Elections

LETTER: Meet Council-At-Large Candidate Theo Offei

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Theo Offei

I feel lucky to live in Watertown. Five years ago, my wife and I moved our family here, to her childhood home, looking for connection, community, and a place to put down roots. We found all of that in abundance. From the start, I felt welcomed into this diverse, close-knit, and deeply engaged city. I’m running for Councilor At-Large to build on Watertown’s positive trajectory and add a fresh, underrepresented perspective to its leadership.

Elections

Chamber Hosting Virtual Debate for District C City Council Candidates

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Candidates for the City Council District C seat will appear in a debate hosted by the Charles River Regional Chamber on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. via Zoom. The Chamber provided the following information:

Join us for the virtual debate between the candidates, Vincent Piccirilli and Andres Guzman, competing in Watertown’s November 4th citywide election for the open District C seat. Our focus will be on issues related to economic development, housing, workforce, supporting our nonprofits, and the environment, but more general topics may be discussed as well. Questions from the business community in advance are welcome. This event will be recorded and shared later.

Development

Two Multistory Residential Projects Proposed in New Watertown Square Zoning

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An illustration of the proposed residential building at 108 Water St. (WSQ Development LLC)

Two residential projects have been proposed in Watertown, south of the Charles River and another in a vacant site on Mt. Auburn Street. The projects are among the first that would be built the new Watertown Square Zoning districts created so the City would comply with the MBTA Communities Law. The first project in the new zones was a five-unit residential building at 75 Spring St., which is located in the WSQ1 zoning, which allows 3+ story (four stories with a stepped back fourth story) projects.

Government

Revitalization of Watertown Square on City Council’s Agenda

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The future of Watertown Square will be discussed at the City Council’s meeting on Sept. 2. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The City Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, where the revitalization of Watertown Square will be discussed. The meeting description on the agenda says:

Informational presentation by our Watertown Square Revitalization Plan Consultants, Innes Land Strategies, to outline the role of a redevelopment authority and to lay the groundwork for the work they will undertake over the next year.

Environment

High Schoolers Can Apply to be Part of State Youth Climate Council

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Massachusetts State House

The Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience seeks applicants from from high school students for the Youth Climate Council. Rising sophomores through seniors are eligible to apply. The Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience announcement reads:

We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025-2026 Youth Climate Council! This is an incredible opportunity for passionate and driven young individuals from across the state to engage with each other and the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience on Massachusetts climate policy. YCC will meet monthly over Zoom from September 2025 through May 2026 with opportunities for in person events throughout the year.

Government

Watertown to Request Residential Tax Relief from State Legislature

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The City of Watertown will request permanent tax relief for residential property owners by sending a Home Rule Petition to the State Legislature for approval. The City currently has a three year tax relief which allows for the City to shift more of the burden of property taxes on to commercial, industrial and personal properties. For years, the City had been able to do a shift of 175 percent but due to a detail in the state law for tax shifts, it limited the amount that could be charged to residential properties. This combined with increasing values of commercial, industrial and personal properties means that Watertown has not been able to do the full 175 percent shift. City Manager George Proakis said that the City is limited by the state law that requires that the proportions of tax levy not exceed 38.76 percent for commercial, industrial and personal properties, which is the percentage when Watertown set the split tax rate.

Government

Watertown City Councilor Taking Job with City of Waltham

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Watertown City Councilor Emily Izzo has been appointed as an attorney with the City of Waltham. (Courtesy of Emily Izzo)

A Watertown City Councilor will get a look from the other side of municipal government when she takes a position as an attorney for the City of Waltham. District D Councilor Emily Izzo recently accepted a position as an Assistant City Solicitor in Waltham, reported the Waltham Times. She will begin on Sept. 2, 2025.

Government

UPDATED: Removal of Shade Trees on Mt. Auburn, Keith Street Approved by City Manager

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(CORRECTION: The story has been updated to include two areas where trees will be removed. The previous story only referenced Keith Street). A total of 17 shade trees off in East Watertown will be removed as part of the construction projects after City Manager George Proakis gave his approval. The trees to be removed include nine along Mt. Auburn Street as part of the reconstruction of the street and eight on Keith Street located on a property where a home is planned to be built.

The trees on Mt.