Government

Council President Lays Out Watertown’s Accomplishments & Future Challenges at Inauguration

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City Council President Mark Sideris gave his inaugural address on Jan. 2, 2026. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown’s elected officials face some key decisions that will impact the future of the City, including the future of Watertown Square and whether to build a new Middle School, said City Council President Mark Sideris, who also talked about the keys to successful governing of the City. Sideris spoke of what has been accomplished over the past few years, and the challenges facing the City Council, School Committee, and Library Board of Trustees during the Inauguration ceremony held on Jan. 2 at the Mosesian Center for the Arts.

Government

City Council, School Committee Bid Farewell to Departing Members

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City Councilor John Airasian, and School Committee member Lily Rayman-Read. Two Watertown elected officials served their final meetings in December, and each was bid farewell by their colleagues. City Councilor At-Large John Airasian departs the Council after two terms (four years), and Lily Rayman-Read finished two-four year terms on the School Commmittee. John Airasian

The City Council bid Airasian farewell at its Dec. 9 meeting with a proclamation in honor of his years of service to the community.

Government

Newly Elected Watertown Officials to be Sworn in During Inauguration Ceremony

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The City of Watertown’s inauguration ceremony will take place on Jan. 2, 2026 at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. See more information from the City of Watertown, below. Please save the date for the City of Watertown’s upcoming Inauguration Ceremony of our newly elected members of the City Council, School Committee, and Library Board of Trustees. The ceremony will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. This event is sponsored by the City of Watertown and graciously hosted by the Mosesian Center for the Arts.

Development

52-Unit Residential Building on Water Street Approved by Zoning Board

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A view of 108 Water St., the 52-unit residential project approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals. (Eaglebrook Capital)

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the planned 52-unit residential building at 108 Water Street on Wednesday night after designers made changes to exterior design of the building, along with some other alterations to the first plan presented in November. The condo building will have a mix of nine studios, 30 one bedrooms, 12 two bedrooms, and one three bedrooms. Eight of the units would meet the City’s affordable housing requirements. The building is five stories, with the fifth story stepped back seven feet as required in the Watertown Square 2 Zoning. One of the concerns raised by the board at the first meeting was the look of the ground floor that runs along Water Street and gets taller as the grade goes downhill.

Environment

City Council Sends Letter to MWRA Opposing Allowing Sewage Overflow in the Charles River

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Dave MartinA view down the Charles River from the Bridge on North Beacon Street. The City Council sent a letter to the MWRA opposing allowing sewage overflow from being released into the Charles River and returning to the days when the river was a “dumping ground for sewage.” The Council voted unanimously to support the letter at the Dec. 9 meeting. City Council President Mark Sideris said Watertown has invested in cleaning up the river.

Elections

Daniel Lander Announces Candidacy for Suffolk and Middlesex State Senator

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Daniel Lander. The following announcement was provided by Team Lander:

On Dec. 15, Daniel Lander announced his candidacy for State Senate in the Suffolk and Middlesex District. Running to take on the cost of living crisis in Massachusetts, Daniel will prioritize making our communities more affordable and great places to live, while challenging the inaction and inertia of the State Senate. “Massachusetts is my home.

Government

Residents Can Apply to Take Part in Citizens’ Legislative Seminar at the State House

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Massachusetts State House (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

State Sen. Will Brownsberger seeks residents interested in learning about the functions of the Massachusetts State Legislature during the upcoming Citizens’ Legislative Seminar at the State House. See more info provided by Brownsberger’s office, below. Senator Brownsberger has the opportunity to nominate one or possibly a few constituents for participation in the 91st Citizens’ Legislative Seminar (CLS) presented by Senate President Karen Spilka. Please let us know if you are interested in being nominated. CLS is a free educational program organized by the Senate. The Spring 2026 CLS Seminar will be taking place on Tuesday, March 24th and Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. 

Nominees from this office must be residents of Senator Brownsberger’s district and be able to attend both days of the seminar. (Non-constituents should contact their own state senator to request nomination.) 

CLS, offered twice a year, aims to better educate the public on the functions of the Massachusetts State Legislature.