Government

Tree Hearing Planned for Proposed Removal of 4 Trees

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RESCHEDULED TO AUG. 4, 2026 (Click here for information)

A Public Shade Tree Hearing will be held about the proposed removal of four trees on public property on Channing Road, Elmwood Avenue, Fairview Avenue, and Webster Street. See more information from the Watertown Tree Warden, below. Public Shade Trees are protected by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87. The removal of a healthy public tree requires an advertised public hearing.

Government

Water & Sewer Rates Increasing More Than Expected Due to Error in Calculations

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Watertown residents will see an increase of 4.5% in both the water and sewer rates for the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2026, which is slightly higher than forecasted a year ago. However, the future increase could be significantly higher than projected due in part to an error made calculating future year revenues. Last year, the City’s consultants, Weston & Sampson, projected a 4% increase in water and sewer rates in FY 2027. The actual increase will be half a percent higher, said Department of Public Works Director Thomas Brady. With the 4.5% increase, residents using 1,800 cubic feet of water will increase $5.10 per quarter ($115.28 to $120.38), and the sewer bill for using 1,800 cubic feet will increase $9.54 per quarter, from $213.48 to $223.02.

Government

Possible Purchase of Police Drone and Guidelines for Use Discussed by Council Committee

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The Watertown Police Department is considering purchasing a drone like this one made by Paladin Drones (Photo from Paladin)

An automated drone is one of the new technologies being considered by the Watertown Police Department. On July 9, the City Council’s Public Safety Committee held a hearing to ask questions and hear from the public about the possible use of a drone. The Police Department’s request to have a drone came up in May at a budget hearing. The drone being considered by the Watertown Police is made by Paladin Drones, and would cost $24,000 to purchase, plus an annual cost of $49,000. Paladin’s drones are use solely by public safety agencie, and the company currently works with 115 communities.

Elections

Mass. Teachers Association Backs State Senate Candidate

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Daniel Lander. The following announcement was provided by Dan Lander for State Senate:

Daniel Lander is proud to announce that his campaign for State Senate was endorsed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the union representing 117,00 educators throughout the state, including hundreds in Watertown, Cambridge, and Belmont. The endorsement highlights that the status quo is failing working people in Massachusetts, and that educators are ready for a state senate that fights for better public schools, better pay for teachers, and better conditions for students. “I am very proud to receive an endorsement from the MTA,” said Daniel Lander. “Massachussetts has some of the best public schools in the country because we have the best public school educators in the nation.

Government

Watertown’s Community Preservation Act Turns 10, Learn More at Celebratory Hearing

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Please make sure the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Turning 10 celebratory public hearing is on your calendar. Join the Community Preservation Committee to: 

Learn more about the CPA projects in Watertown

Share your ideas and priorities as we update the CPA 5-year plan 

Engage with your neighbors in breakout groups sorted by open space/outdoor recreation, community housing, and historic preservation

Enjoy anniversary cake. When: Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 7PM

Where: Watertown Free Public Library, Watertown Savings Bank Room

Contact Lanae Handy at lhandy@watertown-ma.gov for more information or if you have questions.

Elections

LETTER: Watertown Resident Supports State Senate Candidate

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To my Watertown friends and neighbors:

Senator Will Brownsberger is running for re-election and I enthusiastically support his continued service as our State Senator. Over many years of public service, Senator Brownsberger has earned the trust of our communities through thoughtful leadership, accessibility, and an unwavering dedication to serving his constituents. 

I have been especially impressed with Senator Brownsberger’s commitment to improving education in Massachusetts, and in Watertown. The Senator is aware of particular funding challenges that arise in our community. Through his investigation into the highly-complicated funding formula for schools (Chapter 70), he discovered that Watertown was not receiving the money to which we are entitled. Over his 12 years in the State Senate, this has led to nearly $22 million dollars of additional funding coming from the state to Watertown.

Elections

Charles River Chamber Hosting House, Senate Candidate Debates

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The Charles River Regional Chamber will host a pair of debates with candidates running to represent Watertown in the State House. The 10th Middlesex House debate with John Lawn and Alison Leary takes place on July 21, and the Suffolk and Middlesex State Senate debate will be on Aug. 10. See more information from the Chamber, below. Join us for two virtual debates between candidates for the State House competing on Sept 1.

Government

Mt. Auburn St. Project: Sidewalk Reconstruction, Drainage and Tree Trench Installation

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During the week of June 13-17, sidewalk work will continue in the areas of Elton Street, Winsor Avenue and Langdon Avenue. Drainage work will take place between Bates Road and Spruce Street, while tree trench installation will take place from Stearns Road and Spruce Street. See more details in the announcement from the City of Watertown below. Concrete Placement

Concrete placement will take place on the following westbound sidewalk locations starting along Mount Auburn Street:

617 Mount Auburn Street to Elton Street. On Mount Auburn Street from Winsor Avenue to Langdon Avenue.