Business

Banks Now Accepting Applications for PPP Loans

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Businesses can now apply for federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Applications can be sent to banks. The loans can be forgiven if 60 percent of the funds are used for payroll. In the first round, the loans could only be used for payroll and rent, but the list has been expanded and now includes employee health benefits, mortgage interest, utilities and expenses that are essential to business operations. Some changes have been made to the program, according to this Forbes magazine story.

Around Town

Planning Board Supports Major Project South of Watertown Square

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A view of the proposed life sciences building at 66 Galen Street viewed from Galen Street. Plans for an a new life science building on Galen Street near Watertown Square got praise from the Planning Board for taking steps to address traffic in the area, improving public transportation and creating green space for public use. The board voted unanimously on Jan. 13 to support Boston Development Group’s project at 66 Galen St., which includes the former Colonial GMC dealership and sits next to the MBTA’s Watertown Yard. On Jan.

Police/Fire

Watertown Man Arrested on Charge of Acting as Unregistered Agent for Iran

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The Department of Justice announced the arrest of a Watertown man on charges of acting as an unregistered agent for the Iranian government. Kaveh Lotfolah Afrasiabi, 63 of Watertown, allegedly gave propaganda to members of Congress and the media, and has received money from an account linked to Iran’s United Nations mission. The charges were unsealed in a Brooklyn Federal Court, but Afrasiabi was arrested on Monday by the FBI and was due to be arraigned in Boston Federal Court on Tuesday. According to a MassLive.com story, Afrasiabi entered the U.S. in 1973 and became a lawful permanent resident in 1984. He has taught at several universities — including full-time at Tehran University, Boston University and Bentley College, and as a visiting scholar at Harvard and University of California, Berkeley — and graduated from University of Massachusetts for undergrad and got his masters degree and doctorate in political science from Boston University.

Around Town

Unity Breakfast Features Youthful Voices, Calls for Racial Justice Locally & Nationally

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Michael Bobbitt served as Honorary Host of the 2021 Watertown Unity Breakfast. He has been artistic director at New Rep Theatre and will be the executive director of the Mass. Cultural Council. The 2020 Watertown Unity Breakfast had a different feel from years past, with the calls for action to fight for equity and against racism were more urgent and closer to home. The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day event hosted by World in Watertown was held virtually instead of the typical gathering at the Hellenic Cultural Center.

Around Town

Watertown Back in Yellow COVID Category, Cases Continue to Rise

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After moving into the state’s “Red,” or high-risk of COVID-19 transmission, group for a week, Watertown went back into the “Yellow,” or moderate-risk group. The latest Mass. Department of Public Health report (released on Jan. 15), showed that the Town’s positive test rate dropped to 4.91 percent. The previous report had Watertown at 5.14 percent, and any positivity rate over 5 percent for a town of Watertown’s size is one of the thresholds to put it in the Red.

Around Town

Watertown Group Hosting Community Scavenger Hunt to Celebrate MLK’s Teachings

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The following announcement was provided by the Kingian Response Team:

As part of honoring the legacy of Dr. King, the Kingian Response Team is highlighting his six principles of non-violence as a community-wide scavenger hunt. The principles provide a framework for achieving a more just world and guide us to a more “beloved community.” Our goal is to include the wider Watertown community in learning about these principles and in engaging in productive and courageous conversations. There are three sets with each of the six principles displayed on yard signs in different public places throughout Watertown from January 18th through February 21st. The challenge for families and community members will be to find all six – a unique kind of a scavenger hunt! There is also a QR code that provides you with information about the principles and our pledge to “Listen, Learn, Grow and Act,” to end racism in our community, and additional activities for all. Enjoy your walking search and good luck!

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Threatened While Using ATM, Facebook Marketplace Scam

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

Jan. 5 1:15 a.m.: A officer patrolling in Watertown Square spotted a vehicle without an inspection sticker, which also had a missing front license plate. The officer obtained the plate number from the back license plate and ran a query that found that registered owner had a warrant out for his arrest. The vehicle was pulled over on Arsenal Street and the 22-year-old Waltham man was arrested on the warrant from Dedham District court for traffic offenses.

Arsenal Yards

Arsenal Yards Warming Winter With Outdoor Fireside Dining

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Fire pits will provide some warmth for outdoor diners at Arsenal Yards this winter. The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

Winter has officially gotten warmer at Watertown’s Arsenal Yards with Fire Side hangouts on the River Green. Based on the success from the holiday season, the Fire Side winter experience is back. Guests can now reserve their own socially distanced, outdoor propane fire pit to make outdoor dining from Arsenal Yards’ restaurants – including Ben & Jerry’s, Chipotle, City Works Pour House & Eatery, Frank Pepe, Garbanzo and Shake Shack – a little bit cozier. Arsenal Yards is also hosting special hangouts throughout the winter featuring live musicians and DJs during certain timeslots. Following an incredible response in December, Fire Side kicks off again on Friday, January 15, with the return of Pat Dowling, a Boston-based performer who uses a loop pedal to layer singing, beatboxing and guitar to create a full band sound, as the first performer.