Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/page/879/?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.
Cartoon by James Demarco
James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning, Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal–then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”
Markings for a proposed bike lane on Arlington Street between Grove and Arsenal streets.
(The following letter originally was sent by District A Town Councilor Angeline Kounelis to her constituents.)
Greetings East Enders,
Many of you have viewed and inquired about the pavement markings and scoring of Arlington St.; from the area of Grove St. to Arsenal St. Social media is abuzz with conversations.
The Watertown Community Foundation will be switching gears for its food drive, and will have a drive-thru event.
The following information was provided by The Majestic 7 theater:
In celebration of its re-opening earlier this fall, The Majestic 7, Arsenal Yards, is offering special pricing on “Book the Room” private screenings for families or groups of friends looking to get back to the movies!
Watertown’s Commander’s Mansion.
With Halloween coming up, the Commander’s Mansion will get once again get in the spirit. This year they will have the Lil’ Monstah Joyride — a drive-by Halloween celebration.
Watertown has many open houses to choose from this weekend.
One of the options for how Watertown High School may sit on the current site, on the left, and across the street where now the Phillips Building and the Senior Center sit. The architect said the illustration is for massing, and not the design of the buildings.
Questions about the impact of a four story high school, and parking at the new Watertown High School arose at Wednesday’s School Building Committee meeting.
The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Health Department:
For residents planning to celebrate Halloween, Saturday, October 31 st , the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is recommending that you follow safe and healthy tips to participate in Halloween activities that may limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.