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.

Government

Candidate Q&A: Mark Sideris

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Watertown News: Please provide a brief description of yourself: your family, profession, any other relevant information. Mark Sideris: I am married with 3 children who all sucessfully graduated from the Watertown public schools. I am also the proud grandfather of a 14 month old granddaughter. My brother and I own an auto body shop in Waltham. WN: Please tell us about what inspired you to run for City Council President, and what experiences you have that would help you serve on the Council. 

MS: I want to continue as council president so I can work with my colleagues on the council and the school committee to keep the city moving forward on a number of issues we are working on.

Government

Learn About Serving on the Human Rights Commission

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Human Rights Commission recently established by the City Council Ordinance 0-2023-66 per Home Rule Charter Section 2-11-Human Rights Commission. The Commission shall work to ensure that all persons enjoy equal opportunity to participate in local affairs, including but not limited to housing, employment, education, public accommodation, access to city services, insurance, credit, banking and health care, regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, age, religion, disability, health status, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic status, ex-offender status, genetic and/or “protected class” status. The Commission shall promote human rights in Watertown through outreach, dialogue, educational forums, the development of an Action Plan, serving as a resource to persons with concerns of discrimination within the City, recommending policies or resolutions for adoption by City Council, City Manager or other City departments, boards or commissions, providing annually a written report to the City Manager and City Council on the Commission’s activities and hold a public forum and other charges and responsibilities set forth in the Ordinance 0-2023-66. There are nine Commissioners appointed by the City Manager and there are liaisons from the Watertown Police Department, the School Department and one from the student body. To Apply 

Applicants should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or other information concerning background or experience by Friday, December 8, 2023: by email to citymgr@watertown-ma.gov or City Manager’s Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472.