Around Town

Up to $35K in Grants Available from the Watertown Community Foundation for Health & Schools

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

On October 11, the Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) will open the 2023 application processes for two grant programs: Healthy Watertown and School Programs.

WCF’s Heathy Watertown Grants will support new or existing programs that keep Watertown’s residents and families healthy. Up to $15,000 will be distributed in 2023 to eligible organizations. Programs supported by these grants in the past have included: food pantries in Watertown; nutrition and meal programs for school-age children and seniors; programs and services fostering healthy aging; mental health first aid training for first responders; programs providing services and supports for individuals and families struggling with substance use disorders; and health-related programs for infants and their families. You can learn more about how to apply for Healthy Watertown Grants here. The application deadline for this grant program is November 1, 2023.

Around Town

LETTER: Watertown Election Coming Up — What You Need to Know!

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Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th. Watertown will have a municipal election with two contested races: City Council President (2 candidates for 1 slot) and School Committee (5 candidates for 3 slots). The other races are uncontested. Per a Massachusetts statute, residents who do not complete a city census are marked as “INACTIVE” on the election roll. This status does not preclude you from voting. You can vote and do not need to show an ID to vote. There are very few circumstances in Massachusetts in which you need to provide ID to vote. If anyone, besides poll workers, mentions the need for voter ID, then walk away. They are uninformed or dishonest.

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Watertown Square Study Starting Soon, Find Out About Kick-Off Event & Kitchen Table Conversations

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The effort to transform Watertown Square into a more thriving area where people walk, bike and spend time will start on Oct. 17 with a kick-off event. In late November, there will be a three day design charrette and leading up to that event a series of Kitchen Table Conversations will be held where neighbors and friends can talk about what qualities they would like to see the new Watertown Square. The following announcement was sent out by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown has embarked on an ambitious plan for Watertown Square that will look at all physical and human-centered aspects of the study area, with a special emphasis on the configuration and design characteristics of the public realm — including streets, sidewalks, and open spaces — as well as the buildings that define and activate it. The plan is intended to create the framework for a Watertown Square with lively public spaces, street designs that promote walking and biking, thriving businesses, shared public-private open spaces that are activated and expanded, and enhanced access to the Charles River.

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Boston Bruins Foundation Sponsoring New Outdoor Rink/Court at Moxley Field, Jerry York to Speak at Opening

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The new multi-sport rink and court at Moxley Field will be sponsored by the biggest name in hockey the Boston area, and one of Watertown’s hockey royalty will be part of the dedication later in October. The Watertown Recreation Department sent out the following announcement:

Residents and Friends of Watertown,

On behalf of the City of Watertown, the Watertown Department of Recreation, and the Boston Bruins Foundation, it is my privilege to formally invite you to our Court Dedication Ceremony at PFC Richard Moxley Field. This event will take place on Wednesday, October 25 at 4 p.m. at 31 Westminster Ave in Watertown. I am honored that we can salute Vietnam War Marine PFC Richard Moxley, for whom the field is named after, while creating a fun filled event to not only dedicate, but officially open our newest recreational facility. This facility includes a multi-purpose rink, basketball court, tennis / pickleball court, and LED lighting.

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LETTER: City Needs to be Accountable for Noise Standards and Company Compliance

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Dear Newton Neighbors (and especially Cedar),

I want to thank you for reaching out and sharing your neighborhood’s story. I remember seeing you, Cedar, when you addressed our City Council in June. It takes a lot of thought and talent to get your whole point across in just two minutes (the time Watertown residents are allowed to express a concern in that venue), but I remember that you did it admirably, and I’ve often wondered how you and your neighbors fared. Now I know, and your neighborhood’s anger and frustration is shared by many here in Watertown who feel unheard. It is unusual for people to express a concern and propose a possible solution, taking part of the work out of it for our City.

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Watertown Company Cleans Up Along Charles River During Day of Service

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A team of employees from WiTricity cleaned up the riverfront near Watertown Square. (Courtesy of WiTricity)

The following information was provided by WiTricity:

Headquartered in Watertown Square, WiTricity is the global leader in wireless charging with a particular focus on wirelessly charging electric vehicles. As part of our commitment to our community and to environmental responsibility, more than 30 people from the WiTricity team spent the afternoon dedicated to community service by cleaning up the area surrounding the river at the Galen Street Bridge on Oct. 5. WiTricity employees painted a bench along the Charles River during a day of service.

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LETTER: Industrial Noise Pollution from Watertown Impacting Newton Neighbors

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Dear Watertown News editor,

I’m writing to ensure that you, and your readers, are aware of an issue at Watertown’s border. Industrial noise pollution is dominating the Charles River and the residential neighborhoods it borders. Those of us most affected have formed an association and reached out to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection seeking immediate help in ensuring the installation of noise-mitigation devices such as sound blankets and fan silencers. The corridor of Pleasant Street along the Charles River has seen an expansion of noise-generating ventilation fans, chillers and evaporators among the commercial buildings directly on the Charles River. The businesses that directly border the Charles River and regularly generate noise include Griffith Properties, 580 Pleasant Street; Charles River Automotive, 594 Pleasant Street; and Arranta Bio/ReciBio, 650 Pleasant Street.

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Hear from People Leading Watertown Square Revitalization Effort at Kick-Off Event

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The City of Watertown sent out the following information:

Join us for the Watertown Square Plan Kick-off Event – A (more) Walkable Watertown on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. at 64 Pleasant Street. Meet with project team representatives, including walkability guru Jeff Speck and Utile project lead Tim Love, to discuss the current condition of the Square, hear how communities can reimagine important spaces, and learn about the team’s next steps! See the Watertown Square Plan website here.