Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/page/875/?fbclid=IwAR1wR7XDX4kAWceRgAR58782208Wrbk5xzMTVQ3WdQXYwcOSvVAKESaHMk0)
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.
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.
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.
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.
The recently installed BlueBike station outside Arsenal Yards.
Bikeshare company Lyft Bluebikes opened its latest docking station at Arsenal Yards with some fanfare last week. It is the fourth in Watertown with three more planned, and Town officials say they have already drawn a lot of interest.
Henry Zeytoonjian
Henry Zeytoonjian, a devoted member of the St. James Armenian Church in Watertown who was also well known to the residents of a condo complex in town, died on Oct. 14, 2020.
The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Business Coalition:
Join us to meet members of the Watertown business community and network at the Watertown Business Coalition’s Coffee Connect.
Watertown Senior Center
The following information was provided by the Watertown Senior Center:
Senior Shuttle Update
The Watertown Senior Shuttle Bus is back on the road for grocery shopping. Due to COVID-19, the bus is limited to 4 riders plus the driver. Masks must be worn. Rides are now scheduled by appointment only. Call the Senior Center on Fridays from 8:30 AM to 1 PM to schedule your ride for the following week.
Three condos and a Colonial sold in Watertown this week.
The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.
The Watertown Sons of Italy hosted a Columbus Day celebration on the Watertown Delta, where a monument to Christopher Columbus is located.
The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Sons of Italy:
Scores of Italians from many Italian organizations assembled peacefully at Columbus Delta in Watertown Square for a wreath presentation. As statues and monuments are being defaced and torn down, this Columbus Day the members of the Watertown Lodge Piave Fiume #1036 of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America united to honor the great explorer who brought the new world to everyone, Christopher Columbus.
Minuteman High School vocational technical school in Lexington.
The following information was provided by Minuteman High School:
Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School will hold both in-person and virtual events this fall for parents and students interested in attending the career technical education (CTE) high school for the 2021-2022 school year.