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School Officials Outline Strategies to Improve Watertown’s Special Education Program

By Charlie Breitrose | 15 minutes ago

A study of the Watertown Public Schools’ special education found a number of areas of concerns, including a lack of uniformity, a need for better communication with families, and a distrust among parents of students in the program.

Restaurants Won’t be Allowed to Automatically Include Plastic Utensils Under New Ordinance

Restaurants in Watertown will not longer be able to automatically include packets of plastic utensils with takeout or deliver orders. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

A new ordinance approved by the City Council prohibits restaurants from automatically including plastic utensils with takeout orders, however customers can request these items when they order or pick up their food.

Council President Outlines City’s Protections for Undocumented Immigrants, Does Not Favor an Executive Order

City Council President Mark Sideris. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

After receiving questions about and requests to protect immigrants in Watertown in recent weeks, City Council President Mark Sideris emphasized the steps being taken by the City to provide safety and security, but said he does not favor the City Council passing a resolution or executive order regarding immigrants in Watertown.

Watertown Eco Fest will Feature Sustainable Vendors, Demonstrations & Activities for All Ages

The second annual Watertown Eco Fest will feature activities including electric bike test rides, vendors of sustainable products, activities for kids, and more. The event, hosted by the City of Watertown, will also include representatives from City departments and community organizations focused on sustainability.

More Headlines

Robotics Company Builds on Watertown’s History of Manufacturing in Former Mill Building

School Committee Update: Budget, Fees, Cell Phones in Schools, Special Ed Strategy

Lafayette Celebrated (Again) in Watertown for Contributions to American Revolution

Election 2019

Town Council At-Large Profile: Caroline Bays

By Guest Writer | October 31, 2019

Background

I have been a town councilor for almost two years now. As a trained mediator, I have found my skills useful in facilitating conversations and exploring the underlying concerns and ideas behind statements made at meetings. In addition, as a longtime resident my understanding of Watertown and our community has been invaluable in guiding my decisions and votes on issues. I have learned a lot serving Watertown and I hope to continue to do so! Website: www.carolinebays.com

Candidate Statement

We have a lot of important decisions to make in the coming years.

Election 2019

Town Council At-Large Profile: John Gannon

By Guest Writer | October 31, 2019

Background

I’ve been a municipal attorney for 25 years, advising over 100 cities and towns of Massachusetts every day on the issues that are currently facing Watertown. I’ve been a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals in Watertown for 10 years, I’ve been former Acting Town Attorney, working as Watertown’s lawyer. But I think more importantly, I’m a native of Watertown, a product of the Browne School, West Junior High, and Watertown High School; my upbringing in Watertown is an important part of who I am. I went on to Brown University and then to Suffolk University Law School, where I became lawyer to bring innovative approaches to cities and towns. After starting a family here, I became a homeowner, taxpayer and ratepayer. Like others who chose to come to Watertown, I chose to stay here. Watertown is a wonderful place in so many ways, and I’m here to help give back some of what this community has given to me.

Election 2019

Town Council Hopefuls Discuss Building Support, What Inspires Them

By Charlie Breitrose | October 31, 2019

On Nov. 5, Watertown voters have a choice of seven candidates running for the four Town Councilor At-Large seats, which are elected by the entire town. To find out more about the candidates, former Town Councilor At-Large Aaron Dushku asked each a series of questions about what they would if elected, with the answers to be published by Watertown News.

Around Town

Applications Available for 2019 Watertown Healthy Grants

By Guest Writer | October 31, 2019

The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) announces the release of the Fall 2019 Healthy Watertown Grants to support organizations that work to create new or existing programs to keep our community healthy. A total of $10,000 will be distributed through these health grants.

Around Town

Watertown Mall Hosting Two Day Job Fair

By Guest Writer | October 31, 2019

Job seekers can head to the Watertown Mall for a job fair on Nov. 7 and 8. See the announcement below:

Real Estate

More Than a Dozen Homes Sold in Watertown This Week

By Charlie Breitrose | October 30, 2019

Five two-family homes were some of home sales around Watertown this week.

Real Estate

Check Out the Open Houses Around Watertown This Week

By Charlie Breitrose | October 30, 2019

Plenty of choices for home owners in Watertown this week.

40B Project

Watertown Asserts It Has Met Affordable Housing Goals, Can Prevent 40B Projects

By Charlie Breitrose | October 30, 2019

Watertown officials believe they have found a seldom used way to meet the state’s affordable housing requirements, which would mean developers could not build high-density residential projects without having to go through the town’s normal zoning rules.