Charles River

LETTER: Resident Would Like to See Russo’s Redevelopment to Bring Life to that Part of Pleasant Street

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Watertown will miss Russo’s. Tony has been a friend to many of us (and our dogs) and has worked to implement Watertown Local First, the single use plastic bag ban (in the days before the pandemic), and supported green issues in town. He also has taken it upon himself to organize cleanups of the public space beside his property to the river. We are sorry to see him sell, but I am most concerned about the land use between Russo’s and the river. Watertown has an important role to play in saving our long riverfront for access by the public.

Around Town

LETTER: Loss of Russo’s Hurts, But Watertown Still Has Many Gems

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To the Editor:

Reports of culture’s demise in Watertown are greatly exaggerated. Is there a way for Watertown to avoid losing a gem like Russo’s, some have asked? (https://www.watertownmanews.com/2021/08/16/letter-is-there-a-way-for-watertown-to-avoid-losing-a-gem-like-russos/) The simple answer is no. There isn’t any one shop that can replace Russo’s in Watertown. That’s gone; like so many of gentrified Boston’s mainstays such as No Names, Durgin-Park, soon-to-be closed Kowloon, Circle Pizza, Jimmy’s Harborside, Anthony’s, and so many more.

Real Estate

10 Properties Sold in Watertown This Week

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Seven condos, two multi-families, and a single family home sold this week in town. $675,000 – 67 Maplewood St. Unit 2, Condo – 2/3 Family, 1,325 Living Area Sq. Ft., 5 Room, 3 Bedroom, 1 Full Bathroom

$320,000 – 32 Whites Ave. Unit 65D, Condo – High-Rise, 550 Living Area Sq.

Business

Russo’s Property Sold for North of $30 Million, Will be Closing in October

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Russo’sA produce shelf in Russo’s market, which will be closing in October. The price tag for properties on Pleasant Street owned by Russo’s came in well above the assessed value, according to reported sales prices, and the beloved market and garden center will be closing in October. Loyal customers mourned the news of the impending closing of the Watertown institution. Russo’s began as a family farm in 1893 and they sold their produce in Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. It was started by owner Tony Russo’s grandfather Antonio, who emigrated from a village near Naples, Italy.

Around Town

Open Houses Scheduled for This Weekend in Watertown

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These properties are having open houses this weekend. $1,019,000 – 29 Commonwealth Road Unit 2, Condo – 2/3 Family, 1,763 Living Area Sq. Ft. (Includes Finished Basement), 7 Room, 3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom, Open Houses: Saturday 11-12:30 Sunday 11-12:30

$825,000 – 15 Whitman Road, Single Family – Detached Colonial, 1,499 Living Area Sq. Ft., 6 Room, 3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom, Open Houses: Saturday 12-1:30 Sunday 11-12:30

$1,249,000 – 248 School Unit 248, Condo – Townhouse, 2,415 Living Area Sq.

Business

Chamber Announces New Name Reflecting Focus on Communities Along Charles River

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The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:

The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber has changed its name: It’s now the Charles River Regional Chamber. The rebranding aims to solidify the chamber’s position as the voice for businesses and nonprofits in Greater Boston’s western inner suburbs. The change follows the 106-year-old business association’s recent expansion into Wellesley and previously Watertown. “We wanted an inclusive name that reflects our mission, our identity, our history and our future,” said Chamber President & CEO Greg Reibman. “We selected the Charles River because the river flows directly through each of the communities we represent: Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley.

Around Town

Russo’s Market Will Be Closing, Owner Announces Retirement

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An institution in Watertown will be closing later this year when Russo’s market closes its doors after more than 100 years since it started business as a farm. The announcement was sent out by the store on Sunday, Aug. 15, on Facebook, and a statement was also posted on the Russo’s website. A Facebook post said that Tony Russo will be retiring later this year. He recalled working with his grandparents on the farm and his father and uncle at the wholesale warehouse.

Real Estate

Three Condos Sold in Watertown This Week

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All three Watertown condos that sold this week went for more than $500,000. $510,000 – 40 Grant Ave. Unit 40, Condo – Townhouse, 1,311 Living Area Sq. Ft. (Includes Finished Basement), 5 Room, 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom

$542,000 – 110 Edenfield Ave.