Watertown News | Your Source for Local News

Developer Looking at Turning Old Mill Building into Residential Building with Retail Space

By Charlie Breitrose | 4 minutes ago

A view of the proposed mixed-use project at 9 Galen St. on the site of the former mill building. (From RMR Group Plans)

The large brick building facing the Delta in Watertown Square could be turned into a mixed-use building with six stories and 285 residential units and space for 6,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail.

City Council to Hold First Discussion of Watertown Square Project, Including a Parking Garage

The proposed Demonstration Project in Watertown Square — which includes a parking garage, a residential building, retail space, and green open space — will be discussed by the City Council on Aug. 10 at the Watertown Library. See more information provided by the City of Watertown, below.

Bodywork Businesses Shutdown by City, One Had “Items of Sexual Nature”

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The Watertown Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Watertown Police Department, Zoning & Code Enforcement Team, Inspectional Services Division, and with assistance from the FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation — Human Trafficking Task Force, conducted inspections of bodywork establishments in Watertown on July 22, 2026, resulting in closure of multiple businesses due to violations of the City’s rules and regulations.

TREATY DAY 250: Pact Signed in Watertown in 1776 Remains Alive 250 Years Later

Members of the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet tribes traveled to take part in the celebration fo the 250th anniversary of the Treaty of Watertown (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Hundreds packed a theater in Watertown on Saturday to celebrate an event that took place 250 years before. The town was the site of the signing of the United States’ first treaty with a foreign nation — the Treaty of Watertown. Descendants of the signers of the document from the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet tribes emphasized that the agreement that was forged as a wartime alliance also created friendships and provided rights and protections for the signers that are still important in 2026.

More Headlines

UPDATE: Vehicle Strikes Pole on Main Street, Knocks Out Power in Area – Repairs to Take Until After 9 p.m.

Watertown Tax Relief Legislation Approved by House, Moves to Senate

Water & Sewer Rates Increasing More Than Expected Due to Error in Calculations

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Arts Pop Up, Watertown Children’s Theatre, Pair of Art Exhibits, Music & Theater Performance, Screening of “Hamilton”

By Charlie Breitrose | 4 hours ago

“DEMOCRACY IS A VERB AND SO IS LOVE,” by Julia Csekö is on display at exhibits at the the Mosesian Center for the Arts. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Watertown Arts Market is still a couple weeks away, but you can see several artists and listen to live music at the Arts Pop Up on Saturday. The Mosesian Center for the Arts is featuring a pair of art exhibits. The Watertown Children’s Theatre presents an electropop opera on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Friday, Mount Auburn Cemetery presents a performance of music and theater. Catch a screening of “Hamilton” at the Watertown Library on Sunday.

Elections

Watertown Police Unions Endorse Candidate for Middlesex District Attorney

By Guest Writer | 5 hours ago

David Solet

The following announcement was provided by the David Solet for Middlesex District Attorney Campaign:

Two Watertown Police Unions announced July 22 that they have endorsed David Solet, a veteran trial attorney and 2025 Middlesex County Prosecutor of the Year, to replace current District Attorney Marian Ryan, citing fundamental differences in their approach to pursuing justice and protecting the residents of Middlesex County.

Letters

OP-ED: Comparing the Watertown City Manager’s Salary to Other Top Administrators & Mayors

By Guest Writer | July 22, 2026

By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

And If Comparisons Were Made (A Quick Comparison of Administrator Salaries for 37 Massachusetts Cities and Towns)

This is a followup to “Answers and Questions about City Manager’s New Contract”

Elections

State Auditor Endorses Candidate for State Senate

By Guest Writer | July 22, 2026

Daniel Lander.

The following announcement was provided by Daniel Lander for State Senate:

State Auditor Diana DiZoglio endorsed Daniel Lander’s campaign for State Senate, providing significant momentum to Daniel Lander’s campaign against the architect of the broken status quo on Beacon Hill as the campaigns head into the last six weeks.

Around Town

Library Hosting Art of Cast Aluminum Class for Ages 10-18 Taught by MassArt

By Guest Writer | July 22, 2026

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:

On July 31 and August 1, tweens and teens ages 10 – 18 are invited to create custom cast aluminum art at the Watertown Free Public Library! This event is made possible by MassArt, Eutectic Arts, and the Massachusetts Libraries Board of Library Commissioners.

Business

Explore Watertown Square Businesses During WBC Walk & Talk

By Guest Writer | July 21, 2026

The following information was provided by the Watertown Business Coalition:

Join the Watertown Business Coalition and Live Well Watertown for an engaging Walk & Talk through Watertown Square on Thursday, July 23 at 5 p.m. Enjoy a community walk while exploring local businesses, meeting new people, and making meaningful connections in the heart of Watertown.

Elections

Candidates for Congress Appearing at Forum Hosted by Watertown Group

By Guest Writer | July 21, 2026

The candidates running for the Massachusetts 5th Congressional District seat will appear on a virtual forum sponsored by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice, and the Environment. See details provided by the group, below.

Police/Fire

Watertown Company Will Pay Nearly $4.7 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

By Guest Writer | July 20, 2026

The following announcement was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts:

EyePoint, Inc., formerly EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (EyePoint), has agreed to pay $4,678,981 to resolve allegations that it paid kickbacks to Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) to induce the ASCs to purchase its drug, DEXYCU. This scheme, the government alleges, violated the Anti-Kickback Statute and the False Claims Act.