Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/page/181/)
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.
Charlie BreitroseThe Charles River.
The Watertown Cultural District, in partnership with the Watertown Free Public Library, is excited to announce a logo contest as one of its first official initiatives! The new logo will be featured on all Watertown Cultural District collateral and highlighted on the new WCD Website.
Residents packed the City Council Chamber to discuss removing the Winter Parking Ban. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Tuesday night’s discussion of whether to eliminate the Winter Parking Ban in Watertown turned into a larger discussion of parking permits, housing, and how the City communicates messages like snow emergencies.
The Boston Gold Kings, a semi-pro hockey team based in Watertown, will host Puck Cancer Night at John A. Ryan Arena on Feb. 8 at 7:35 p.m. See details below.
On Feb. 13, 2025, Get Lively Health and Fitness will host its annual Galentine’s Workout Party. This year the theme is 80s Prom Style.
The Watertown Unity Breakfast celebrated 25 years in 2025. The wood disc was used during the table discussions about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Principles of Nonviolence. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Nearly 500 people packed the Hellenic Center for the 25th annual Watertown Unity Breakfast, a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. During the event, a group that advocates for affordable housing was honored, and Watertown’s Police Chief made a statement about the WPD’s stance on enforcing federal immigration policy.
The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:
The Charles River Regional Chamber is offering scholarship opportunities for up to four deserving students who either live in Needham, Newton, Watertown, or Wellesley and/or who attend school in Needham, Newton, Watertown, or Wellesley and who plan to attend an accredited post-secondary program, trade school, community college, college, or university full-time in the next academic year.
(The original letter was sent to the City Council)
Dear Councilors:
Does everyone understand that Watertown’s Traffic Rules and Orders (TROs) also assist in managing the number of vehicles in our neighborhoods? TROs are used to allow for safe, fair and equitable use of public ways by all Watertown inhabitants and visitors.
UPDATE (Jan. 19, 4 p.m.) Organizers of Watertown’s MLK Unity Breakfast announced that Monday’s event is still on, but the start time is being delayed one hour so people have time to dig out from Sunday’s snowstorm. The breakfast is now at 9:30 a,m. and the program will start at 10 a.m.
The following announcement was provided by the World in Watertown:
World in Watertown is thrilled to invite you to the 25th annual Watertown Unity Breakfast on January 20, 2025 from 8:30-11 a.m.!