Around Town

Watertown Square Study Starting Soon, Find Out About Kick-Off Event & Kitchen Table Conversations

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The effort to transform Watertown Square into a more thriving area where people walk, bike and spend time will start on Oct. 17 with a kick-off event. In late November, there will be a three day design charrette and leading up to that event a series of Kitchen Table Conversations will be held where neighbors and friends can talk about what qualities they would like to see the new Watertown Square. The following announcement was sent out by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown has embarked on an ambitious plan for Watertown Square that will look at all physical and human-centered aspects of the study area, with a special emphasis on the configuration and design characteristics of the public realm — including streets, sidewalks, and open spaces — as well as the buildings that define and activate it. The plan is intended to create the framework for a Watertown Square with lively public spaces, street designs that promote walking and biking, thriving businesses, shared public-private open spaces that are activated and expanded, and enhanced access to the Charles River.

Around Town

Hear from People Leading Watertown Square Revitalization Effort at Kick-Off Event

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The City of Watertown sent out the following information:

Join us for the Watertown Square Plan Kick-off Event – A (more) Walkable Watertown on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. at 64 Pleasant Street. Meet with project team representatives, including walkability guru Jeff Speck and Utile project lead Tim Love, to discuss the current condition of the Square, hear how communities can reimagine important spaces, and learn about the team’s next steps! See the Watertown Square Plan website here.

Government

Save the Date: Watertown Square Planning Meetings

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Save These Dates for the Watertown Square Area Planning Events. The City will hold a public launch event for the Watertown Square Area Plan on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. On November 28 through 30, 2023 the City will hold a Design Charrette for the planning effort. Please save these dates so you can participate in this exciting initiative to reimagine Watertown Square! The Watertown Square Area Plan will address all aspects of how the City’s “downtown” works—including transportation, housing, public spaces and sustainability.

Around Town

Artist Speaks About Inspiration for New Mural in Watertown Square During Celebration

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Photo by Charlie BreitroseArtists Amir Tabatabaei (right) and Niloufar Keyhani spoke about the mural they created in Watertown Square during a celebration of the artwork. Tuesday night, nearly 100 people came out to celebrate a project by a pair of artists that was inspired by their new home: Watertown. Amir Tabatabaei and Niloufar Keyhani emigrated to Watertown from Iran seven years ago. Tabatabaei had created large murals in Iran, and decided he wanted to contribute one in his new hometown. About a year and a half ago, he reached out to Liz Helfer, Watertown’s Public Arts & Culture Planner, who helped him get in touch with the owners of the CVS building in Watertown Square, where the wall that now bears the mural is located.

Around Town

City Seeks Feedback on Watertown Square Cultural District

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Your feedback is vital to the success of the Watertown Square Cultural District! A public meeting will be held on Oct. 3, 7-8:30 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St. Starting in 2022, Watertown began pursuing a Cultural District designation from the state. A Cultural District is an important civic tool designed to support the economy, the arts, and culture bearers on a local level.

Around Town

LETTER: What the Delta Saw: A (slightly) Irreverent and Rambling History of Watertown Square (Part 10)

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Watertown Square

Part 10: Change is Inevitable. Growth is Optional. (John Maxwell)

By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

Soapbox Alert:

There are different definitions for the word “Growth.” In its simplest terms, it means getting bigger. But there are other, less quantitive and more qualitative definitions, more subtle meanings to the word. For instance, if you’re talking about growth in a human being, it’s more than the measure of their height or weight.

Around Town

LETTER: What the Delta Saw: A (slightly) Irreverent and Rambling History of Watertown Square (Part 9)

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The Old Bridge, Galen Street Bridge 1906 before its demolition (Photo courtesy of the Watertown Free Public Library)

By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

Part 9: There’s a New Bridge in Town

According to Maud Hodges, in Crossroads on the Charles: “The new bridge was designed by Wilbur Learned, the Town engineer, and it combined strength, utility and beauty. The new structure was a broad, wide arch of concrete with a ninety-foot span …. The bridge was faced with granite blocks cut in Deer Isle, Maine. The road bed was 80 feet wide, spreading out at both ends to provide access for vehicles. Mt.

Around Town

LETTER: What the Delta Saw: A (slightly) Irreverent and Rambling History of Watertown Square (Part 7 & 8)

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Watertown Baptist Church Members over the age of 50 (Photo courtesy of the Watertown Free Public Library)

Part 7: What We’ve Got Here is a Failure to Communicate! More of the 1800’s

The 1800’s were more than just an industrial revolution in Watertown. Many national and localissues were being played out locally to great drama and effect. For instance, the Temperance Movement was in full bloom. In a few words, women had had enough of family beatings and earnings all going to the local tavern and not to feed their children.