Environment

Lt. Gov. Recognizes Watertown as Part of Inaugural Group of Climate Leader Communities

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City Council President Mark Sideris speaks with Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll at the Climate Leader Communities event held in Watertown on May 2. (Courtesy of the DOER)

Watertown’s efforts to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases were recognized by the State on Friday. The Healey-Driscoll Administration held the celebration of the state’s first 19 certified Climate Leader Communities outside the “crown jewel” of Watertown’s green efforts: the net-zero energy high school now being constructed on Columbia Avenue. The Climate Leader Communities program encourages municipalities to lower municipal emissions, maximize the efficiency of buildings and transportation, and slash energy costs. CLC certified communities can apply for grants of up to $1.15 million for projects that reduce municipal emissions.

Government

City Manager Speaks About the City Budget, Staffing, Streets & Watertown Square in Local Podcast

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City Manager George Proakis spoke about development in Watertown, adding staff to the City government, the state of Watertown’s streets, and more on the Eye on Watertown podcast. He was joined by Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Planning Steve Magoon. Co-hosts Clyde Younger and Charlie Breitrose spoke with Proakis and Magoon on March 31 at the Watertown Cable podcast studio. Proakis shared some details about the future of the Sterritt Lumber site, recently purchased by the City. He also talked about his leadership style.

Government

City Manager’s Thoughts on Winter Parkin Ban, Part 3: Long-Range Planning

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In the third piece on the question of lifting the Winter Parking Ban permanently, Watertown City Manager George Proakis focused on how it would impact the City’s long-range planning. By George Proakis

Recently a group of Watertown residents signed a petition to seek a public hearing in front of the City Council. The topic of the petition and the hearing was our long-term ban on overnight parking that we enforce each winter. The Council hosted this hearing in January. 

Our winter parking ban requires individuals who have a car and a driveway to ensure their car is in their driveway or garage each night. Most residents meet the requirements of the ban by relying on their own driveway, garage or apartment building parking lot.

Around Town

City Manager Will Give City Update at Watertown Business Coalition Event

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City Manager George Proakis will be providing a City Update at an event hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Tuesday, March 11, at 8 a.m.

George will provide the most up-to-date information about the City’s priorities for the year to come. There will also be time to network with people from local businesses, non-profits, and more. The event is free and open to WBC members, Watertown residents, and those who work and do business in Watertown.This event will not be live streamed. The Hampton Suites & Inn is located at 25 Bond Street, Watertown (Arsenal Yards). RSVP Here

Around Town

City Manager’s Thoughts on Winter Parkin Ban, Part 2: City Operations & Unintended Consequences

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In the second piece on the question of lifting the Winter Parking Ban permanently, Watertown City Manager George Proakis focused on the impact on City operations and possible unintended consequences. See the piece sent out by the City below,

Recently, a group of Watertown residents signed a petition to seek a public hearing in front of the City Council. The topic of the petition and the hearing was our long-term ban on overnight parking that we enforce each winter. The Council hosted this hearing in January. 

Our winter parking ban requires individuals who have a car and a driveway to ensure their car is in their driveway or garage each night. Most residents meet the requirements of the ban by relying on their own driveway, garage or apartment building parking lot.

Around Town

City Manager Shares Thoughts on Winter Parking Ban Related to Public Safety

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Following the discussion about potentially removing Watertown’s Winter Parking Ban at a City Council meeting, Watertown City Manager George Proakis wrote the first in a series of responses to the issue. See the first piece provided by the City of Watertown, below. Part 1: Public Safety

By City Manager George Proakis

Recently, a group of Watertown residents signed a petition to seek a public hearing in front of the City Council. The topic of the petition and the hearing was our long-term ban on overnight parking that we enforce each winter. The Council hosted this hearing in January.

Around Town

See the City Manager’s Statement on the Housing Discrimination Test Program Findings

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Watertown City Manager George Proakis released a statement on the findings of a Housing Discrimination Test Program conducted in Watertown, and a dozen other are communities. A pair of meetings, one virtual on Feb. 19 and one in-person in Newton on Feb. 26, will be held to discuss the reports findings and recommendations. See the statement provided by the City of Watertown below.

Government

City Manager: State of the City is Healthy & Strong, Concerns Remain About Tax Revenues

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The State of the City is “healthy and strong,” City Manager George Proakis stated Thursday evening. Watertown sits in a good position financially, Proakis said, the Council has done a good job improving and replacing facilities and parks, the City has been able to fill long-time openings, and there are some major efforts in the works, such as the new high school, the human services study, and Watertown Square. Proakis and City Council President Mark Sideris gave the second annual State of the City address on Thursday evening at the Watertown Library. The State of the City is a requirement added in the recent City Charter changes. While the City’s financial situation looks good, Proakis said there is still much work to be done.