Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/page/180/)
The future of Watertown Square will be designed in 2026 with plans for major changes to the intersection as well as the commercial district in and around the Square. (Photo by City of Watertown)
More than a year after the zoning for Watertown Square was approved, City officials are preparing to begin the creation of two detailed plans to revitalize the Watertown Square commercial area, and to redesign the intersection. The project includes changes gto the roadway and intersection, as well as building on the parking lots in the Square.
Watertown’s first Civics Academy drew such good reviews that in its second year it will be even longer so that participants can learn even more about how local government works and city departments function.
Life science clusters in Watertown in 2025. The image appears in Watertown Bio’s 2025 Life Science Industry Report.
The biotech industry, while slowed, still has some life in Watertown, according to a recently published study. The City boasts the third most life science firms of any community in Massachusetts, the fourth most venture capital investmentd, and 20 new firms came to town in 2025.
Questions about immigration enforcement in Watertown are something that City Manager George Proakis has heard a lot recently, and he provided some information about the role of the Watertown Police and what they can and cannot do when federal agents are operating in town.
The Watertown Free Public Library has announced that it will offer U.S. citizenship tutor training sessions this spring. These trainings are intended for anyone interested in helping immigrants prepare for all facets of the naturalization process.
NAYA will be serving Middle Eastern dishes at Arsenal Yards. (Contributed Photo)
Arsenal Yards will welcome a new restaurant that features Middle Eastern fare, and the eatery will celebrate with some grand opening weekend specials and festivities.
More than a dozen Watertown properties will host open houses over the weekend.
Members of Watertown Rotary celebrated the club’s 100th Birthday at Donohue’s Bar & Grill on Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
For a century, Watertown residents have gathered to make a difference in their community, make connections, and just to enjoy each other’s company. This week, more than a dozen people celebrated the 100th birthday of the Rotary Club of Watertown.
I heard a story on the radio yesterday about the health effects of socializing regularly in local community groups. Don’t trust my memory, but I believe they said that the probability of getting dementia is decreased simply by being among your neighbors. So this weekend, keep that in mind when you are choosing between running solo or in a group, doing yoga with Youtube or in a group class. I recommend choosing to play with others.
Dr. Joseph Gerson joined the delegation at the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo in December. Each member of the delegation had the opportunity to be photographed with the Nobel Prize.
The following piece was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment:
Dr. Joseph Gerson, a resident of Watertown, joined the delegation of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize given to Nihon Hidankyo in Oslo on December 10 of last year. Nihon Hidankyo, the Japanese Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, was formed in 1956.
Over the next week, Watertown residents can expect a lot of chilly but sunny weather. It’s going to be a pretty cold stretch overall, with daytime highs mostly in the 20s and 30s, and winds making it feel even colder at times.
The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:
The Watertown Free Public Library’s Hatch Makerspace turns 10 this month! The Library invites you to join us in celebrating a decade of community creativity!