LETTER: Group Seeks to End the Winter Parking Ban

Currently, Watertown enforces an overnight parking ban by prohibiting parking longer than one hour between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM from approximately December through March. The primary rationale for this measure, which is enforced through the issuance of parking tickets, is to allow for better snow removal. The downside to such a ban is that many residents and their guests find themselves unable to store their vehicles anywhere near their homes overnight.  

The Watertown winter parking ban unfairly penalizes those with fewer means who do not have access to off-street parking. During the cold, dark winter months, parents with young children, the elderly, the disabled and many others are asked to walk a mile or two in the dark to go park their car in a remote lot, which then fills up.  

We understand that Watertown officials charged with the responsibility of making our streets safe are calling this a public safety issue, namely that emergency vehicles need to get through and if people park in the street during winter, at night, they cannot.

Finalists for Arshile Gorky Mural Announced by Watertown Public Arts & Culture Committee

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee:

The Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee (PACC) is excited to announce the three finalists selected to design a mural commemorating Arshile Gorky, a renowned Armenian-American artist who played a pivotal role in the development of Abstract Expressionism. The finalists are:

Tina Chakarian with Nicole Burmeister and Studio Fresh: a collaborative team bringing together a seasoned artist and curator, a talented illustrator, and a contemporary design studio. Brandon Marshall: a U.S. Cultural Ambassador and public artist specializing in murals that engage diverse communities and a focus on historical and cultural elements. Kacy Jackson: a muralist with a strong background in graphic design and a passion for creating inspirational educational experiences. These artists were chosen from a pool of talented applicants based on their artistic abilities, experience, and alignment with the project’s goals.

Repaving of Mt. Auburn Street Near Cambridge Line Will Include in Lane Shifts, Detours

Repaving of Mt. Auburn Street begins Wednesday at the Cambridge line, and installation of drainage continues this week. See the details in the announcement provided by the City of Watertown, below. Drainage Installation Work Continues

Newport Construction will continue the drainage work on Mount Auburn Street. The project will continue to work its way towards Arlington St.

Final Watertown Farmers Market of 2024 This Week

The Watertown Farmers Market announced the final market of the season will be Wednesday. See the announcement below. Visit this Wednesday to enjoy the Watertown Farmers’ Market one last time for the season. With wonderful root vegetables and all your favorite farmers’ market foods, it’s not a market to be missed! Watertown Farmers’ MarketWednesday 2:30 – 6:00 pm

Rain or ShineSaltonstall Park – Corner of Main St.

Fitness Studio Hosting Halloween Community Celebration

The following announcement was provided by Fly Together Fitness:

Get ready to unleash your inner show ghoul! Join us at Fly Together Fitness – Watertown (100 Parker Street) for a Halloween Community Celebration bash with tricks and treats! Check out performances from our students and staff and take a FREE mini class or two!⁠

Whether you want to dance with the undead or just support your local dance community there’s something for everyone. Come as you are or come in costume to add to the experience!  ⁠All attendees are entered into a raffle and will have the opportunity to take advantage of special offers only for those at the event!

Watertown Organizations to Celebrate Disability Awareness

Watertown Free Public LibraryThe historic facade of the Watertown Free Public Library. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library, World in Watertown and the Commission on Disability:

On Saturday, November 2, World in Watertown, the Watertown Free Public Library, and the Watertown Commission on Disability invite the community to join in celebrating disability awareness. This is a great opportunity to hear from Watertown residents with disabilities, learn about their lives and experiences in Watertown, and meet local disability organizations serving our diverse community. “Celebrating Disability Awareness: Voices & Perspectives” runs from 2:30 PM – 4 PM on Saturday, November 2 in the Library’s Watertown Savings Bank Room on the 1st Floor. Registration is not required.

Fall Leaves and History to be Featured at Walk N Talk Around Mount Auburn Cemetery

(Courtesy of Mount Auburn Cemetery)

Enjoy the fall foliage and hear about the history of the Mount Auburn Cemetery during the Walk N Talk co-sponsored by the Watertown Business Coalition and Live Well Watertown. The WBC provided the following announcement about the event on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m.:

We will be joined by the Mount Auburn Cemetery President and CEO Matthew Stephens. During the WALK N TALK we will hear a few stories about those buried on the grounds, discuss the history of the Cemetery as well as discuss new initiatives! Arrival: arrive via our Mount Auburn Street Entrance (580 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge).

Kids Can Trick-or-Treat at Watertown City Hall

Children are invited to head down to City Hall and do some trick-or-treating. See the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Watertown children are invited to come Trick-or-Treat at City Hall, located at 149 Main Street, on Tuesday October 29, 2024, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. This is a free event. Come see how different staff members have decorated on their office doors and collect candy the departments will be handing out. You might also see some staff in costumes.