Around Town

Inside the City’s 311 Service Center, Where Staff Fields the Public’s Questions, Requests & More

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311 Service Center staff — Constituant Service Director Laura Murray (left) and Constituent Services Representative Stephanie Owens — outside their office City Hall. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Inside a small office in the back corner of City Hall sits the heart of Watertown’s 311 Service Center. The two-woman operation fields calls, texts, emails, and other messages about potholes, people trying to reach a City employee, and occasionally to report something strange they have just witnessed. The system is called 311 because that is the number people can call from within the City limits. In late 2023, Laura Murray came in as Constituent Services Director to turn the old See-Click-Fix program into a one-stop customer services center for residents, businesses, and others.

Business

Coolidge Square Businesses Navigating Sidewalk Work During Mt. Auburn Street Project

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Caution tape blocks off an area of sidewalk under construction in Coolidge Square in early June 2026. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Last week, looking out the window of her business, Artemis Yoga owner Liz Padula saw orange cones, yellow caution tape, gravel, and signs saying “no parking” and “sidewalk closed.” The construction zone — in front of the studio and other businesses on the block between Arlington Street and Bigelow Avenue — is part of the Mt. Auburn Street Project. In an effort to keep clients coming in, she decided to make some social media.

Entertainment

World Cup Watch Party in East Watertown on Friday

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If you are looking for a place to watch the U.S. play Australia in the World Cup on Friday, or either of the other two games that day, the Armenian Cultural and Education Center in Watertown is hosting a watch party. The ACEC is an approved FIFA World Cup Viewing location, said Roubina Surenian, who is an ACEC board member. The games kick off at 3 p.m. as the Americans face the Aussies. Next up is Scotland vs. Morocco at 6 p.m. The final game of the day features Brazil and Haiti at 8:30 p.m.

Food and refreshments will be served to attendees.

Government

New Middle School Moves a Step Closer to Reality; Council Approves Funds for Parks Projects

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A vision of what a new Watertown Middle School could look like created by Ai3 Architects and presented to the School Committee in October 2025. The possibility of building a new Middle School in Watertown moved a step closer to becoming a reality at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. The Council also approved funding for projects at City parks, the library, Police Station, and for Watertown’s Treaty Day celebration. On June 9, the Council approved a $3 million transfer of funds from the Middle School Stabilization Fund to pay for the design development of a possible Middle School. City Manager George Proakis stressed that the Council is still deciding whether or not to proceed with the project.

Real Estate

Two Dozen Open Houses Around Watertown This Weekend

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Homebuyers have several new listings to check out Watertown’s open houses this week. 67 Prospect St., $1,075,000, 4 bedroom 2 bathroom 2,770 sq. ft. Single Family, Open houses Sunday, June 14 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Friday, June 12 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Saturday, June 13 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

$370,000 145 Warren St APT 7, 2 bedroom 1 bathroom 650 sq. ft.

Government

City Council to Consider Changes to Noise Ordinance, Including New Allowed Hours for Lawn Work

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Watertown’s City Hall. Proposed changes to Watertown’s Noise Ordinance will soon be discussed by the City Council, including changes of hours for lawn and garden maintenance. In the latest in a series of efforts to update the City’s Noise Ordinance, the Council’s Committee on Rules and Ordinances held meetings in May and June to discuss changes. The Committee’s report was presented at the June 9 City Council Meeting by Councilor Nicole Gardner, chair of the Rules & Ordinances Committee. The Committee agreed to a statement of purpose for the Noise Ordinance, which said:

“Noise pollution is a serious hazard to public health, welfare, safety, and quality of life.

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Cinderella, Comedy Watch Party, Run Club, Children’s Author, Bourbon Day

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If you need a break from the World Cup (or do not follow soccer), Watertown has plenty of events to choose from this weekend. All weekend, Watertown Children’s Theatre will present Cinderella. Fans of comedy can join the watch party for the finale of Taskmaster UK. This weekend looks hot, but the Watertown Running Club has a pair of runs before the mercury rises. On Sunday, the Watertown Library hosts children’s author Melissa Stewart.