Charity

Watertown Company Cleans Up Section Along Charles River

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WiTricityEmployees from Watertown-based WiTricity cleaned up the area along the Charles River near the Watertown Bridge. Volunteers from Watertown-based WiTricity spent an afternoon cleaning up a section of the Charles River near Watertown Square. A team of 25 employees from the company located on Water Street in Watertown cleaned the river bank near the bridge over Galen Street on May 5. The clean-up was done under the guidance of the Charles River Conservancy. WiTricityTwenty-five employees from WiTricity picked up trash along the Charles River in Watertown.

Arrests

Police Log: Four Men Arrested on Gun Charge, Former Landlord Clashes with Former Tenant

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

April 25, 1:51 a.m.: An officer patrolling on Warren Street spotted a vehicle stopped diagonally across a lane. The officer looked inside the 2008 Honda Accord and saw a woman asleep behind the wheel with the engine running. Police woke her and officers detected a strong odor of alcohol from her breath. A half-full bottle of tequila was found in the center arm rest of the rear passenger seat.

Around Town

Local Restaurants Delivering Meals to Community Fridge as Part of Nourishing Program

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Watertown Community FridgeThe Watertown Community Fridge is being filled with meals from Watertown restaurants participating in the Charles River Regional Chamber’s Nourishing program. It is located near the church at 80 Mt. Auburn St. The following information was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:

Over the past two years our chamber’s food assistance program has purchased more than 15,000 meals from independent restaurants in Newton, Wellesley and Needham and delivered them to families and individuals in need. This morning we’re making our first meal deliveries in Watertown as we expand our Nourishing program yet again.

Bob Quinn

Watertown Fire Chief Retires After Short, but Eventful Tenure

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown Fire Chief Bob Quinn retired after 35 years on the WFD, serving the last 4.5 years as chief. Here he is speaking to City Councilor Lisa Feltner at his retirement party at the Watertown Fire Headquarters. Fire Chief Bob Quinn headed into retirement at the end of April having helped modernize the Watertown Fire Department, pushed for increased firefighter safety, and endured the deaths of two close colleagues. On April 29, 35 years to the day after he became a firefighter Quinn retired as Watertown Fire Chief. A celebration was held in the engine bay at Watertown Fire Headquarters, instead of at a hall or restaurant, because Quinn said he wanted to bring back an old tradition.

Around Town

Route Change for Watertown’s Memorial Day Parade, Volunteers Wanted

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown Girl Scouts joined in the parade on Monday. The Watertown Memorial Day Parade is back in 2022! The route has been changed, but it will take place on Monday, May 30 starting at noon. Parade Route

Due to ongoing construction, Watertown Veterans’ Services had to make the decision to change the route in the interest of safety.The parade will begin right in front of City Hall and conclude at Victory Field. We will take a right on Waverley Avenue, and another right on Orchard Street to complete the route.

Government

Zoning Change Allows Businesses to Have Pick-Ups of Items Bought Remotely

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The City of Watertown’s Zoning Map. A Zoning change approved by the City Council will allow customers to drive up to local businesses and pick-up items purchased remotely. The amendment to the Watertown Zoning Ordinance allows businesses to allow the transfer of goods purchased remotely, and they will designate parking spots for these transactions. At the April 26 City Council meeting Council President Mark Sideris summarized what would be allowed with the change. “Basically, they order on the phone or computer, they drive up, tell them you are here, and they come out and give it to you,” Sideris said.

Business

Biotech Companies, Educators Talk About How They Can Collaborate at Life Science Panel

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Natalie Nigito PhotographyKatie Sherburne, human resources manager at Forma Therapeutics speaks during the Life Sciences Panel at Hosmer School. Looking on, from right to left, are: Chris Nasveschuk, senior vice president of chemistry at C4 Therapeutics, Mark Bamforth, CEO of Arranta Bio, Watertown Superintendent Dede Galdston, and Watertown K-7 Math and Science Coordinator Elizabeth Kaplan

The life science industry has discovered Watertown, with the city becoming home to a growing number of pharmaceutical, medical and other biotech companies. Recently, representatives from a few of these companies joined Watertown educators at a forum hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition. The event took place at the new Hosmer Elementary School on April 27. The groups spoke about how they collaborate, and opportunities for the future.

Around Town

City Wants to Hear from Public on Changes to Watertown’s Major Planning Document

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The City of Watertown will be updating its Comprehensive Plan. This document guides what the City will look like in future, and covers topics such as economic development, land use, and transportation. The review will be an 18-month process that will be led by the Department of Community Development and Planning and a consultant team from Stantec in partnership with the Planning Advisory Committee. 

The first public meeting will be in the Hosmer School Cafeteria, 1 Concord Road, on Thursday, May 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. It will be held live and on Zoom. “This year, we are updating the city’s comprehensive plan which means that we want your feedback to plan for Watertown’s future,” said the announcement from the City. City officials want to hear from Watertown residents, property owners, business owners, and workers.