Development
Design Standards – What They Are, What Residents Want
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More than 100 people showed up Wednesday night to find out about Watertown’s new design standards and give input about what they hope to get from them.
Watertown Tax Relief Legislation Approved by House, Moves to Senate
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Watertown City and State officials appeared before a joint committee at the State House on Jan. 27, 2026, to discuss the City’s Home Rule Petition. Pictured, from left, Steve Owens, George Proakis, John Lawn, Earl Smith, and Mark Sideris.
The City of Watertown’s effort to prevent a tax hike for residential property owners, which could be as high as 18%, cleared a major hurdle when it was approved the the House of Representatives on Beacon Hill.
Water & Sewer Rates Increasing More Than Expected Due to Error in Calculations
Watertown residents will see an increase of 4.5% in both the water and sewer rates for the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2026, which is slightly higher than forecasted a year ago. However, the future increase could be significantly higher than projected due in part to an error made calculating future year revenues.
Possible Purchase of Police Drone and Guidelines for Use Discussed by Council Committee
The Watertown Police Department is considering purchasing a drone like this one made by Paladin Drones (Photo from Paladin)
An automated drone is one of the new technologies being considered by the Watertown Police Department. On July 9, the City Council’s Public Safety Committee held a hearing to ask questions and hear from the public about the possible use of a drone.
A Pair of World Cup Final Watch Parties in Watertown
Those looking to join other soccer fans in Watertown to catch the World Cup Final have two choices of venues to catch Sunday’s big game.
More Headlines
Wada Hoppah Charles River Ferry Boat Has Hit the Water — See a Video and Photos
City Council Moving Out of City Hall for July 14 Meeting
Mutual Aid Group Delivers Air Conditioners in Watertown During Heat Wave
Around Town
New Season of Top Chef Features Show Shot in Watertown
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Bravo’s reality cooking show Top Chef shot its latest season in the Boston area, including one episode in Watertown.
Police/Fire
Man Stopped in the Middle of Breaking Into a House
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Watertown Police caught a man stealing items from a house on Bromfield Street.
Business
Watertown Biotech Firm Gets Big Funding Boost
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A Watertown biotech company received $20 million in funding to developing targeted antigen-specific immune therapies for maladies such as gout.
Around Town
Victory Field Plans Scrapped, Requirement for Project – Grass
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The effort to renovate the track area of Victory Field will start again from scratch and Town Council President Mark Sideris gave the group in charge of designing it one directive – it must have natural grass.
Development
Planning Board Debates Changes to Pleasant Street Zoning
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The Planning Board debated whether to set aside certain parts of the Pleasant Street Corridor for commercial and retail projects, or leave it open for any types of development.
Police/Fire
Watertown Police Taking Steps Against Speeding, Aggressive Drivers
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Watertown Police officers will have their eye out for speeding and aggressive drivers.
Police/Fire
Man Linked to ID Thefts at Tufts Health Plan Gets Prison Term
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A man who stole and laundered nearly $100,000 of government money received a prison sentence of a year and a day.