Government

Gov. Healey Concerned About Impacts of Federal Funding Cuts & Tariffs, Sees Housing as State’s Biggest Challenge

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Gov. Maura Healey speaks with Charles River Chamber President & CEO Greg Reibman during the Chamber’s Government Affairs Forum on March 31. (Photo by Leise Jones)

NEWTON — Gov. Maura Healey worries about the uncertainty in the economy created by policies coming out of Washington, as well as federal funding cuts negatively impacting some of Massachusetts’ biggest industries, she told an audience at the Charles River Regional Chamber event on Monday. Other challenges to maintaining one of the strongest economies in the United States includes creating more housing and the cost of energy, Healey said at the Chamber’s Government Affairs Forum at the Newton Marriott. Congressman Jake Auchincloss also appeared at the event. Massachusetts receives the most NIH (National Institute of Health) funding per capita, but that funding — some of which is used for life science research and development — may be at risk if cuts are made by the Trump Administration.

Government

Councilor Lisa Feltner Holding Annual Public Meeting

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Lisa Feltner seeks re-election as District B Town Councilor. All City Councilors must have an annual meeting to meet with the public according to the recent changes to the City Charter. District B City Councilor Lisa Feltner announced the date of her meeting. See info below. Please join City Councilor Lisa Feltner at her Annual City Councilor Meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Parker Annex at124 Watertown Street, 3rd floor IT Conference Training Room 3H.

Government

City Council Wants More Study of Building Emission Reduction Before Adopting Ordinance

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The City Council wants more information and input from businesses and advocates before adopting a Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO). The proposed ordinance is aimed at 150 of the largest buildings in the City, and it calls for the largest non-residential properties in Watertown to reach net-zero energy status by 2035, and all buildings to reach that status by 2050. The Council’s Committee on Rules and Ordinances met twice to discuss the proposal that came from the Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee (WE3C). At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Council President Mark Sideris said there were questions about the impact of BERDO, including on residential buildings. “It appears that the Council and some others have some questions that we could get better clarification if we had the City staff perform a few things that I am going to lay out here,” Sideris said.

Government

Council Approves Taking of Sterritt Lumber Site, Possible Uses Described in Document

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The City of Watertown will purchase the former Sterritt Lumber site at 148 Waltham St. The use has not yet been determined. The City Council approved a “friendly” taking of the former Sterritt Lumber site, with the proposed uses including senior citizen services, education, housing, and operation of utility networks. On Feb. 25, the Council approved allowing City Manager George Proakis to enter into an agreement with the property owners to purchase the 2-acre site at 148 Waltham St.

Government

Watertown Must Decide What Kinds of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Should Be Allowed

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Watertown has a decision to make about what kinds of accessory dwelling units the City will allow to exist. A discussion about ADUs (also known as in-law units or granny units) will be held on Monday, March 24, where residents can learn more about what they are and give input about what kinds they would like to see. The State’s Affordable Homes Act, passed into law in 2024, requires cities and towns to allow certain kinds of ADUs, said Cliff Cook, a member of the Watertown Affordable Housing Trust, when he appeared on the Watertown Cable show “Inside Watertown.” For the past few years, the subject of ADUs has been brought up by City Councilors and others in Watertown. “They are a way of giving the property owner, the homeowner, some additional flexibility in how to use their property,” Cook said.

Government

State Sen. Will Brownsberger Seeks Summer Interns

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State Sen. Will Brownsberger

The following announcement was provided by State Sen. Will Brownsberger’s office:

The Office of Senator Will Brownsberger is accepting applications for part-time, unpaid internships for the summer of 2025. Internships are reserved for residents of the Suffolk and Middlesex District. Applications are due Monday, April 7, 2025. There are two types of opportunities available:

General Office Internships are designed for applicants in the early stages of exploring policymaking and government who are seeking opportunities to learn more and refine their interests. Legislative Internships are designed for those who have already gained some experience and are looking to delve deeper into a topic of interest.

Around Town

Residents Wanted to Serve on Board of Assessors, Council on Aging & Solid Waste and Recycling Committee

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The City of Watertown seeks applicants interested in serving on the Board of Assessors, Council on Aging, and Solid Waste & Recycling Committee. See details in the following announcement provided by the City. City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking residents to serve on the Board of Assessors, Council on Aging, and Solid Waste & Recycling Committee. Interested applicants should complete and submit a Universal Application. The Board of Assessors is responsible for the fair and equitable valuation of all real and personal property.