT:
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is encouraging members of the public to plan for upcoming holiday travel by recognizing that traffic volumes and the number of travelers on public transportation are anticipated to be higher than normal. Motorists and public transportation customers should check websites for real-time travel information on major statewide roads, MBTA schedule information and the weather forecast before leaving home.
The MassDOT Highway Division is taking several steps to ensure safe and efficient travel on roadways and will be shutting down scheduled construction activities from 5:00 a.m. on Friday, December 22, until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 26, and from 5:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2.
In addition, the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will extend its afternoon hours by opening at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, as well as at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29. The HOV lane will be closed on Monday, December 25, with deployment resuming on Tuesday, December 26, and on Monday, January 1, with deployment resuming on Tuesday, January 2.
MassDOT will not be closing the Sumner Tunnel the weekend of December 22 or the weekend of December 29 due to anticipated high traffic volume on roadways nearby.
Guests at the Senior Center’s Holiday Lunch check out the raffle items at the event held at the Hibernian Club. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Watertown will be offering its seniors rides when they want them for trips to the doctor, to get groceries and more in a pilot program using a grant provided by the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging. Currently, seniors have access to rides through a smartphone app, but that has worked for everyone, said Lydia McCoy, Watertown’s Director of Senior Services said at the Senior Center Holiday Lunch on Dec. 15. “Not everyone knows how to use a rideshare app, not everyone has a smart phone and it’s not so easy to always navigate,” McCoy said.
The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:
Effective December 23, 2023 enforcement of the All Night Parking Ban will be temporarily suspended – barring any snowfall that would require plowing or sanding. Should there be a snow event please refer to the City’s website for available off-street parking locations. All homeowners are encouraged to continue using available off-street parking during the overnight hours. Enforcement of the All Night Parking Ban will resume on January 2, 2024. Have a safe and healthy holiday season.
The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:
The Department of Recreation and Council on Aging Snow Shoveling Program Applications for both our seniors, middle school and high school students are included in this communication.
If you are a senior citizen and are requesting shoveling assistance, please fill this form out below. Senior Citizen – Snow Shoveling Application Form
If you are a middle school or high school student from Watertown and are interested in participating in this service, please fill this form out below. Middle School – High School Snow Shoveling Participation Form
Both documents are fillable. Return to recreation@watertown-ma.gov or to the Watertown Recreation Department in the City Hall ground floor at 149 Main Street. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, please contact the recreation department at 617-972-6494 or recreation@watertown-ma.gov
The Department of Public Works released the Watertown trash and recycling pickup schedule, along with the yard waste collection weeks. In 2024, there will be 26 yard waste collection weeks, one more than 2023, including three in the month of April. The first yard waste collection will be the week of April 8. Twelve weeks will have holiday trash delays for at least some residents. Watertown’s 2024 Trash and Recycle calendar is available online.
The old Watertown High School has been mostly demolished. This photo, courtesy of Watertown Cable, was taken in late November. The following announcement was provided by Vertex:
Exciting progress continues on the Watertown High School project as the existingbuilding is more than 50% demolished and foundation work has started. Please see below forupdates regarding specific project details. Upcoming Work Affecting Traffic Pattern of Common Street
On Wednesday December 20th contractors will be performing work on Common St.
A single family, a two family and two townhouses were sold this week. 686 Belmont St. UNIT 686, 2 bedroom 3 bathroom 1,426 sq. ft. Townhouse, Sold: $715,000
12 Swetts Ct.