Around Town

Board of Health Revokes Licenses for 2 Bodywork Businesses, Details of Inspections Discussed

By |

Two body works businesses in Watertown had their permits revoked by the Board of Health for violations of the City’s Bodywork Regulations and other local and state regulations. Inspections found evidence of sexual services and employees living at the business. On Nov. 12, six businesses were found to be in violation of regulations set by the Watertown Board of Health, the Building Department, and the Zoning Department, as well as the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure. They had a range of violations, and two — Sunflower Spa and Health Hall — appeared before the Board of Health due to the extent of the violations.

Around Town

See the Thanksgiving Hours for City Hall, the Library & the Senior Center

By |

City buildings will close early on Wednesday and will remain closed through the Thanksgiving. Some will be closed on Friday, as well. See details in the announcement from the City of Watertown. Watertown City Hall, Parker Building*, and Senior Center will be closed from 12:30pm November 26 through November 28, 2025. * Inspectional Services, and Zoning and Code Enforcement will be closed from 11:30am November 26 through November 28, 2025.

Around Town

Northeast Health Services Opens Offering Life-Saving Mental Health Care Clinic in Watertown

By |

The new Northeast Health Services clinic on Pleasant Street in Watertown. (Photo by Mario Joseph Forgione)

An outpatient mental health care clinic opened in Watertown on Pleasant Street, with another near town on Soldier Field Road in Brighton. Both are part of Northeast Health Services and offering a variety of services. See details in the announcement from Northeast Health Services, below. Northeast Health Services, a trusted provider of outpatient mental health care throughout Massachusetts, has expanded access to quality mental health care with the opening of two new clinics in the Boston area.

Around Town

Parking Restrictions, Lane Shifts for Work on Man Holes, Drainage on Mt. Auburn Street

By |

From Nov. 24 to 26, drivers will see lane shifts and parking restrictions on two stretches of Mt. Auburn Street as crews raise man holes and install drainage. See details in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Raising Buried Structures

Crews will be raising buried utility structures, such as manholes and valve boxes, within the newly paved area along Mount Auburn Street between Lloyd Road and Boylston Street.

Around Town

Lane Closure Near High School Project for Drainage Installation

By |

Drainage will be installed along Russell Street and Broadway for the Watertown High School project. There will be lane closures from Monday to Wednesday this week. See info provided by Vertex, Watertown’s project manager, below. Please be aware that a drainage liner will be installed on Monday 11/24 from Russell St along the lower portion of Broadway to the drain manhole at 24 Broadway. The duration of this work is expected to take 3 days and will require a one lane closure on Broadway from Monday, 11/24/25 thru 11/26/25.

Around Town

Info on Changes to Winter Parking Ban, Where to Park, How to Get Snow Emergency Alerts

By |

Watertown will have a shortened Winter Parking Ban this year, but when the City Council voted to approve the change it also voted to approve stiffer fines for those who do not move their vehicles during a snow emergency. See information about the new Winter Parking Ban rules, and information about places in town to park if you don’t have a driveway or parking spot. Also see how to sign up for alerts so you can know when a Snow Emergency is declared in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Enforcement of the City’s overnight winter parking ban this season will begin on January 1, and end on March 1, 2026. Starting on January 1, no vehicle may remain on any public way for more than one hour between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. all days of the week. The City Council also approved an increased fine of $100 for parking on the street during a declared snow emergency. For residents in need of off-street parking options beginning on January 1 or during a snow emergency, please visit the Winter Parking Ban webpage where you can find the City’s available off-street parking options.

Around Town

Watertown Savings Employees Prepare Backpacks to Send to Troops Via Operation American Soldier

By |

Employees from Watertown Savings Bank put together more than 130 backpacks for troops at Operation American Soldier. (Contributed Photo)

Recently employees from Watertown Savings Bank helped out at Operation American Soldier, and filled backpacks to send to American servicemen and women. The volunteers went to the Watertown-based non-profit and put together more than 130 backpacks to send to troops, said Wendy Rocca, co-founder of Operation American Soldier. Each pack also included a handwritten note. The backpacks included a note to the serviceman or woman who will receive it.

Around Town

Wayside Multi’s PSA Debuts on Cable, Focuses on How the Program Meets Residents’ Needs

By |

A screenshot from the Wayside Youth and Family Network Multi Service Center’s PSA. The Wayside Youth and Family Support Network Multi-Service Center recently debuted a public service announcement on Watertown Cable Access TV, featuring Program Director Sophia Suarez-Friedman. She spoke about the increasing stress among Watertown residents as they struggle to meet basic needs. Through Wayside, residents can be connected to housing assistance, food, and more services. Wayside provides a variety of services, including outreach, counseling services, and substance use prevention.