Around Town

Trash Strike: 6 Communities Seek Assistance in Court; Watertown Bringing in Help to Collect Trash, Recycling

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A Watertown trash bin. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

As the trash strike reaches 17 days, half a dozen affected communities have gone to court seeking assistance dealing with issues arising due to the strike. A complaint seeking injunctive relief from Republic Services to abate the public health problems resulting from the strike was filed Thursday by municipal leaders from Beverly, Gloucester, Malden, Peabody, Danvers and Canton in Essex County Superior Court in Salem, reports WCVB Channel 5. Beverly Mayor Mike Cahill sent an announcement to residents about the legal action, and noted that Beverly plans to assess Republic for liquidated damages for trash and recycling not being picked up, or delayed collection. Beverly plans to withhold the amount from its next payment to Republic Services.

Government

State Rep. Lawn Says “I am Deeply Sorry” After OUI Arrest

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State Rep. John Lawn

Watertown’s John Lawn, State Representative for the westside of Watertown, said “I am deeply sorry,” in a statement following his arrest on Wednesday for driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of property damage. Lawn pleaded not guilty at an arraignment in Boston Municipal Court Thursday, and was released on personal recognizance, according to a report by NBC 10 Boston, and will return for a pretrial hearing on Aug. 1. On Wednesday, Lawn sent a statement through his attorney saying, “I deeply regret and take full responsibility for my actions. What happened was completely unacceptable.

Around Town

Visit Businesses South of the Charles River During Walk N Talk

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Charlie BreitroseThe Charles River from Watertown Square

The Watertown Business Coalition and Live Well Watertown will host a Walk N Talk of Watertown Square, south of the Charles River. The Watertown Square Walk N Talk will take place on Thursday, July 24 and stops include the new life science building at 66 Galen Street, Dallas Insurance, Farina’s Bicycle Shop, 1st Yard Barbers, and the City’s Parker Annex Building. The walk begins at 10 a.m. Meet and park at the Parker Annex Building (former school next to Casey Park) at 124 Watertown St. Register here! The Walk N Talk, co-sponsored with Live Well Watertown, provides an opportunity to engage with fellow community members, support local Watertown businesses and participate in physical activity.

Around Town

City Manager Talks About Trash Strike; Contract Negotiations Have Stalled

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Trash bins in Watertown. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

City Manager George Proakis spent more of his vacation than expected talking about trash, the strike, and how to deal with collection while Republic Services and Teamsters Local 25 negotiate a contract. The two sides met Tuesday, the 11th negotiating session, but did not come up with an agreement. In the meantime, Watertown and around a dozen other communities have been trying to make sure trash is collected. Proakis spoke to Watertown News at Tuesday’s grand opening of the renovated Arsenal Park, after returning from his time away from town.

Around Town

City Holding Hearing for Proposed Removal of 8 Trees

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Watertown’s Tree Warden will be holding a Shade Tree Removal Hearing f0r the proposed removal of eight trees on Keith Street. The trees are proposed to be removed due to home construction. The hearing will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, July, 22 at 10 a.m.

The species and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH):

Two (2) Norway Maples (5” DBH)

Three (3) Norway Maples (4”DBH)

One (1) Norway Maple (3”DBH)

One (1) American Elm (5”DBH)

One (1) American Elm (3”DBH)

The Zoom link is: https://watertown-ma.zoom.us/j/81211901286Questions or concerns regarding this posting should be directed to the Tree Warden’s office at 617-972-6420 or email: mmicieli@watertown-ma.gov

Around Town

2025 Watertown Election Includes Races for City Council, School Committee & Library Trustees

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Candidates pulled papers to challenge for seats on the Watertown City Council, School Committee, and Board of Library Trustees in the 2025 Watertown City Election. At least one incumbent on each of the boards will not be running, and there will be new faces on all three. The City Election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 4, and there will be no preliminary election. Councilor-At-Large John Airasian, will not be seeking reelection.

Police/Fire

Police Officers, Dispatcher Commended for Saving a Worker’s Life

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Watertown Police announced a special recognition for officers and a dispatcher who helped a man who suffered a serious injury after getting his arm caught in a machine. A 911 call was placed on July 9 at about 10:15 a.m. for a serious medical emergency at a business on Grove Street. “The caller, who was highly distraught, reported that a worker’s arm had become caught in a machine, resulting in a severe injury,” said the announcement from Watertown Police. Dispatcher Jessica Scully, “expertly calmed the caller, gathered critical details, and provided life-saving first aid instructions over the phone, including application of a tourniquet,” the announcement said. The Watertown Fire Department and EMS were called to the scene.