Government

Council President Outlines City’s Protections for Undocumented Immigrants, Does Not Favor an Executive Order

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City Council President Mark Sideris. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

After receiving questions about and requests to protect immigrants in Watertown in recent weeks, City Council President Mark Sideris emphasized the steps being taken by the City to provide safety and security, but said he does not favor the City Council passing a resolution or executive order regarding immigrants in Watertown. Sideris spoke during the President’s Report at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. After a resident was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on April 10, people reached out to Sideris and other elected officials. He stressed that he was speaking on his own behalf, not for the entire Council.

Around Town

Watertown Eco Fest will Feature Sustainable Vendors, Demonstrations & Activities for All Ages

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The second annual Watertown Eco Fest will feature activities including electric bike test rides, vendors of sustainable products, activities for kids, and more. The event, hosted by the City of Watertown, will also include representatives from City departments and community organizations focused on sustainability. Eco Fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at the Commander’s Mansion, 440 Talcott Ave., Watertown. Watertown Sustainability Planner Mia Kania said Eco Fest the City created Eco Fest after the City Council approved the Resilient Watertown Climate and Energy Plan. “It started last year, which was right after we had expanded the Sustainability Team, essentially doubling,” Kania said.

Business

Robotics Company Builds on Watertown’s History of Manufacturing in Former Mill Building

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Tutor Intelligence’s Data Factory 1, which has 100 AI robots performing tasks, is part of the company’s new headquarters at Riverworks in Watertown (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

A building along the Charles River in Watertown where textiles were once made has a new tenant involved in manufacturing. Tutor Intelligence creates AI robots that are used by companies from coast to coast. On April 23, Tutor hosted a grand opening at its offices in Riverworks, a building on Pleasant Street that was previously home to Boston Scientific, and prior to that was known as Aetna Mills. The company spent most of its first five years on the other side of Watertown in a space on Coolidge Hill Road under Eastern Clothing. Tutor outgrew that space and looked for a larger facility, said Tutor’s CTO Alon Kosowsky, who co-founded the company with CEO Josh Gruenstein.

Charity

Watertown High Grad Raises More Than $10K to Fight Kids Cancer

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Shane and Brady Gleason shaved their heads to raise money to battle kids cancer at The Buzz Off. (Contributed Photo)

A Watertown son and father drew a big crowd to watch them shave their heads for a good cause, and raised several thousand dollars. Watertown High School grad Brady Gleason hosted the Buzz Off on April 17. The event raised money for One Mission Helping Kids Fight Cancer. Brady’s father, Shane, said that this had been a long time cause for his son.

Around Town

Lafayette Celebrated (Again) in Watertown for Contributions to American Revolution

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Watertown officials celebrated the new historical marker in honor of General Lafayette. From left, Council Vice President Vincent Piccirilli, Council President Mark Sideris, Marilynne Roach of the Historical Society, City Manager George Proakis, Julien Icher of the Lafayette Trail, Joyce Kelly from the Historical Society, and City Councilor Caroline Bays. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

On a drizzly, cool morning, a small crowd of Watertown history buffs came out to celebrate a Frenchman who played an important role in winning the American Revolution. During the ceremony, Watertown’s newest historical marker was unveiled, honoring the Marquis de Lafayette, who served as a general in the American Army. On Sunday, April 19, the red sign with a blue border and white lettering was presented by Julien Icher, Founder & President of The Lafayette Trail Inc.

The marker celebrates a visit by Lafayette, said Marilynne Roach from the Historical Society of Watertown.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Multiple Shoplifters Arrested, Fake Trial Scam Costs $14K and Illegal Dumpings

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. April 12: A woman took $213 worth of merchandise from CVS on Mt. Auburn Street, and was seen leaving in a black Mercedes. April 13: Multiple pieces of furniture and a mattress were left in the dumpster at the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. April 13: A resident received a letter from Cambridge Savings Bank about a new bank account opened in the person’s name.