Police/Fire

US Attorney Announces Arrest of 28 in Connection to Prostitution Ring that Used Apartments in Watertown

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Twenty-eight people have been charged for their involvement with the prostitution ring that used, among several locations, three apartments in Watertown, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. The charges were filed in the Cambridge District Court, but no names have been released by the U.S. Attorney’s office. Along with the three apartments located at Arsenal Yards, the ring also used locations in other parts of Massachusetts, as well as Virginia and California. Levy released the following statement:

“Our office made it clear when we announced charges of a commercial sex ring case on Nov. 8, 2023, that the investigation was ongoing and that there would be accountability for the buyers who fuel the commercial sex industry.

Government

Watertown’s New Chief Financial Officer Appointed by City Manager

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Ari Sky has been named Watertown’s Chief Financial Officer. The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is pleased to announce the appointment of Ari J. Sky as Watertown’s new Chief Financial Officer effective February 5, 2024. Mr. Sky most recently served as the Town Administrator for the Town of Lakeville. As the Town’s chief administrative officer, Mr. Sky provided strategic and operational direction to the organization, administered the Town’s personnel systems, coordinated communications with the various boards and commissions, oversaw procurement activities and the annual operating and capital budget processes and provided advice and support to the Select Board. Over the course of Mr. Sky’s tenure, he facilitated the development of new processes and recruited key staff to enhance the organization’s ability to respond to growing challenges and to define and maintain a commitment to the Town’s core principles.

Around Town

Applications Available for Students, Seniors to Participate in Snow Shoveling Program

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The Department of Recreation and Council on Aging Snow Shoveling Program Applications for both our seniors, middle school and high school students are included in this communication. 

If you are a senior citizen and are requesting shoveling assistance, please fill this form out below. Senior Citizen – Snow Shoveling Application Form

If you are a middle school or high school student from Watertown and are interested in participating in this service, please fill this form out below. Middle School – High School Snow Shoveling Participation Form

Both documents are fillable. Return to recreation@watertown-ma.gov or to the Watertown Recreation Department in the City Hall ground floor at 149 Main Street. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, please contact the recreation department at 617-972-6494 or recreation@watertown-ma.gov

Around Town

Bricks from Old High School Available, Lane Closing for Project

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The old Watertown High School has been mostly demolished. This photo, courtesy of Watertown Cable, was taken in late November. The following announcement was provided by Vertex:

Exciting progress continues on the Watertown High School project as the existingbuilding is more than 50% demolished and foundation work has started. Please see below forupdates regarding specific project details. Upcoming Work Affecting Traffic Pattern of Common Street

On Wednesday December 20th contractors will be performing work on Common St.

Government

Watertown Public Works Front Office Hours Changing

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The Department of Public Works facility on Orchard Street will be opening and closing earlier in the day starting the week of Dec. 18. The DPW asked the City Council to make the changes because many contractors start before the old opening time of 8:30 a.m. and wanted to do business with the department. Some councilors asked if residents would be coming over in the afternoon and no longer be able to speak to someone at the DPW front desk. Public Works Superintendent Greg St.

Business

Arsenal Yards Adding New Food, Clothing & Pet Offerings

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The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

The thriving neighborhood in Watertown’s historic East End from Boylston Properties and Wilder, Arsenal Yards today announces three exciting new additions in 2024: J.Crew Factory, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique. With leases signed, these three new venues will add to the neighborhood’s already bursting roster of popular restaurants, retailers, fitness, service, and entertainment offerings. More information on each follows below. Jersey Mike’s Subs

Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, has announced it will open a new location in Watertown’s Arsenal Yards at 100 Bond Square in 2024. Jersey Mike’s premium meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot and piled high on in-store baked bread.

Around Town

Council Uses ARPA Funds on a Mix of Social Services, Water/Sewer & Climate Projects

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Watertown City Hall

Watertown’s ARPA funds will got to 18 projects, including water and sewer system upgrades, public housing improvements, creating a daycare facility, and money to help local food assistance programs.

The City of Watertown had a “once in a lifetime” opportunity opportunity to spend more than $10 million on projects using the funds provided as part of the federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act). Some of the projects funded include: sewer rehabilitation, moving the Food Pantry to a new location, building a childcare center at the Watertown Boys & Girls Club, expanding the Social Service Resource Specialist Program, creating a one-time housing assistance fund, funding a public health program for the prevention of drug and substance use, adding a photovoltaic (PV) solar array at the new Watertown High School, and a study of City-supported local transit. The complete list of programs funded, and descriptions of the project, can be seen below. The $10,742,413 was part of the federal Pandemic relief package, and could be used for public health, responding to negative economic impacts, services to disproportionately impacted communities, water, sewer and broadband infrastructure, and revenue replacement, according to the City Council’s resolution. After receiving more than 30 applications for project, both from City departments and local non-profits, the Council’s Budget & Fiscal Oversight Committee held a series of meetings speaking to the projects that met the requirements of how the funds could be used.