Around Town

Affordable Housing Trust Hosting Listening Session, City Will Submit 5-Year Plan

By |

Watertown’s Affordable Housing Trust will be hosting a listening session to find out the housing needs, and create a strategy to include in the City’s five-year plan. See information in the announcement from the City of Watertown below. Every five years the federal government asks cities/towns that receive its housing money (like Watertown) to submit a 5-year plan with information about housing needs and strategies. If you want to comment on housing needs and strategies, the City (through its Affordable Housing Trust) will be holding a listening session on December 17, 2024, at 6 PM. The Affordable Housing Trust will take comments from the members of the public on Watertown’s housing needs and strategies at its December 17, 2024, meeting (meeting details at the bottom of this message).

Around Town

Watertown Housing Group Hosting HAW-Lidays Cookie Exchange

By |

Housing for All Watertown will host the second annual HAW-lidays Cookie Exchange. See more information in the announcement below. Housing for All Watertown is hosting its Second Annual HAW-liday Cookie Exchange on Tuesday, December 17 from 4-6pm at the First Parish of Watertown (35 Church St). All are invited – come meet your neighbors, discuss housing, and share your favorite baked goods. Sign up here and bring your family or a friend!

Around Town

Dog Grooming Salon and Spa Opening Location in Watertown

By |

The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique, a premier dog grooming salon, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Watertown! Known for its professional grooming services, premium doggie spa treatments, and convenient membership options, Splash and Dash is bringing its trusted brand to Watertown to cater to pet parents who want only the best for their furry companions. 

Located at Arsenal Yards (539 Arsenal Street), the Watertown salon offers the same high-quality grooming services and customer care that Splash and Dash has become known for, including:

Signature “Unlimited Monthly Bath Memberships” – making it easier than ever to keep your dog fresh and clean year-round. Professional Grooming Services tailored to fit your pet’s unique needs. Pampering Spa Treatments for the ultimate in pet luxury. Retail Boutique stocked with eco-friendly, pet-safe products.

Around Town

LETTER: Time for City to Rein in Spending to Stabilize Property Taxes

By |

Greetings Councilors:

Today’s fragile economy cannot adhere to atax and spend mentality. Rein in spending to stabilize real estate taxes. Does every elected Watertown City Councilor understand the concept of working in the best interest of the electorate? Does everyone scrutinize the financial consequence on residents of Watertown, prior to, unanimous votes of approval? Or, is there a rubber stamp given to the Administration?

Government

Watertown’s New Director of Public Works Seeks to Get DPW Accredited

By |

Watertown has a new Public Works Director. Find out more about him in the announcement provided by the City of Watertown. Watertown City Manager George Proakis is excited to announce the hiring of Thomas Brady as the new Director of Public Works! Mr. Brady returns to Watertown after 23 years with the Town of Brookline where he served as a key member of the Brookline Department of Public Works (DPW) team in the role of Urban Forestry Manager, Tree Warden and Town Arborist. Tom has overseen forestry operations, coordinated storm responses, provided oversight for utility projects, and represented Brookline on the extensive Muddy River Restoration Project – a 20-year $70 million public works improvement on the Boston/Brookline line that served the combined roles of addressing flood control, water quality improvement, conservation and historic preservation.

Around Town

Palestinian Violinist Brings Traditional Music to Watertown

By |

The following announcement was provided by the concert organizers:

On Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m., musicians from Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and the U.S. will gather in Watertown to celebrate the beauty of Palestinian music. Proceeds will support Anera, a U.S.-based nonprofit with no political or religious affiliations. Anera provides humanitarian aid to families in Gaza. Palestinian violinist and composer Lina Malshy is serving as artistic director. “This concert is about shining the light of Palestine on all marginalized people,” Malshy shared.

Around Town

Historical Society of Watertown Gift Shop Open for Holiday Sale

By |

The Edmund Fowle House & Museum with our 2022 Yard Art exhibit on display. (Photo courtesy of Joyce Kelly)

The Historical Society of Watertown announced that its gift shop at the historic Edmund Fowle House will be open on Sunday for a holiday sale. See details below. The gift shop will be open Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00. The Historical Society has many wonderful books and other items related to Watertown history available for sale to the public.

Around Town

DCR Seeks Input on Plans to Improve Playground Along Charles River

By |

The DCR will host a meeting about plans to improve the Farren Playground and hard courts off Charles River Road, east of Watertown Square. See information below. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is holding a public meeting on the redesign of the Farren Playground and the adjacent hardcourts. The purpose of the meeting is to inform the public about the proposed improvements to the playground, entry area, and pathways around the playground to make them more maintainable and increase accessibility. DCR also seeks public input on improvements to the hardcourt area to include either renovating the four half-courts as they are, or renovating two, and adding fitness equipment to replace the other two.