Business

Russo’s Property Sold for North of $30 Million, Will be Closing in October

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Russo’sA produce shelf in Russo’s market, which will be closing in October. The price tag for properties on Pleasant Street owned by Russo’s came in well above the assessed value, according to reported sales prices, and the beloved market and garden center will be closing in October. Loyal customers mourned the news of the impending closing of the Watertown institution. Russo’s began as a family farm in 1893 and they sold their produce in Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. It was started by owner Tony Russo’s grandfather Antonio, who emigrated from a village near Naples, Italy.

Around Town

Construction at Cunniff School Nearing Completion, See Photos Inside New Building

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Charlie BreitroseLight pours into the cafetorium at the new Cunniff Elementary School. The room has a stage as well as a full kitchen to prepare lunch for students. Watertown officials who got an inside look at the new Cunniff Elementary School gazed around in amazement at the nearly completed school building on Tuesday afternoon. Watertown Public School officials broke ground on the school on Warren Street on June 24, 2020, and the school is expected to open in mid-October 2021. Charlie BreitroseA view of the length of the new Cunniff Elementary School, with the cafetorium/gym entrance extending out at the end.

Entertainment

Watertown Arts Market Coming Saturday With Over 70 Tables, Music & More

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The wealth of arts and culture that Watertown has to offer will be celebrated this weekend when dozens of artists, musicians, authors and others gather together. The first ever Watertown Arts Market will take place Saturday, Aug. 21, at Arsenal Park. More than 70 artists, craftspeople and others will attend the event, said Jacqueline Dentino, chair of the Watertown Arts Market Committee. The Arts Market will take over Arsenal Park from noon to 5 p.m. and will be similar to a farmers market.

Police/Fire

Police Warn of Dangerous Coyotes After Pack Attacks Dogs Being Walked in Watertown

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Clipart PandaA coyote. A dog was killed and another was injured when they were attacked by a pack of coyotes in Watertown. Watertown Police put out a warning on Monday about the attack that took place at about 11 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 15. They warned residents to be aware of coyotes, that have been spotted recently in on the streets and bike paths in the East End of Watertown.

Around Town

Watertown High School Receives Grant from State for Medical Assisting Program

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A state grant of more than $200,000 will help establish the medical assisting program at Watertown High School. On Aug. 16, the Baker-Polito Administration announced it will provide funding for 47 educational organizations through the Skills Capital Grant Program, including WHS. The High School is launching the medical assisting program, which will prepare students to work in the healthcare field. The grant will pay for equipment for the program at the school.

Around Town

Russo’s Market Will Be Closing, Owner Announces Retirement

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An institution in Watertown will be closing later this year when Russo’s market closes its doors after more than 100 years since it started business as a farm. The announcement was sent out by the store on Sunday, Aug. 15, on Facebook, and a statement was also posted on the Russo’s website. A Facebook post said that Tony Russo will be retiring later this year. He recalled working with his grandparents on the farm and his father and uncle at the wholesale warehouse.

Arrests

Police Log: Car Stolen from Driveway, String of Car Break-ins

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

Boston Man Busted on Firearms Charges After Rolling Car in Watertown

Incidents

Aug. 2, 9:24 a.m.: A Channing Road resident received a letter from the state unemployment office saying a claim had been made in his name. The man did not file the claim and is trying to resolve the problem with the state. Aug.

Government

Town Manager Receives Pay Raise in Final Year on the Job

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The Town Council gave Town Manager Michael Driscoll a raise, and some kind words as he nears the end of his long career in Watertown. On Tuesday, the Town Council approved a pair of 2 percent annual raises and an additional 1.5 percent performance bonus for Driscoll. The pay increases moved his salary from $210,000 in Fiscal Year 2020 to $217,415 in Fiscal Year 2021 (which ended on June 30, 2021), and $221,765 in the current Fiscal Year, FY 2022. In June, Driscoll announced he would retire at the end of January 2022 from the job he has held for 29 years, and after 45 years working for the Town of Watertown. To change the Town Manager’s salary the Town Council must pass an ordinance.