Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/letters/)
By Linda ScottWatertown Resident
We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us. – Winston Churchill
This is a follow-up to “Where is your Neighborhood Going? (Parts One and Two)”
As I read the responses to the above letters in Watertown News, I decided that maybe an overview of recent housing development in Watertown was in order. So here goes. Watertown’s Bona Fides
Watertown has proven again and again that we are a thoughtful, generous community.
As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Constitution, we should confront a structuralquestion that receives far too little attention: What happens if a President refuses to comply witha ruling of the Supreme Court? Over decades, both Congress and the Court have contributed to a presidency with more concentrated power than the Framers intended. Congress has weakened itself through gridlock and partisan entrenchment. The Supreme Court, through decisions expanding presidential immunity and narrowing avenues for accountability, has further strengthened the office. The result is a modern presidency that holds the only practical enforcement authority in the federal system.
Dear Mr. Proakis/George:
Happy New Year for you and yours. All the best for 2026. On January 2, 2026, I received and reviewed my 3rd Qt. Fiscal Year 2026 Real Estate Tax Bill. I took the time to compare CPA Taxes for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026.
The New Trash Pickup Rules Don’t Work
Three years ago, Watertown significantly changed the rules around trash pickup. Previously, we could get rid of most things easily by putting them out with the trash. Now, the system is to call Republic to schedule a pickup for bulky “burnables” such as old furniture, and they charge a variable amount per item determined by Republic based on size and shape. They won’t take them otherwise. Similarly, so-called “white goods” such as electronics and small appliances must also be scheduled with Republic, and mattresses need to be scheduled with yet another different service.
This week we enter 2026. But what was Watertown like in 1926? The year 1926 found Watertown at a critical juncture, grappling with the growing pains of a rapidly modernizing suburb. As the town transitioned from its industrial roots toward a more residential future, the municipal government faced the daunting task of balancing fiscal conservatism with the urgent need for infrastructure expansion. The following history, drawn from the 1926 Watertown Annual Town Report, reveals a community navigating the complexities of the early motor age, educational demands, and the eternal debate over the “tax burden.”
Greetings Councilors:
Now that the electorate is aware of the Flock Safety camera fiasco; the Council is backpedaling to save face with a public process. Please: don’t insult us by spinning the words. Let’s not forget: the Council approved the Flock Safety equipment purchase through the budget process.The horsie was out of the barn on 06/10/25, when the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget was unanimously approved. Manager, Proakis signed the Flock contract on 09/11/25. Followed by a purchase order on 09/12/25.
An MBTA Bus at the Watertown Yard. By Mark Pickering
MBTA service in Watertown has been in decline for years – even as neighboring communities have seen theirs maintained or even improved. Watertown has the worst MBTA service of any community bordering it and all of Boston’s neighborhoods. One of the latest blows is the elimination of the so-called “Express” bus to South Station. The result: It took me and hour and a half to get to my former Boston Herald offices in the Seaport.
Dear Editor,
As a resident of Watertown, I am hopeful that Congresswoman Clark will join Senators Markey and Warren and Congressmen Jim McGovern, Stephen Lynch and Richie Neal in cosponsoring an important resolution to the U.S. Congress that addresses the incredibly dangerous situation in the world right now: the threat of nuclear war. H. Res 317 calls upon the United States government to enter into negotiations with the other nuclear-armed states for a verifiable, enforceable agreement to eliminate their nuclear arsenals. It also urges our government to implement safeguards to reduce the danger of nuclear war while these negotiations take place. The resolution does not call for unilateral disarmament. The threat of nuclear war is hiding in plain sight, but the threat is real and growing.
“You’re watching Watertown Cable News, presented by WCA-TV.” It’s the calling card heard every Thursday night at 7pm from Watertown Cable Access studios. Lights, camera, action, it’s time to talk about the week’s top stories. The winter parking ban continues for another year. The Senior Center holds its annual health fair. The Planning Board votes to approve additional dwelling units.