Government

Council Approves 2024 Tax Rates & Bills Will Go Down for Watertown Homeowners

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Charlie BreitroseA lot of money was raised and spent on the 2015 Watertown Election. Like Haley’s Comet or a cycle in baseball, a rarely seen event took place at the Watertown City Council meeting on Tuesday night: property taxes went down. Watertown homeowners will see a drop of around $1,000 in their annual taxes this year. The drop was primarily due to the Legislature passing special Home Rule legislation to allow Watertown to close a loophole in the law governing how much of the tax burden can be shifted from residential properties to commercial, industrial and personal (CIP) properties. The tax rate on residential properties dropped from $13.58 per $1,000 in assessed value in Fiscal Year 2023 to $11.70 in Fiscal Year 2024, said City Assessor Earl Smith.

Government

Several Watertown Boards Have Vacancies: Planning, Zoning, Board of Health & Several More

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The City of Watertown has opening for several boards and committees, and seeks applications from those interested in serving. The boards are the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Appeal, Board of Health, Community Preservation Committee, the Conservation Commission, and the Licensing Board. The City sent out the following announcement:

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown citizens interested in serving on the following City Boards, Commissions and Committees with appointment dates in February 2024 in accordance with Ordinance # 2007-46, an Ordinance on the Timing and Process of Appointments to City Boards, Commissions and Committees.  Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or other information concerning background or experience by email to Citymgr@watertown-ma.gov or City Manager’s Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472. Board/Commission: Board of Health

Vacancy/Term: One Member, Three Year Term.

Development

Planning Board Approves Master Plan for Watertown Mall Transformation

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The master plan for Alexandria Real Estate’s Watertown Mall Transformation was approved by the Planning Board. (Courtesy of Alexandria Real Estate)

The basic plan for remaking a large portion of Arsenal Street, including the Watertown Mall, has been approved by the Planning Board. Before the multiple lab buildings, residential units, retail, and garages can be built, however, developers will have to come back for approval of each building. Almost all of the project falls within Watertown’s Regional Mixed Use District (RMUD), which allows for additional height and density that most of the town but requires a master plan to be approved. On Nov.

Government

LETTER: Thanks to Voters from City Councilor

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Lisa Feltner seeks re-election as District B Town Councilor. Thank you, District B! Thank you for your continued support this election in several ways, whether by hosting a yard sign, helping spread the good word or making a donation, which also helps continue my web presence for you. I’m excited to work with such strong Council colleagues and to continue partnering with a forward-thinking City Manager and School Committee as we improve our quality of life in Watertown together. 

In gratitude for the privilege to serve you,

Lisa FeltnerDistrict B City Councilor

Government

Some Watertown City Facilities to Close Friday for Veterans Day

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With Veterans Day falling on Saturday, the observed holiday for the City of Watertown will be on Friday. The City announced that Watertown City Hall and the Senior Center will be closed on Friday, November 10, 2023 in observance of the Veterans Day holiday. The Watertown Free Public Library will be open on Friday, but will close on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Please be aware that there is NO delay for trash and recycling pickup schedule for the week.

Government

UPDATED: See Who Won the Council President and School Committee Races

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Charlie Breitrose

Watertown voters re-elected two incumbents in contested races on Tuesday, but there will be two new faces in elected positions. In the race for City Council President, incumbent Mark Sideris defeated challenger and former Council President Clyde Younger. The tally, according to precinct results obtained by Watertown Cable Access Television, was 2,602 for Sideris and 871 for Younger. Sideris will be serving his eighth two-year term. Five people were running for three, four-year School Committee seats.

Government

Watertown City Council President Candidates Respond to Q&As

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Watertown’s top elected position is on the ballot for the Nov. 7, 2023 Municipal Election. The two candidates running for City Council President responded to a series of questions posed by Watertown News. The race features incumbent Mark Sideris, and former Council President Clyde Younger. Each seeks the two-year term on both the City Council and as a member of the Watertown School Committee.