Government

Council Update: City Logo Not Going Ahead, Capital Projects Funded, Support for Community Media Bill

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On April 22, 2025, the City Council voted to approve funding for capital projects, heard from the City Manager about the City logo, heard about the re-organization plan, set limits for revolving funds, and supported a bill on Beacon Hill about Community Media Programming. See the highlights of the meeting provided by Municipal Policy Analyst Doug Newton. City Council Newsletter 

Please see below for the city council’s newsletter for its meeting on April 22, 2025. You can view the video recording of the meeting here. President’s Report

The council president informed the council and the public that four visioning sessions have been held discussing what might be needed in designing the middle school which have been very informative.

Government

Watertown Democratic Town Committee Holding Caucus

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Town Democratic Committee:

It’s time to elect delegates at our Watertown caucus for the MassDems Convention! If you are a registered Democrat you are invited to our caucus. Whether you want to be a delegate or just want to vote for a delegate, this is a great way to become involved in the MassDems and have a voice in our message. You will meet other Democrats and learn about what the Democratic Town Committee is doing in our community. WHEH: SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2:00—3:30 PM

WHERE: Lucia Mastrangelo Room (2nd floor), Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St, Watertown, MA, 02472

The convention will be at the MassMutual Center in Springfield on September 13, 2025.

Letters

LETTER: Let’s Prioritize Housing Affordability in Our FY 2027 City Budget!

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I was profoundly disappointed that the housing affordability crisis was not addressed in the City Manager’s Budget Presentation at the City Council meeting on April 8. Although Mr. Proakis is open to and advocates for a range of solutions to our housing affordability crisis, during his presentation he did not acknowledge the crisis and did not prioritize housing affordability – as a City and for the new Human Services Director. At the meeting, City Manager Proakis correctly positioned the City Council, the community, and staff to consider how economic uncertainty and likely far-reaching government cuts will impact municipal funding. It will also impact residents’ ability to remain housed. In light of the current economic threats, we should make sure that we’re giving serious thought to priorities for Fiscal Year 2027; and talking to our City Councilors about it.

Weather

Weather Forecast: Rain and Shine This Week in Watertown

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Eastern Massachusetts wraps up April with a dynamic spring pattern — mild and dry conditions to start, followed by a soaking Saturday, a brisk cooldown Sunday, and a return to sunshine and warmth early next week. A strong frontal system brings widespread rain and a few thunderstorms on Saturday, followed by cooler, drier air and gusty northwest winds on Sunday. The start of May looks bright and pleasant as high pressure builds in, with sunshine and spring warmth dominating Monday through Wednesday. A weak front may introduce a chance of showers by Thursday or Friday, but confidence on exact timing remains low. Overall, it’s a week of changing skies and temperatures —a classic New England spring.

Around Town

Learn All About Fungus at the Watertown Library! Events for All Ages

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

The library that brought you Space Week is landing back on planet earth. May 5-8, the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) is hosting its first-ever Fungus Week! Community members of all ages are invited to learn more about our most underrated bio kingdom: fungi! During Fungus Week, children will have a chance to learn “How Trees Talk” with the help of fungus. Grades 6–12 will be able to observe mushrooms growing in enclosed habitats in the Teen Room, and adults can register to learn the principles of fermentation, mushroom identification, and more.

Letters

LETTER: Non-Emergency Water Work on Holy Day

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Greetings Councilors:

Has your residence been subjected to the nonemergency (Click here) CIP Project 2 Sewer Rehabilitation [shut off]? Specifically, on a Holy Day (Good Friday & Passover), when your family is preparing for a weekend religious observance? Well …, welcome to the East End! Did you know: the news for folks, who reside on sections of Keenan St., Mt. Auburn St.

Around Town

Live Well Watertown Hosting Event About Building Your Community Network

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The following announcement was provided by Live Well Watertown:

Join us for refreshments and conversation about fostering social and community connections! Tuesday, April 29, 7:00 – 8:30pmWatertown Public LibraryRegister here: Build Your Watertown Community Network EventLocally made tea and cookies will be served

Learn about the health benefits of social connections

Hear from neighborhood organizers on how to build communication channels or hold a block party

Receive resources and information about volunteer opportunities

Get inspired to cultivate connectivity or get involved in your community! A Live Well Watertown initiative in collaboration with Watertown’s Community Engagement Specialist and Watertown Community Conversations

Community Connect is a new initiative aimed at cultivating social connectedness, meaningful collaborations, and a shared sense of belonging. Join us in creating a resilient community that supports social wellbeing, values diversity, and collective growth. Community connections have been noted to increase both individual well-being as well as community well-being.

Around Town

10 Watertown Organizations Named Winners in WSB Annual Customer Choice Awards

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The Watertown Boys & Girls Club received a Customer Choice Award. Pictures Kelly Cronin from WSB, the Boys & Girls Club’s Kerry Evans, Gary Beatty, Megan O’Halloran, and WSB CEO Brett Dean). Watertown Savings Bank recently announced the winners of the annual Customer Choice Awards. See the announcement from the Bank below. On Wednesday, April 9, Watertown Savings Bank (WSB) distributed $100,000.00 amongst 33 local non-profit organizations chosen by its banking customers and local residents, at their 26th Annual Customer Choice Awards Night held at the American Legion Post 440 in Newton.