Around Town
Spotted Along the Charles River
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Right outside the buzz of Watertown Square you can find some wildlife in and along the Charles River. See some images captured Friday morning.
TREATY DAY 250: Pact Signed in Watertown in 1776 Remains Alive 250 Years Later
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Members of the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet tribes traveled to take part in the celebration fo the 250th anniversary of the Treaty of Watertown (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Hundreds packed a theater in Watertown on Saturday to celebrate an event that took place 250 years before. The town was the site of the signing of the United States’ first treaty with a foreign nation — the Treaty of Watertown. Descendants of the signers of the document from the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet tribes emphasized that the agreement that was forged as a wartime alliance also created friendships and provided rights and protections for the signers that are still important in 2026.
UPDATE: Vehicle Strikes Pole on Main Street, Knocks Out Power in Area – Repairs to Take Until After 9 p.m.
A pole struck by a vehicle lies on top of power lines on Main Street. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
A vehicle struck a utility pole on Main Street, snapping it in half and cutting off power for several hundred customers on Monday around noon.
Watertown Tax Relief Legislation Approved by House, Moves to Senate
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.
More Headlines
Possible Purchase of Police Drone and Guidelines for Use Discussed by Council Committee
A Pair of World Cup Final Watch Parties in Watertown
Wada Hoppah Charles River Ferry Boat Has Hit the Water — See a Video and Photos
Environment
See How Many People Signed up for the Solarize Watertown Program
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Enough Watertown residents took part in the Solarize Massachusetts program to reach the second highest level, which will result in savings for those taking part.
Government
Town Council Approves Medical Marijuana Zoning
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The Town Council approved a zoning change that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries in certain parts of Watertown.
Development
Zoning Board Approves Major Arsenal Street Project
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The major residential and retail project at 202-204 Arsenal Street received final approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals Wednesday night.
Development
Residents Want Developments to Take Account for Nearby Neighborhoods
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With developments along Arsenal Street coming closer and closer, residents have requested that new projects take into account the residential areas near where they will be built, and get that these areas get the some of same protections as the Charles River.
Government
See Who was Named the New Assistant Town Manager
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Town Manager Michael Driscoll will get some assistance running the municipal government and it will come from a person familiar to many in Watertown.
Around Town
Watertown Will Name Square After 95-Year-Old WWII Veteran
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During World War II Tony Basile landed in Normandy, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. This year the 95-year-old U.S. Army veteran will have a square dedicated in his name.
Police/Fire
Dorchester Man Busted for Breaking Into Cars in Watertown, Belmont
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A Dorchester man faces charges of breaking into cars in Watertown and Belmont after an alleged crime spree on July 7.