Watertown News | Page 203 | Your Source for Local News

City Starting Detailed Designs for Watertown Square Intersection, Revitalization of Commercial Area

By Charlie Breitrose | February 20, 2026

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.

In 2nd Year, Civics Academy Will Teach Residents Even More About How Watertown’s Government Works

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.

Watertown Remains a Bright Spot for Life Science, Chamber to Host Forum on the Industry

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.

City Manager Clarifies Watertown’s Role in Immigration Enforcement

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.

More Headlines

Watertown Wrestler Repeats as Section Champ, Several Prepping for State Meet

Police Log: Man Arrested for Using Counterfeit Notes, 2 Stolen Cars Reported

City Issued Parking Tickets & Shoveling Warnings After January Snowstorm; Winter Parking Ban May be Extended

Around Town

LETTER: Giving Thanks to Watertown Forest Makers

By Guest Writer | November 26, 2024

Volunteers watch Russ Cohen give a tree-planting demonstration. Photo by Anita Meiklejohn.

by Anita Roy Dobbs and Libby ShawForests for Watertown, Trees for Watertown

On a warm, sunny Saturday at the end of October, over 200 Watertown community members came together to plant Watertown’s first Miyawaki Forest at the JR Lowell Elementary School near the corner of Orchard and George Streets. Volunteers aged 3 to 93 planted nearly 750 trees and shrubs of some 50 native species in just five hours.

Transportation

Thanksgiving Week Travel Advisory from MassDOT

By Guest Writer | November 26, 2024

The following announcement was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is encouraging members of the public to plan ahead for travel during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday week, use available technology tools and resources to make informed decisions and plan ahead. During this holiday season, individuals should be aware there may be a higher number of travelers on Commonwealth roadways and on public transportation.

Entertainment

STILL TIME TO RSVP – Families Invited to Free Breakfast with Santa at Brigham House

By Guest Writer | November 26, 2024

Brigham House announced it will be hosting Free Breakfast with Santa. See details below.

Around Town

Historic Paintings Return to Watertown’s City Hall After Undergoing Restoration

By Charlie Breitrose | November 25, 2024

The crew from Maquette Fine Arts Services raise the historic painting of Watertown looked in 1630 after it had been restored. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Two historic paintings returned to the lobby of City Hall looking better than they have for generations after undergoing a makeover to remove dirt and grime as well as repairing damages.

Around Town

OBIT: Rev. Michael Clark, 76, Former Pastor of United Methodist Church in Watertown

By Guest Writer | November 25, 2024

Rev. Michael Clark

Rev. Mike Clark was born in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1948, to Paul C. Clark and Kathryn E. Clark. He graduated from Albright College in 1970 with a B.A. and from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 1975 with an M.Div.

Entertainment

Second Annual Winterfest at Linx Will Feature 25 Local Vendors

By Guest Writer | November 25, 2024

The public is invited to the second annual Winterfest at Linx on Dec. 6.

Entertainment

See the Merry Mingle Activities List and Map, This Weekend at the Commander’s Mansion

By Guest Writer | November 25, 2024

See what’s in store for this year’s Merry Mingle, formerly the Whoville Jubilee, at Watertown’s historic Commander’s Mansion. See the list of activities provided by the City of Watertown, below.

Weather

UPDATE – Watertown Weather: Changing Conditions Heading into Thanksgiving

By Matthew Moll, Contributor | November 25, 2024

Here’s the updated daily weather forecast for Watertown, MA, from Tuesday November 26 toThursday, November 28 by Meteorologist Matthew Moll of New England Weather Consulting: