Watertown News | Page 856 | Your Source for Local News

Watertown Tax Relief Legislation Approved by House, Moves to Senate

By Charlie Breitrose | 30 minutes ago

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.

Possible Purchase of Police Drone and Guidelines for Use Discussed by Council Committee

The Watertown Police Department is considering purchasing a drone like this one made by Paladin Drones (Photo from Paladin)

An automated drone is one of the new technologies being considered by the Watertown Police Department. On July 9, the City Council’s Public Safety Committee held a hearing to ask questions and hear from the public about the possible use of a drone.

A Pair of World Cup Final Watch Parties in Watertown

Those looking to join other soccer fans in Watertown to catch the World Cup Final have two choices of venues to catch Sunday’s big game.

More Headlines

Wada Hoppah Charles River Ferry Boat Has Hit the Water — See a Video and Photos

City Council Moving Out of City Hall for July 14 Meeting

Mutual Aid Group Delivers Air Conditioners in Watertown During Heat Wave

Around Town

Watertown Boys & Girls Club Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Girls Joining the Club

By Guest Writer | December 9, 2020

A photo of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club founders, including Bernadette Corbett (in white), who pushed the national headquarters of the Boys Club to allow girls.

The following piece was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club:

Forty years ago, the Board of Directors of the Watertown Boys Club made the landmark decision to welcome girls into the Club, making Watertown one of the nation’s first communities to offer membership to females.

Around Town

New Rep Adds 10 New Members to Board of Directors

By Guest Writer | December 9, 2020

The following information was provided by New Rep Theatre:

New Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce that it has added tenfantastic new members to its Board of Directors. Working alongside New Rep’s Anti-Racism Action Plan, which states that board will be comprised of 50 percent members of color by July 2023, members who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color now account for 33.3 percent of the board.

Bullying

Residents Call for Action to Stop Racial Harassment in Watertown Schools During Forum

By Charlie Breitrose | December 8, 2020

The 150-plus people who attended Superintendent Dede Galdston’s forum on racial harassment and bullying last week heard from the girl who brought the issue to the forefront, and other attendees called for action to make sure such incidents do not occur in the future.

Schools

Watertown Students Make Arlington Catholic Honor Roll

By Charlie Breitrose | December 8, 2020

The following Watertown residents were named to the first quarter Honor Roll at Arlington Catholic High School:

Around Town

Virtual Events at the Senior Center This Week

By Guest Writer | December 8, 2020

Watertown Senior Center

The following information was provided by the Watertown Senior Center:

Programs for Week of December 7, 2020

Join us via Zoom for the following programs. Call for access info: (617) 972-6490. New participants always welcome in every program! We hope you’ll join us!

Around Town

Watertown Remembers Pearl Harbor Attack on 79th Anniversary

By Charlie Breitrose | December 7, 2020

Trumpeter Alan Mannarino plays Taps during the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony at the Watertown Square Dock.

The annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance ceremony in Watertown Square drew a couple dozen attendees on Monday morning, despite COVID-19 social distancing requirements. The ceremony marked the 79th anniversary of the attack that drew the United States into World War II.

Around Town

A History of the Shick House and the Family That Called it Home

By Guest Writer | December 7, 2020

The Shick House is on property owned by the Mount Auburn Cemetery and likely to be sold to Buckingham Browne & Nichols School.

The following article was written by Bob Bloomberg, a member of the Board of the Historical Society of Watertown. It originally appeared in the Historical Society’s newsletter, “The Town Crier” in January 2020.

The house is owned by the Mount Auburn Cemetery, and the land it sits on. A sale has to Buckingham Browne & Nichols School has been proposed with the plan to build two athletic fields on the land on the site. The house will be torn down unless it is moved to another location.

Entertainment

Watertown Mall Hosting COVID-Friendly Christmas Concerts

By Guest Writer | December 7, 2020

The following information was provided by the Watertown Mall:

While this Christmas is a bit different than past, the Watertown Mall is still bringing holiday cheer with “Covid-Friendly” Christmas performances.Starting on Friday, December 4th from 11 AM to 12 PM come see The Holiday Victorian Carolers!