Government

Council Narrowly Passes Resolution Supporting Fair Share Amendment

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown’s City Hall. Despite every City Councilor personally supporting Massachusetts Ballot Question 1, known as the Fair Share Amendment, the Council narrowly approved a Resolution supporting passage of the ballot measure. The Fair Share Amendment would increase tax on income over $1 million from 5 percent to 9 percent, which includes salary, as well as profits on real estate sales. The additional tax would be spent on education and transportation. On Tuesday, Oct.

Government

Project Approved for Russo’s Site, Developer Makes Adjustments

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JacobsA view from Pleasant Street of the building approved for the former Russo’s site. The penthouse seen at the top was reduced by 3 feet in the front from the September proposal. The developer of the project going on the former Russo’s site adjusted plans after the first Planning Board hearing in September and received approval in October. The development includes a life science building constructed for an established pharmaceutical company, as well as a retail space that will be filled by a “world class” eatery. At the previous meeting, the Planning Board asked for the height of the penthouse holding mechanical equipment to be reduced, the biotech building to be pushed farther off the street, opportunities for public art, and to reduce the amount of asphalt.

Developers from Saracen Properties came back with some changes, and agreed to another at the Oct.

Sports

Watertown Field Hockey Team Making Headlines With Perfect Record

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown field hockey co-captains Maggie Driscoll, left, and Elizabeth Loftus hold the trophy won by the Raiders for earning a trip to the State Tournament Final Four in 2021. The Raiders have a winning streak of almost 50 games. Watertown High School’s field hockey team has found its rhythm and has had a nearly perfect season so far, and the Raiders grabbed the attention of the Boston Herald. Watertown has not lost any games on the way to a 16-0 record. The Raiders have kept a clean sheet in all but one game, and outscored opponents 100-1.

Arrests

Police Log: Four Charged After Shoplifting Incident, Bags Taken from Gym

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

Oct. 10, 2:46 a.m.: A white truck was spotted driving on Arsenal Street with a flat tire. The officer got into his cruiser and when he caught up to the vehicle had stopped at Beechwood Avenue and the driver was asleep at the wheel with his foot on the brake and the engine running. Police woke the man and noticed signs of intoxication.

Comprehensive Plan

Local Businesses Discuss How City Can Help Make Their Future Bright

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Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Business Coalition hosted an event called the Future of Business in Watertown at Mount Auburn Cemetery’s Bigelow Chapel. From left, WBC Co-Presidents Doug Orifice and Bob Airasian introduced Cemetery President Matthew Stephens. As Watertown looks at how to plan for the future with the Comprehensive Plan update, businesspeople shared a number of concerns and wishes for how the City could help them thrive. More than 50 people gathered at Mount Auburn Cemetery’s Bigelow Chapel Wednesday night to discuss the future of business in Watertown in an event hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition. Steve Kearney from Stantec, the City of Watertown’s Comprehensive Plan consultants, asked people what they would like the see to help businesses in the future.

Homepage Featured

Several Watertown Students Injured in School Bus Accident

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A school bus carrying Watertown Public School students collided with a vehicle on Belmont Street on Oct. 19, 2022. Several students suffered minor injuries. Multiple students went to hospital after suffering injuries when a school bus carrying Watertown elementary school student got into an accident on Belmont Street on Wednesday morning. The bus had been carrying 44 students to the Lowell West campus at the former St.

Government

City Manager Wants to Prioritize Watertown Square Rejuvenation

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Charlie BreitroseImproving Watertown Square will be a priority for new City Manager George Proakis. During his preliminary budget presentation to the City Council, City Manager George Proakis said he has heard from a lot of people who want to see improvements made to Watertown Square. He wants to create a coordinated effort to improve the City’s downtown. Like the intersection at the crossroads on the Charles, improving the area requires looking at several prongs. During his first several weeks, Proakis said he has heard many opinions from many people about what to do with the Square.