Police/Fire

Incident in East Watertown Cemetery “Not Criminal in Nature”

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The gate to the Catholic Mount Auburn Cemetery was blocked by police tape Friday as law enforcement investigated an incident (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

An incident that drew dozens of police from multiple agencies was “not criminal in nature,” according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s office. Watertown News contacted Watertown Police and Massachusetts State Police after residents reported seeing police activity in the area of the Catholic Mount Auburn Cemetery on Friday. Neighbors also said they heard what might have been a gunshot or gunshots. Inquiries to law enforcement agencies were referred to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. Spokeswoman Meghan Kelly did not provide details, but said: “The incident was not criminal in nature, there is no foul play suspected and no public safety risk.”

Government

Human Services Department Adding Van, Staff to Help Meet Needs of Residents

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The Parker Annex Building, home to the Watertown Food Pantry and soon of the Human Services Department. (Courtesy of City of Watertown)

Less than a year old, the Watertown Human Services Department has plans to add new programs, such as a van to deliver meals and other services, and boxes with life-saving medicine for people overdosing. The Human Services Department’s first director, Jenna Bancroft, spoke to the City Council at a hearing on May 6. “Human Services is just 10 months old as a department, so we haven’t had a full year of service here in Watertown,” Bancroft said. “I will say too that the budget that we’ve proposed, I’m really excited for what we’re doing this coming year, as we continue to build relationships and really think about the needs and the gaps in the community.”

Around Town

Watertown Group Hosting Jewish Voices Critique the Antisemitism Commission

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The following announcement was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice and the Environment:

The Palestine Committee of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment is sponsoring an important educational program on Thursday, May 21, 2026, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., Watertown. The Massachusetts Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism released its policy recommendations in December 2025 affecting K-12 and Higher Education, Public Safety and Law Enforcement and the Workforce. The Commission’s composition, processes and procedures, and recommendations have been criticized by many Jewish leaders and allies. Their critique centers on the fact that the Commission fails to fully or accurately address anti-semitism and puts free speech at risk. Come learn more!

Real Estate

Several New Listings on Watertown’s Open House List

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Plenty of places for home buyers to visit over the weekend in Watertown. 204 School St., $2,350,000, 0.28 Acres 2 properties including a 3 family, Open houses: Saturday, May 16 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Sunday, May 17 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

152 Spruce St., $1,200,000, 5 bedroom 3 bathroom 3,517 sq. ft. 3 Family, Open houses: Saturday, May 16 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Sunday, May 17 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

33 Charles St. #33, $945,000, 3 bedroom 3 bathroom 1,889 sq.

Government

Setback in Effort to Bring Post Office Back to Watertown Square

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After signs of progress toward a Post Office branch returning to Watertown Square, City of Watertown officials recently received some bad news. City Manager George Proakis told the City Council Tuesday night that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) informed the developers working on the project at 104-106 Main St. that they do not plan to open a branch in Watertown’s downtown. “Recently, the USPS informed O’Connor Capital Partners that they no longer wish to explore adding locations as part of a wider strategy shift, despite the willingness and interest from the parties involved,” Proakis said. “My understanding is they canceled multiple in-progress conversations about opening retail storefronts far beyond just Watertown.”

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Porchfest, Plant Sale, Sculpture Walk, Herring Festival, Children’s Theatre

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(Photo from Watertown Porchfest)

As the trees around town bloom, Watertown’s arts scene is bursting with life this weekend, with a mix of music, theater, arts, plants, and fish. One of the biggest cultural events, Watertown Porchfest, returns on Saturday afternoon with hundreds of venues across the city. Head to Gore Place to hear some music and also pick up some plants. The annual plant sale runs Friday to Sunday. See the new additions to the Community Sculpture Walk and meet the artists on Saturday.

Government

Watertown Police Could Get Drone; Department is Nearly Fully Staffed; Officer’s Will Get AI App

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A drone will likely be the latest high-tech addition to the Watertown Police Department, but the City Council had questions about where data collected will be stored and who will have access. Watertown Police Chief Justin Hanrahan described the budget request during the May 6 Fiscal Year 2027 budget hearing. He also talked about staffing and a new AI program that will be used by WPD officers. The drone, which costs $49,396, would be dispatched to an area where a crime or incident like an auto accident is reported, Hanrahan said. “You can get to pretty much anywhere in the City in two minutes, and it’ll give us real time live feed of what’s taking place,” Hanrahan said.

Around Town

Third Watertown Porchfest is Bigger Than Ever With 200+ Performances

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Porchfest returns to Watertown for the third year on May 16. (Photo from Watertown Porchfest)

The third year of Watertown Porchfest is the biggest yet, with in excess of 200 performances at more than 80 locations around the City on Saturday, May 16 from noon to 6 p.m.

Organizers have published a map with the performance locations and the list of bands on the Watertown Cultural District at watertownmaculture.com/watertown-porchfest. Homes around town will turn their porch, driveways or front yards into stages this year. Joining them are the Watertown Free Public Library, First Parish Church, Gigi’s Pizza, Branch Line, and Gore Place. In addition there will be five block parties where the street will be blocked to traffic.