Development
LETTER: Resident Opposes Moratorium on Arsenal Street Developments
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All,
If you move next to vacant or underutilized industrial property you should not be surprised if the site gets redeveloped!
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
Government
Town Cemetery Running Low on Space for New Burials
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Space is running low at Watertown’s Ridgelawn Cemetery, but there are some options for opening more space.
Development
Council Discussing Making Transition Zones Between Industrial, Residential Areas
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With a tide of development hitting Watertown, a Town Council subcommittee will discuss creating transition zones between industrial areas and residential neighborhoods.
Around Town
Former Resident Paints Picture to Honor Those Who Stopped the Marathon Bombers
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The actions of Watertown’s first responders when they stopped the Boston Marathon Bombing suspects moved a former Watertown resident so much she had to capture it in art.
Government
Residents Invited to Give Input on Watertown Comprehensive Plan
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Come share your thoughts about the draft of the Watertown Comprehensive Plan, specifically the Land Use section of the plan, on Monday, June 30.
Police/Fire
Police Log: Driver Nearly Strikes Police Cruiser, Shoplifter Eludes Target Security
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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.
Government
Schools Looking for New Ways to Fund Middle School Sports Program
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Parents of middle school athletes could soon face higher fees if the school system can’t find outside help to plug almost $100,000 in cuts to athletic programs in the Fiscal 2015 school budget.
Around Town
Watertown Boys & Girls Club Offering Lots of Fun Activities this Summer
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Summer is here and enrollment is now open for the Watertown Boys and Girls Club summer camp and other activities!